In the annals of history, countless stories have been lost or silenced, especially those of women whose lives and experiences were not deemed significant enough to be recorded. The Jewish Women’s Archive (JWA) has been working tirelessly for over a quarter of a century to change this narrative.
Now, the “Nicki Newman Tanner Oral History Collection” a virtual library that opens a window to more than 300 diverse stories from Jewish women who have made their mark, is a reality.
From accounts of women leaders to activists, from community members to artists, the collection offers an expansive view of Jewish history from the vantage point of those who lived it. These interviews span themes from the major events of the 20th and 21st centuries to personal life stories, each showcasing the intricate ways that gender, class, location, and identity intersect.
This digitized collection isn’t just about preserving memories; it’s about accessibility. Each entry comes with transcripts and, wherever permitted, accompanying audio or video recordings. A user-friendly interface allows for searches by keyword or project, with the option to filter by location, media type, interviewer, or the narrator’s place of birth.
Judith Rosenbaum, JWA’s CEO, expressed her enthusiasm: “With this collection, we are echoing what JWA believes in deeply—that every one of us is a maker of history. By amplifying these voices, we are not just narrating stories; we’re rewriting history.”
The compilation bears the name of Nicki Newman Tanner, a pioneering oral historian and philanthropist. Her exemplary contribution as a JWA board member and chair, along with the generous support from Mass Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, has been instrumental in this project.
Whether you’re an educator, researcher, artist, or someone keen on learning about the indomitable spirit of Jewish women, the Nicki Newman Tanner Oral History Collection is a tapestry of tales waiting to be explored. Visit the collection today and dive deep into the extraordinary lives of ordinary Jewish women who have shaped our past, present, and future.
