When an unexploded U.S. bomb in Baghdad caused a flood in the intelligence headquarters of Saddam Hussein, army troops discovered a treasure trove of tens of thousands of ancient objects and manuscripts, historic photos, books, and documents telling the story of Iraq’s once thriving Jewish community. I originally heard about this story in this piece fromContinue reading “Preserving Iraqi Jewish Heritage”
Category Archives: Art
Dead Sea Scrolls in Boston
The library’s recent trip to view the Dead Sea Scrolls at Boston’s Museum of Science was a great success! We had more than 40 community members come together to explore our heritage and history, looking at artifacts ranging from 408 BCE to 318 CE. The low humidity and low light in caves in Qumran, nearContinue reading “Dead Sea Scrolls in Boston”
African Burying Ground
I recently attended a gathering at Temple Israel, where African American and Jewish community leaders spoke, celebrating the fundraising project that will support the Portsmouth African Burying Ground. The Chestnut Street memorial park will honor the 200 unnamed African slaves buried on that site, whose remains were discovered in 2003. African American speakers included Rev.Continue reading “African Burying Ground”
Digital Public Library is Live!
A wondrous thing happened this past week in the Digital Public Library of America going live. This portal provides the public with free, open access to endless cultural and historical materials that have been digitized at countless institutions. A valuable support to all modern and traditional libraries, the DPLA brings “different viewpoints, experiences, and collectionsContinue reading “Digital Public Library is Live!”
Hedy Lamarr’s on the Line!
Hedy Lamarr fled Nazi-occupied Austria and invented cell phone technology in the 1940s?? Sort of, yes! As with many amazing things I discover, I heard this story on PRX Remix and couldn’t stop thinking about it all night. The story in short: Thought to be the most beautiful woman in the world, acclaimed Hollywood actressContinue reading “Hedy Lamarr’s on the Line!”
Remembering Artist Elliot Offner
I was delighted this week to learn about the life and work of Elliot Offner, a Jewish American sculptor who taught at Smith College while I attended there. Although I never had the pleasure of knowing him personally, I befriended the great blue heron he created– for the 18-year-old me there was no more peacefulContinue reading “Remembering Artist Elliot Offner”
Sara Lesley Arnold 