The National Museum of American Jewish History Launches a $100 Million Capital Campaign to Build a New Museum On Independence Mall

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 12, 2002-- Sidney Kimmel Contributes $25 Million of the $100 Million Needed for the Project Plans for a landmark museum dedicated to the history and contributions of American Jews throughout the last 350 years were announced today at a reception that attracted hundreds of enthusiastic supporters.

The new National Museum of American Jewish History will be located on Independence Mall, the nation's cradle of liberty. Slated to open in 2006, the groundbreaking for the new museum is scheduled for late 2004, the 350th anniversary of the arrival of the first Jews in America. "This project represents a new era for the National Museum of American Jewish History," said Dr. D. Walter Cohen, Chairman of the Board of the Museum. "For more than 25 years, this museum has been a labor of love for members and supporters. Now we have an opportunity to create something even more visionary, more memorable, more interactive. We have the opportunity to bring American Jewish history and education to a higher level."

Dr. Cohen then announced that the Museum Board is leading a fundraising campaign to provide for the construction of a new $100 million facility. More than $36 million has been raised to date, including the generous lead gift of $25 million donated by philanthropist Sidney Kimmel, founder and Chairman of Jones Apparel Group.

"This Museum is located in the birthplace of America; there can be no better place to exhibit our shared experiences, our challenges and our successes," Mr. Kimmel said. "The National Museum of American Jewish History will teach and inspire generations of Americans, Jews and non-Jews alike, about how freedom can provide limitless opportunities. Our ancestors came to America to seeking religious and personal freedom as well as opportunity. This museum will tell my story and that of millions of American Jews from all walks of life."

An Eternal Flame

The new building will be built on the Museum's current site on Independence Mall East, replacing much of the existing structure. Of the original building, only the facilities of Congregation Mikveh Israel will remain.

The new 80,000 square foot, five-story building of glass and stone will house dramatic, interactive galleries and exhibition halls, a state-of-the-art resource center and an auditorium for films, lectures and performances. Its tower will be topped with an eternal flame that will be visible from across Independence Mall.

"Most American Jewish museums approach the topic regionally," said Dr. Cohen. "This museum will include the experiences of an entire ethnic group, spanning 350 years and all 50 states. It will serve as the gateway to American Jewish history and culture and will be a place where Jews of all levels of observance will feel at home. Together, with the new National Constitution Center and Independence Visitor Center, we will forever change the face, and feel, of Independence Mall."

A team of acclaimed professionals has been assembled for the project. James Polshek, Design Principal of the Polshek Partnership in New York, is the building's lead architect.

The award-winning firm is known for its museum work, having designed nearly 20 top name museums, including the American Museum of Natural History's Rose Center for Earth and Space, the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian, and the Clinton Presidential Center.

Patrick J. Gallagher, President of Washington D.C.-based Gallagher Associates, is leading the team that will manage the museum's planning and exhibition design. His award-winning work can be seen the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre, the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., and the Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia. Completing the team are Dr. Jonathan Sarna of Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, the pre-eminent historian specializing in American Jewish history, contemporary Jewish life and Judaism in the Americas, and acclaimed director, writer and cinematographer David Grubin. The winner of multiple Emmy, Peabody Awards and other film industry awards, Mr. Grubin began his work for the Museum with the creation of the short film "It's Your Story" and he will continue his work in exhibitions throughout the new museum.

"The new museum will be the product of the effort of many people," said Board Member George M. Ross, Co-Chair of the Museum's Capital Campaign Committee, with Museum President Myles H. Tanenbaum. "As I have spoken with potential donors over the past few weeks, I have received very positive and enthusiastic responses. While there is a lot of hard work ahead, it augurs well for the campaign."

Also joining the team is Gwen Goodman, who has been named Executive Director of the Museum. She has had a long association with the Museum, serving on the Board of Directors for many years.

CONTACT:
The National Museum of American Jewish History
Jay Nachman, 215/923-5978
or a.s.a.p.r.
Robbie Tarpley Raffish, 410/430-9705
SOURCE: The National Museum of American Jewish History
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