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Coronavirus Update

Center for Jewish HIstory
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Center for Jewish History soon.

The time has finally come! After 17 months of illuminating Jewish history exclusively in a virtual space, the Center for Jewish History is thrilled to welcome you back in person. Because your health and safety are our priority, there have been some changes to the Center experience. Read on to learn more.

On August 23, 2021, the Center for Jewish History is reopening its exhibition spaces to the public (with reservations required). However, all LBI events are currently held on Zoom or another digital platform unless otherwise noted. Read on to learn more.

Visiting the Center:

To ensure compliance with local health and safety guidelines, proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (at least 14 days after your final vaccine dose) with matching ID will be required for all visitors 12 and older starting August 16, 2021. You can provide proof of vaccination by displaying it on your smartphone, by presenting a physical copy, or by using the New York State Excelsior Pass or NYC COVID Safe App (Android | iOS). Other acceptable forms of COVID-19 vaccination proof are the CDC Vaccination Card or NYC Vaccination Record. Mask wearing is mandatory throughout the building. 

The Lillian Goldman Reading Room at the Center for Jewish History is currently open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm for researchers who are interested in accessing non-digitized, unique materials held only at the Center for Jewish History. Visits are by appointment only, and reservations must be made at least 14 days in advance through your research account. If you are not sure whether an on-site visit is necessary for your research interests or for updates, please reach out! The reading room librarians are available at inquiries@cjh.org.  

Exhibitions will open to the public beginning August 23 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Thursday and 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Friday. While we remain free to the public, advance tickets will be required for entry through Eventbrite.  

The computers in the Ackman & Ziff Family Genealogy Institute will reopen to the public later in the fall. In the meantime, you can access these services online at genealogy.cjh.org. 

Each of us plays a role in CJH’s successful and safe reopening. During your visit you may see our public spaces being cleaned and disinfected frequently. You will also notice hand sanitizing stations located throughout the building. We are working diligently to ensure your safe return. We ask you to do your part by honoring our new safety protocols. We also ask that you stay home if you are not feeling well. Before you visit the Center, please go to the plan your visit section on our website for the latest information so you can make the most of your experience.  

Digital Access:

  • The CJH catalog at search.cjh.org will remain functional except for scheduled maintenance.
  • Please feel free to access and use our extensive online collections through search.cjh.org or directly at https://www.lbi.org/collections/digibaeck/
  • Although the reading room reopened on August 10, 2021, we will still process reference inquiries submitted through our online reference form.
  • If you need to contact LBI staff regarding any other business, please contact them using the email listed in our staff directory.
  • LBI staff will be able to check voicemail, but we encourage you to use email for a faster response.

New information will be posted here as the situation develops. Please follow LBI and CJH on social media for the latest news. We thank you for your patience, and we look forward to seeing you again very soon!