Women Whose Lives Span the Century
Women Whose Lives Span the Century was JWA’s inaugural effort to work collaboratively with communal institutions across the country to document women’s experiences and accomplishments. The project consisted of oral histories with 32 women congregants of Temple Israel, Boston, all in their 80s and 90s. JWA trained Temple Israel volunteers in oral history theory and methodology before they conducted the interviews.
These women’s life stories were the basis for two interpretive exhibitions. “Reflections,” at Temple Israel’s Wyner Museum (curated by Susan Porter and Barbara Levy), used old photographs, family memorabilia, and the women’s words to explore major themes in their lives. “Contemporary Artistic Interpretations,” at the Starr Gallery at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center (curated by Jayne Guberman, Frances Putnoi, and Almitra Stanley), featured works of art in diverse media inspired by the narrators’ life journeys.
Transcription of the oral history interviews was made possible by a generous grant from Muriel Hurovitz.