See Shearith Israel Around the Country

Shearith Israel’s stories and several of its very special objects are on display in exhibitions held at several major museums around the city and the country in celebration of the US Semiquincentennial. We hope you take the time to view these important artifacts beautifully displayed in these special settings as you make your travel and cultural plans this season.

1. Circa 1776: Jews in Colonial America
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street, New York, NY
Through August 9, 2026
This gallery explores Jewish life in colonial and early America through portraits, documents, and artifacts. Several objects from Shearith Israel are included.
Website: https://thejewishmuseum.org/exhibitions/circa-1776-jews-in-colonial-america/

2. The Occupied City: New York and the American Revolution
Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street, New York, NY
Currently on view
This immersive exhibition examines New York’s role in the American Revolution and the years of British occupation. On display are several items from Shearith Israel, including a Torah scroll and Gershom Mendes Seixas’s Thanksgiving address.
Website: https://www.mcny.org/exhibition/occupied-city

3. Democracy Matters
New York Historical, 170 Central Park West, New York, NY
Currently on view
Created for the nation’s 250th anniversary, this exhibition explores the evolving meaning of democracy in American history. It includes a Torah scroll on loan from Shearith Israel that was desecrated during the Revolutionary War.
Website: https://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/democracy-matters

4. The First Salute: An Untold Story of the American Revolution
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, Philadelphia, PA
Through April 2027
This exhibition tells the story of Jewish merchants in the Caribbean whose support helped sustain the American cause during the Revolution. Shearith Israel has loaned several objects for display.
Website: https://theweitzman.org/exhibitions/first-salute/

From theweitzman.org

5. Sacred Liberty
Museum of the Bible, Washington, D.C.
Opening July 3, 2026
This exhibition examines the influence of the Bible on America’s founding generation and the Revolutionary era. It includes objects connected to Jonas Phillips that were loaned by Shearith Israel.
Website: https://www.museumofthebible.org/upcoming-exhibits

6. Revolution Reimagined: Evolving Stories from Newport’s Past
Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
June 26 – November 1, 2026
This exhibition explores Newport’s Revolutionary-era experience and how later generations remembered and reinterpreted it. It includes a historic matzah board from Touro Synagogue loaned by Shearith Israel.
Website: https://www.newportmansions.org/events/revolution-reimagined/