The only museum in the country dedicated exclusively to the exploration and interpretation of the American Jewish experience is now called the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

PHILADELPHIA CREAM, December 2, 2021 / PRNewswire / – Designer of luxury shoes Stuart weitzman made a transformative gift to National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH), in recognition of which, the museum was renamed the National Weitzman Museum of American Jewish History, or “The Weitzman.”

Stuart Weitzman makes a large donation to the National Museum of American Jewish History

This donation builds on Weitzman’s many years of prior support for the historic institution on historic Independence Mall in Philadelphia cream and, above all, to sow the endowment of the Museum.

“I have been inspired by the NMAJH since my first visit in 2012,” Weitzman said. “I was drawn to their iconic artifacts which demonstrate the very foundations of religious freedom in America. We are truly delighted to be able to make this gift to the museum and honored that this support will help ensure that the stories of American Jewish history are told and preserved for generations to come. “

In 2013, Stuart weitzman was the first person to appear in the Museum’s Dreamers and Doers Speaker Series, which tells the stories of Jewish people who embody an entrepreneurial, philanthropic and uniquely American spirit. In 2018, its support enabled the Museum to showcase its “First Families” gallery which details the lives of the first Jewish settlers during colonial times in America.

This donation also effectively concludes the quiet phase of the Museum’s fundraising campaign, securing the Museum’s future as a preeminent national institution exploring and celebrating the intersection of American ideals and Jewish values ​​in the cradle of American democracy on that of Philadelphia historic shopping center of independence.

“The Weitzman NMAJH now has the solid financial basis to continue to explore and interpret the American Jewish experience, and we are the alone museum of the country dedicated to this mission, ”said the co-chair of the museum’s board of directors, Sharon Tobin Kestenbaum. “At a time when so many issues divide us as Americans, this gift ensures that our museum can be a welcoming beacon for all visitors to explore and celebrate how Jews and the diverse communities of our nation have contributed to our country. Through exhibitions and programs supported by our growing endowment, through Stuart weitzman, we are well positioned to do this important work. “

The story continues

The Weitzman donation will allow the Museum to purchase its James polshek-building designed by a philanthropist morgan morgan and his family. Morgan is a former trustee who generously provided the funds to allow NMAJH to come out of its Chapter 11 reorganization. The Morgan family, along with a number of other museum benefactors, also canceled large loans to supplement the emergence of the institution of Chapter 11.

“Stuart weitzman illustrates the American dream, ”said Dr. Micha galperin, CEO of the Museum. “He created a business that has reached the highest level and now builds on its success to serve future generations. It illustrates what it means to give back with generosity that follows the Jewish and American traditions of philanthropy. With this historic gift, Stuart has helped secure the future of our museum.

“As leaders of the museum, we are grateful for this commitment from Weitzman. We look forward to highlighting the Jewish contribution to America, the stories of aspiration, innovation and leadership. Stories of American Jews You’ve Heard Of – Albert Einstein, Estee Lauder, Jonas Salk, Ruth bader ginsburg, Steven spielberg, Sandy Koufax — and stories of those you don’t, ”said Phil darivoff, president emeritus and trustee. “United States gave American Jews the freedom and the ability to create, contribute, and change the world. Today’s news gives me confidence that our treasured Museum is on the right track to continue to educate and inspire future generations. “

Stuart weitzman grew up learning from his father, Seymour Weitzman, at the Mr. Seymour shoe factory in Haverhill, Massachusetts. In 1986 he started his eponymous company, which became a leader in the world of designer shoes. Weitzman’s creations, known for combining fashion and functionality, are frequently found on Hollywood red carpets. In 2018, Weitzman retired after more than five decades in the footwear industry.

He remembers his time in Philadelphia cream very affectionately. His deep connection to the city began when he was an undergraduate student at The University of Pennsylvania Wharton School. Currently, he gives lectures and teaches there; and in 2019, the University named its design school after Weitzman.

In addition to Weitzman’s support for Jewish causes, educational institutions, and medical research, he is currently working with Sephardic Jews around the world to build a museum celebrating Spanish Jewish history in Spain, the country in which its shoes have been produced for over 50 years.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Museum has operated virtually with strong online programming that has attracted millions of attendees. With a clear financial trajectory, it is now preparing for a reopening in 2022 and is working strategically for the next 10 years.

At Monday 6 December To 6 p.m. ET, the Museum will host a “Miracle on the Mall” celebration in honor of the key supporters who made this moment possible, including Weitzman, who will participate virtually.

“It really looks like a miracle,” said Lyn M. Ross, administrator of the museum, honorary president and co-founder who, with her husband George ross z “l, has been the institution’s greatest champion over the decades. The building, which bears the Ross’s name, will retain this designation as the museum itself will take the Weitzman name.

“Stuart is truly performing the mitzvah of tzedakah,” said board co-chair Joseph S. Zuritsky, referring to the Hebrew word meaning righteousness, of which philanthropy is an important component. “It creates a legacy that will ensure that our American stories of Jewish identity and heritage are celebrated for generations to come.”

Download press photos
Stuart weitzman
NMAJH; linked lines of credit

ABOUT THE WEITZMAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY
Established in 1976, and located on that of Philadelphia Independence Mall, Weitzman’s National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the country devoted exclusively to the exploration and interpretation of the American Jewish experience. The Weitzman NMAJH presents educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore, and celebrate the history of Jews in America. Its purpose is to connect Jews more closely with their heritage and to inspire people from all walks of life to appreciate the diversity of the American Jewish experience and the freedoms Americans aspire to. https://nmajh.org

View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-museum-of-american-jewish-history-renamed-the-weitzman-in-recognition-of-significant-gifts-from-entrepreneur – and-philanthropist-stuart-weitzman-301436727.html

SOURCE National Museum of American Jewish History