New Jewish Kentucky Heritage collections initiative at SCRC

An image from the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass records

The Special Collections Research Center recently launched a Jewish Kentucky Heritage collecting initiative. The project, in partnership with UK's Jewish Studies Program, will preserve and provide access to primary source materials that document the history and culture of the Kentucky Jewish experience. Sarah Dorpinghaus, SCRC curator for Jewish Kentucky Heritage, is leading this important initiative.

The first collection received as part of this initiative is the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass archive. Formerly known as the Central Kentucky Jewish Association, JFB was incorporated in 1977. Precursor organizations have been active in central Kentucky since the late 19^th century. JFB supports and enhances life for the Jewish population of Lexington and the surrounding area by facilitating educational opportunities, celebrations, cultural events, and social activities. JFB also extends support to the broader community by co-sponsoring arts and cultural events, programs on Jewish history, and efforts to combat anti-Semitism and discrimination.