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The Filson Historical Society Digital Projects The Filson Historical Society Digital Projects
The Filson Historical Society Digital Projects

Browse Items (35 total)

  • Six-page narrative of Trude Ackermann Breiner as told to Carolyn Moyse and Virginia Wilson. The story covers the Ackermann and Pokorny families's experiences in Vienna, Austria, during World War II and their efforts to navigate the immigration process to the United States.

  • French language pamphlet on transportation options for refugees leaving France during World War II. Includes a map of France.

  • 9-page, typed report on the Nursery School operated by the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), Louisville Section and the Jewish Welfare Federation of Louisville, Kentucky. The document begins with the need for, purpose, and principles of the "combination nursery and school" for "children 2 1/2 to 5 years of age." It outlines how Selma Kling and Katherine Bottigheimer of the NCJW Americanization Committee spearheaded the creation of the school in part to serve "Immigrant children of pre-school age who will use the school in learning English and general orientation." The school opened on February 5, 1940. The report profiles the initial behavior and improvements of some of the students, including three refugee children. The document notes that "the teacher at the School is a German refugee who obtained kindergarten training in Germany and additional nursery school training in this country. We feel that the provision of employment for her thru the establishment of the Nursery School is in line with the aims of the Council in relation to work with New Americans."

  • Letter from the Louisville Conference of Jewish Organizations in Kentucky to President Franklin D. Roosevelt requesting that he support the Free Ports proposal to provide asylum for refugees fleeing "totalitarian persecution." The Conference sent a similar advocacy letter to the Kentucky Senator Alben William Barkley.

  • A copy of a letter written by Chairman Charles W. Morris (1892-1961) to the leadership of the Louisville Conference of Jewish Organizations informing them of the American Jewish Conference's request that their organization contact their government representatives and President Roosevelt to advocate for the creation of Free Ports to enable European Jewish refugees to seek asylum in the United States. The letter includes a ballot for the local organization to vote on their stance on the Free Port plan. A handwritten note on the back of the formal typed letter is addressed to Morris provides Dr. Rauch's view of the plan.

  • September 1934 issue of the newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women. The President's Report includes references to German emergency relief, boycott of German goods and stores that buy from German merchants, immigrant aid, and citizenship programs.

  • October 1937 issue of the newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women. The issue includes descriptions of refugee and Americanization work with Jewish immigrants in Louisville, Kentucky.

  • The November/December 1937 issue of the newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women. The issue includes news on the use of Haavermarks as a medium of financial exchange to assist Jews in leaving Germany and local work in the naturalization and support of immigrants in Louisville, Kentucky.

  • October 1938 newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women. The newsletter is in the wake of rising German militarism and violence against Jews in Europe. Topics include fundraising for refugee German and Austrian Jewish children, and welcoming and supporting immigrants.

  • The April 1940, vol. 15, no. 15 issue of The Bulletin, a World War II era newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women in Kentucky. The issue opens with an overview of National Council news and member updates. Most of the issue discusses local news. One major point is "the problem of refugee relief" and how the Council and community members can support refugees with everyday goods, childcare, English language education, and more. It also acknowledges community support for children's birthday celebrations, the Penny Lunch fund for school children, the Memorial fund, and the Student Loan fund. Additional contributions to these funds and volunteers for the Red Cross are requested. The issue ends with a list of notable Council accomplishments.

  • The April 1941, vol. 18, no. 18 issue of The Bulletin, a World War II era newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women in Kentucky. The issue opens with an address from local Council President Esther J. Handmaker

  • The February 1942, vol. 20, no. 20 issue of The Bulletin, a World War II era newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women in Kentucky, with the address of Lillie Grauman written on the cover. The issue opens with an address from national Council President Mrs. Maurice L. Goldman regarding what members should do to support "the Victory Program." Local President Esther J. Handmaker (addressed in the minutes as Mrs. Herman Handmaker) asks readers to "heed her sound advice remembering that doing our every day tasks is part of defense." It is followed by a copy of the letter the Council sent to President Roosevelt "placing the resources of the National Council of Jewish Women at the disposal of the United States Government." A copy of a letter of appreciation from Secretary to the President Stephen Early follows. The issue then shifts to specific local news and events, including a legislation education class, free lending library, noncitizen registration assistance, refugee education programs, the Nursery School, Council Workshop, Memorial fund, Red Cross donations, Service fund, and Defense Program. Strong, consistent community support of these organizations and fundraising efforts is a common theme. A summary of how the Council Dues support "civilian defense," "national unity," "civilian morale," and "an expanding democracy follows." The issue calls on readers to not be a "hoarder" or to engage in "profiteering" on shortages, instead asking them to focus on "conserving" food and resources. The last two columns acknowledge community members for specific achievements and call for continued charitable support. The issue ends with a poem advertising a Council luncheon at the Brown Hotel.

