The Columbus Jewish Historical Society preserves the stories, artifacts, images and heritage of the Jewish communities of Central Ohio.

Founded in 1982, CJHS maintains an archive containing documents, photographs and a variety of other items related to the 170 years of permanent Jewish settlement in the region. The Society organizes and sponsors programs throughout the year on local history and genealogy, and regularly partners with area synagogues and other history organizations to preserve and promote Central Ohio's Jewish heritage.

The archives hold a centralized collection of materials related to the Jewish communities of Columbus and its surrounding area. Photographs, documents, plaques, uniforms and other realia make up the more than 5,000 items held in the archives. These items are used for research by both professional historians as well as those tracing their family history.

Items from the archives are regularly displayed at the Leo Yassenoff Jewish Community Center on College Avenue in Columbus, and at various synagogues and libraries throughout the area. Exhibits are also developed for special programs. For more information on current exhibits, click on EXHIBITS & EVENTS in the menu bar at the top of this page.

CJHS also maintains a small non-circulating library of genealogical materials and Jewish history. Included in the library are family histories donated by members of the community.

The archives and library are open to the public by appointment only. If you're interested in viewing materials in the archives, please call the archivist at 614-559-3233, or send e-mail to history@tcjf.org to make an appointment.