From North Dakota to the North Side

The Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest (JHSUM) is the leading organization in the region dedicated to telling the story of Jewish history — from North Dakota to Minneapolis’ North Side, and everything in between.

Founded in 1984, JHSUM was originally a labor of love and scholarship, which grew and expanded as the physical collection of artifacts and oral histories expanded. In 2012, this substantive collection was gifted to the University of Minnesota as part of the Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives located in the Elmer L. Andersen Library. Learn more about the collection including how you can access materials.

With the archival collection permanently and safely housed, JHSUM could turn its full attention to interpretation, publications, events, and special projects.

Learn about our full range of current programs.

We continue to use our passion for history to expand our knowledge of the ways Jewish history intersects with and informs the culture around us.

Your support

We are entirely supported through membership and donations. Take your place in history today – learn more about how you can support us.

JHSUM is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Donations made to JHSUM are tax-deductible. If you need our EIN or further information, please email us at history@jhsum.org

Our mission

The purpose of the Society is to promote the vitality and continuity of Jewish culture in the Upper Midwest through preservation, interpretation and education.