DonateBuy TicketsBecome a Member
VisitExploreCalendarLearn
VisitExploreCalendarLearnAboutNewsBlogPressContact
DonateBuy TicketsBecome a Member
Back to Exhibitions

An American Story

Now & ongoing

Explore the story of the Jewish experience in America

An American Story: The Jewish Experience in Cleveland

Visitors to the Maltz Museum step into a world filled with moving stories of Jewish immigrants, who are perhaps even their own ancestors, and modern-day heroes. Using state-of-the-art interactives, film, special effects, individual stories, and oral histories, the Museum’s dramatic permanent exhibition is an uplifting experience.

They’ve Arrived

What would it be like to leave everything familiar behind?

Experience the hopes and dreams of coming to America at the turn of the 20th century, including a small band of Jewish immigrants from Unslaben, Bavaria, who set out for Cleveland in 1837.

Building a City

Achieving American citizenship while maintaining a Jewish identity.

Witness the Jewish community’s growth in America. Watch businesses flourish and fortunes rise; answer the call to protect the new homeland’s shores and newfound freedoms; and visit a movie theater where flickering lights illuminate new wonders

Keeping the Faith

The synagogue exemplifies the beliefs and values of the Jewish faith

Spend time among Cleveland’s houses of worship and reflect upon the meaning of faith in everyday life. Explore the growth and evolution of Cleveland’s diverse Jewish community.

Time of Uncertainty

Finding light as societal and economic pressure mount

Amid the Great Depression and growing racism, fascism, and antisemitism of the 1930s, Clevelanders sought lighter moments in a thriving cultural scene. Experience the exploits of legendary sports figures and the emergence of an iconic figure, Superman.

The World Destroyed

Become immersed in the sights and sounds of World War II at home and abroad

Join the war effort with Cleveland service members and their families and explore the rich lives, senseless deaths and heroic resistance of countless Jewish people who suffered under Nazi tyranny. Pause and reflect upon the experiences of area Holocaust survivors.

The World Remade

Realizing the dream of returning to the Jewish homeland after two millennia

Experience the exhilaration of Clevelanders past and present as the State of Israel is born in the aftermath of WWII. Learn about the close ties between Israel and Cleveland.

Generation to Generation

Continuing to make a positive impact on humanity

See how generations of Jewish people have profoundly impacted the world’s progress. Grounded in the ancient principles of their faith, their lives represent stories of courage and achievement—an inspiring American chapter in the nearly 4,000-year history of the Jewish people.

plan your upcoming visit!

Where to Find Us

Address

2929 Richmond Rd. Beachwood, OH 44122

Contact Information

216.593.0575 info@mmjh.org
Visit the Maltz Museum
Contact Us
VisitExploreCalendarLearn
AboutNewsBlogPressContact
Find us on social:
linkedin X logo X facebook youtube
© 2025 Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage