The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience (MSJE) in New Orleans, Louisiana, opened in 2021. It’s a new museum that grew out of an earlier version that closed in Utica, Mississippi, in 2017.
It takes care to make its history relevant to a diverse array of visitors, since many aren’t Jewish.
What’s in the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience?
Though based in New Orleans, the museum’s focus is much wider than Louisiana. In fact, it includes artifacts and history from 13 states and the 400 museums that contributed artifacts.
The start into the museum focuses on making visitors comfortable. It asks the question: “What is Judaism?” The answer comes through an interactive, touch-screen module that asks visitors (young-and-old) questions that teach about Jewish holidays and their knowledge of Yiddish.
Permanent Galleries
The MSJE has three permanent galleries in a 9000 sq. foot area. They include:
- Gallery 1: From Immigrants to Southerners. This gallery traces Jewish migrations to the American South beginning in the 1700s.
- Gallery 2: Foundations of Judaism. This gallery covers the diversity of Jewish beliefs and practices.
- Gallery 3: Entering a New Era. This gallery covers World War II and the Holocaust, civil rights, and Southern Jews in popular culture.
From the Displays
The museum shares many stories about the Jewish people and their experiences in the U.S. South.
Did you know that Jewish social activist, Gertrude Weil, helped get women the right to vote?
In 1949, the Florida Legislature outlawed discrimination against Jews in hotels and real estate. In Miama Beach, the Jewish percentage of the population rose from 15% to 80% from 1940 to 1970.
Southern Jews have even made their mark on Mardi Gras, a popular traditional Christian celebration. While barred from participating up to the mid-1900s, the Krewe du Jieux later worked to deflate Jewish stereotypes through humor. They even threw painted bagels to the crowds instead of beads!
Linda’s Pick of the Exhibits
I particularly enjoyed the museum’s introductory video, which was moving without being sentimental.
It started with a letter from President George Washington to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, RI, 1790.
"May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the goodwill of the other inhabitants."
That was followed by photo displays of important Jews, including both men and women, from the past century, outlining their contributions to American society. And finally, various collages of ordinary people showed their roles from settlement through to modern day.
Linda’s Road Trip Tips
I visited the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience on my way home after the TBEX travel writer’s conference in Lafayette. I’d flown from Toronto to New Orleans, but took the City of New Orleans train to Chicago, Illinois, then the Empire Builder train to Williston, North Dakota, for my return home.
The museum was close to the AMTRAK station, so I was able to walk rather than getting an Uber. I’d also been able to visit the National WWII Museum, which is a must-see.
I’d overnighted at the Magnolia Mansion, which was also within walking distance. Although my room was basic, its public areas have southern plantation furnishings!
Who Should Visit the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience?
The museum is designed for both those who have Jewish ancestry and those wanting to learn more about the Jewish experience in the South. A lot of the information is provided through signage, so it can take a while to read through.
However, the museum also has over 4000 artifacts, which are rotated regularly, so you’ll find new things to see on different visits. Information provided with each one has a teaching element, so you’ll come away with basic knowledge about Judaism and its place in the South.
How Do You Visit the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience?
The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience is located in New Orleans, Louisiana, which is off of I-10. Its address is 818 Howard Avenue.
Check days and hours open, and buy advance tickets from the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience website.
Keep up to date with what’s happening on the MSJE Facebook page.
Watch videos from the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience on YouTube.
Plan your visit with Google maps.
Find More Louisiana Museums
Discover More Heritage Museums
- Compelling Stories of Southern Jews: New Orleans Museum
The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience curates the history and experiences of people from 13 southern states. Jews and non-Jewish people will find the history fascinating. - Striking Doukhobor Heritage Village: Veregin, SK
Many Doukhobor people came to Saskatcewan in the early 1900s to escape religious persecution in Russia. Visit their historic settlement in Veregin.
Reference(s)
Deutch, G. (2021, May 24). Inside the new New Orleans museum telling the stories of Southern Jews. Jewish Insider. https://jewishinsider.com/2021/05/new-orleans-museum-of-southern-jewish-experience/
guide2museums.com 