​​THE BIG CHILL:
JOE NUMERO AND
THE STORY OF THERMO KING ​
Film Premier!
Sunday, December 14, 2025
1:00pm | Free​
Minnesota Jewish Community Center
1375 St. Paul Ave, St. Paul, MN 55116


Fred McKinley Jones and Joe Numero

Fred McKinley Jones
Joe Numero, owner of ThermoKing, together with Frederick McKinley Jones, a self-taught engineer, revolutionized how we eat by creating a refrigerated transportation system.
The film will explore Joe’s early years that shaped his remarkable business acumen, his service to his country in World War I, his unlikely but historic partnership with Fred McKinley Jones, who despite not finishing high school, was one of the most brilliant and prolific inventors of his time.
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The premier of the film will be followed by the re-dedication of the
Oren and Sharron Steinfeldt Family History Center
Reception to follow
Four films that were produced and premiered in 2024
Click on Videos to Watch
Our follow up film to the first Deli film. A closer look at the Lincoln Del and other delis that we remember so fondly. (And look what film won Festival Favorite!).​​​​
To celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we celebrate those who have served in public office.​​​​​​
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Born right here in the Twin Cities, it would become a national disaster relief organization.
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From scrap car parts, to an international company. NAPCO was the Jewish American success story.
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It happened right here
The story of the Jews in the Upper Midwest goes back nearly 200 years. The places where today we live, work and play are the same places our predecessors encountered as immigrants, sodbusters, business owners, community leaders and neighbors. Our story is urban and rural, religious and secular, joyful and tragic.
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For over 40 years, the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest has uplifted this history through creating exhibits, authoring publications, and hosting events that enable you to place yourself right here where it happened … where it’s happening today.









