Uncovered & Rediscovered is an evolving eight-part exhibit that explores the Chicago Jewish experience. The exhibit unfolds over time in a series of intimate chapters (each on display for 3 to 6 months in the ground floor vestibule of the Spertus building). Using archival materials, cultural and fine art objects, and audio-visual content from Spertus’ rich and varied holdings , it tells tales of Chicago’s Jewish pioneers and politicians, artists and anarchists, authors and entrepreneurs, and even Jewish boxers.

Highlights from past and current chapters can be seen in the slideshow galleries below.

Chapter One: Chicago’s Jewish Pioneers
Was on display September 1– December 2, 2010
Chicago’s Jewish Pioneers told the story of the mostly German Jews who came to Chicago starting in the 1840s and founded Chicago’s first synagogues and philanthropic organizations. This chapter explores the myriad challenges that they encountered — ranging from making a living to hiring Chicago’s first rabbi.
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Chapter Two: Paved In Gold? The Road To Maxwell Street
Was on display December 16, 2010 – March 17, 2011
Paved in Gold? dealt with the second wave of Jewish immigration to Chicago. Beginning in the late 1870s Yiddish-speaking Jews arrived in Chicago en-masse and settled initially in the dense, tenement-filled area of Maxwell Street. This segment examined the vibrant culture of open-market bazaars, religious institutions, and Yiddish publications and theater that developed there, along with Jewish involvement in labor causes. Slideshow >

Chapter Three: North, South, East, And West
Was on display April 3 – September 22, 2011
North, South, East, and West explored the demographic shifts that occurred as families experienced upward mobility and abandoned the areas of initial settlement. It examined Jewish life in neighborhoods such as Lawndale, the South Side, and Logan Square, and charted the post-war population movement to West Rogers Park and the north and northwest suburbs.
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Chapter Four: Let There Be Learning
Was on display October 9 – December 29, 2011
Let There Be Learning explored the importance of education for Chicago’s Jewish community. It shared the stories of the educational modes and models implemented by Chicago’s Jews, from the settlement houses and Yiddish folk schools in the early days of Jewish Chicago to groundbreaking educational initiatives being undertaken today. With artifacts from notable Chicago Jewish institutions this chapter of Uncovered & Rediscovered looked at education as a vehicle for forging a new American identity, as a means of preserving cherished Jewish traditions, and as an avenue for Jewish community involvement.
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Chapter Five: Movers, Shakers and History-Makers
On display January 22 – May 10, 2012
Movers, Shakers, and History-Makers focuses on Chicago Jews who have played leading roles in public life. Materials document Jewish contributions to business, entertainment, philanthropy, politics, and sports. Highlights include the landmark labor contract that ended the 1910 Garment Workers' Strike, a yarmulke worn by Judge Abraham Lincoln Marovitz, the philanthropic ledger of Max Adler, founder of the Adler Planetarium, and the Emmy Award from Irv Kupcinet's television show.
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Chapter Six: A Jewish Homeland
Will be on display June 3 – October 4, 2012

A Jewish Homeland will document the efforts of Chicagoans to secure a homeland for the Jewish people, beginning with the founding of this country’s first Zionist organization on Chicago’s West Side in 1896. Learn of little known episodes such as Methodist Minister William Blackstone’s petition to Presidents Harrison and Wilson to establish a Jewish state in Palestine, or the failed efforts of a group of Chicagoans to create a Jewish homeland in Siberia. The segment also explores local responses to the unfolding horror of Nazism — including a boycott of German goods and frantic efforts to rescue European family members—as well as a joyful rally of 25,000 at the Chicago Stadium celebrating the founding of the State of Israel.

Chapters Seven and Eight will be announced soon!