Tanya Elder

New York

Senior Archivist at American Jewish Historical Society

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Articles

The Miraculous Journal of Abraham Frankel

1 week ago | ajhs.org | Tanya Elder

The American Jewish Historical Society loves a family history collection, and we have hundreds of records, ranging from captains of industry and Naval officers to union factory workers, housewives, and salespeople. Many of these families immigrated from numerous countries to the United States, from the late 1600s to the 21st century.
Judge Goldstein for Mayor: The New York City Election of 1945

1 month ago | ajhs.org | Tanya Elder

Tammany Hall, located in New York City, is a building and was a political pressure group organization. From 1789 to approximately 1945 Tammany Hall mostly aligned with the Democratic Party, controlling New York City politics, business, and the criminal element throughout the city for over 100 years. Its height was during the reign of William “Boss” Tweed, who died in the Ludlow Street Jail in 1878.
An "Extraordinary Relick": The long journey of a petrified ham

Jan 6, 2025 | ajhs.org | Tanya Elder

It’s not very often we at the American Jewish Historical Society talk about pork. A new collection currently being processed from the Lewis family—related to Commodore Uriah Phillips Levy (1792-1862) and Captain Jonas Phillips Levy (1807-1883)—recently came to our attention, and we could not pass up the opportunity to share one of the documents with you.
Jewish Football Players in the AJHS Collections

Oct 28, 2024 | ajhs.org | Tanya Elder

Our Jews in Sports Collection at the American Jewish Historical Society was established with the papers of Marty Glickman. Glickman was a footballer, an Olympic track and field runner, friend of Olympian Jesse Owens, and legendary sports broadcaster.
A Garment District Mystery: From the Records of the Hebrew Free Loan Society

Jul 24, 2024 | ajhs.org | Tanya Elder

The Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS) is an organization that offers interest-free loans to persons with qualified clients for a variety of needs. The organization started in 1892 when several men gathered at the Wilner Synagogue on the Lower East Side of New York City and pooled together $95 (valued at about $3000 in 2024). Today, the HFLS is still active and thriving.
From the Papers of Representative Nita Lowey: Congressional Documentation Regarding the Fight for Global AIDS Research and Education

Jun 4, 2024 | ajhs.org | Tanya Elder

It’s June 2024, which means it’s Pride Month in the United States! We start off this year’s Pride with United States Representative Nita Lowey of New York. The Representative Nita M. Lowey Papers were donated to the American Jewish Historical Society in 2022 and contain a wealth of information regarding her Congressional work both domestically and internationally.
Tracing New York City’s Community Meeting Places, Ballrooms, and Nightclubs

Apr 10, 2024 | ajhs.org | Tanya Elder

New York City’s nightlife is illustrious. From fine dining spaces such as Delmonico’s, Lutece, or the Russian Tea Room to big bands, jazz, and salsa in ballrooms named Roseland or the Copacabana. NYC elicits thoughts of designer gowns, skimpy hippie clothes, and zoot suits.
Fashion Statements: Buttons for a Cause - American Jewish Historical Society

Jan 30, 2024 | ajhs.org | Tanya Elder

The AJHS Museum Collection has acquired several buttons and badges over the years, with early 20th century buttons promoting Rosalie Salomon’s Democratic Party and Tammany Hall, while later 20th century buttons feature social justice themes or organizational support for Hillel, Hadassah, and the United Jewish Appeal. Below are some of our favorites from the collection.
The Hebrew Free Loan Society Records, 1892-2010

Jan 17, 2024 | ajhs.org | Tanya Elder |Jenna Weissman Joselit

“If you lend money to My people, even to the poor among you, do not act toward them as a creditor; you shall not charge them interest.” – Exodus 22:24“You shall not lend him your money at interest, or give him your food for profit.” – Leviticus 25:37The American Jewish Historical Society is pleased to announce one of its newest institutional collections, the Records of the Hebrew Free Loan Society, 1892-2010.
Women Recipients of the AJHS Emma Lazarus Statue of Liberty Award

Oct 24, 2023 | ajhs.org | Tanya Elder

Since 1986, the AJHS has awarded its Emma Lazarus Statue of Liberty Award to distinguished persons or groups “whose contributions reflect the highest values of the American Jewish community, starting with our first award to historian and founding president of Brandeis University, Abram L.