  • National Council of Jewish Women, Louisville Section, Board meeting minutes for March 12, 1934. Two letters discussed at the meeting relate to boycotting German goods and where to acquire items such as fabric gloves from other suppliers. A letter from National President Mrs. Fanny Brin provides updates about sanctioning the "the American Palestine Campaign to raise funds for the settlement of German Jews in Palestine." Other topics are an overview of funding and volunteer situations for the Penny Lunch Committee, Student Loan Committee, Committee on Social Welfare, and anti-Nazi propaganda efforts. The board decided to form a study group related to the anti-propaganda efforts. The minutes then turn to correspondence received by the board. The board decided to join the Louisville Conference of Jewish Organizations and discussed details of membership requirements. One letter requests that Mrs. J.M. Fuhrman join the Recreation Advisory Board and another is a letter of appreciation for donations of jellies to the Jewish Children's Home. The final letter concerns the movement to allow "delegates to the Kentucky federation of Women's Club to be empowered to act for the Council at meetings of the federation" in May.

  • National Council of Jewish Women, Louisville Section, Board meeting minutes for April 9, 934. These meeting minutes cover local Council affairs and matters of national and international importance. The minutes recount the year's expenses and remaining Council funds. The Council decided “that whatever balance remained on hand in the General fund at the end of the year be set aside for relief in the aiding of German Jewish Children.” The meeting covered reports from various Committees, including the Committee on Education, the Penny Lunch fund, and the Student loan fund. The planned “study groups on Anti-Semitism” was set for the fall “under the leadership of Rabbi Solomon N. Bazell.” Additional community events and talks were discussed. The correspondence portion of the meeting addressed letters regarding upcoming radio broadcasts by national President Mrs. Fanny Brin about “The World Conscience and Anti-Semitism”

  • National Council of Jewish Women, Louisville Section, open meeting minutes for March 19, 1934. The Council discusses the possibility of joining the Louisville Conference of Jewish Organizations. A letter from Mrs. Fanny Brin, National President, concerns the Committee on Aid to German Children and finding places for German children to stay. In relation to the ongoing boycott of German-made goods, a letter is read from the Non-Sectarian Anti-Nazi League regarding fabric gloves made in other countries. The minutes recount the expenses and remaining Council funds for February through March. Next, “Miss Mary Hicks of the City Health Council . . . gave a short talk on Negro Health Week observance.” The Nominating Committee report lists officers for 1934-36 and directors for 1934-37. Announcements for upcoming book review sessions, community events, and talks follow. Additional letters concern notes of appreciation, upcoming events, and the Tydings Resolution. The meeting closes with a musical program and discussion of french composers.

  • National Council of Jewish Women Annual Luncheon Meeting minutes for April 16, 1934. As a follow-up to the March open meeting, the Council discussed “the action of the National Board relative to its activities in relief work for German Jewish Children.” The Council decided “that whatever balance remained on hand in the General fund at the end of the year be set aside for relief in the aiding of German Jewish Children.” Reports were given by the Committees on Education, Penny Lunch, Social Welfare, Hospital Circles, Student Loans, and Memorial funds. The upcoming book review meeting and talk by Rabbi Wise were announced, and the Council discussed the proposed “study group on ‘Anit-Semitism’ . . . under the leadership of Rabbi Solomon N. Bazzell.” The Nominating Committee report lists officers for 1934-36 and directors for 1934-37. “Mrs. E.H. Wehle reported on plans for systematizing the library at Waverly Hills Sanitarium and requested contributions for magazine subscriptions.” The correspondence section of the meeting covers discussions about the Copeland Pure food and Drugs Bill, local charitable events, and messages of thanks.

  • National Council of Jewish Women, Louisville Section, Board meeting minutes for May 14, 1934. The Committee on Service to the foreign Born reported on a Young Men's Hebrew Association (YMHA) citizenship class. The Council discussed sending delegates to the Convention of the Kentucky Federation of Women’s Clubs and budgets “for the relief of German Jewish Children.” During the correspondence part of the meeting, an extended discussion followed regarding the German Jewish Children’s Aid, Inc., and efforts “to bring approximately 250 German Jewish Children to the United States.” The National Council sent a letter “emphatically requesting that there be no solicitation or collection of small continuations from Sections or Section members for the transportation of German Jewish Children to this country." The minutes also recount expenses and remaining Council funds for March through May. The Committee on Social Welfare report requested donations to the Jewish Children’s Home and a Council birthday party at Waverly Hills Sanatorium. Additional reports were made by the Committee on Hospital Circles. Correspondence read in this meeting covers messages of appreciation, funding for YMHA camp attendance and other charitable causes, and discussions with the Retail Merchants Association regarding returned merchandise.

  • National Council of Jewish Women, Louisville Section, Board meeting minutes for April 8, 1935. Mrs. Theresa Bernheim was announced as the new “Chairman of the local Jewish Committee on the placement of German Jewish Children in homes,” and it was reported that “five children are to be placed in this community.” The Council discussed changes in the bank used for a safety deposit box and contributions to the Hadassah. There was an extended discussion of the fourteenth Triennial Convention in New Orleans, which was themed “What Do We Owe the Next Generation.” The minutes refer to “resolutions concerning munitions, World Court, Military Training in Schools and Colleges, Disarmament, League of Nations and Racial Relation.” National dues were increased “to $1.50 per person in order to carry on a broader social program which embodied the field work, a Nat’l quarterly bulletin for each Council member, birth control clinics, radio programs, continuation in work for German Jewish Children, and a religious educational project for the home teaching of children by mothers.” Additional discussions concerned charitable funding for a Women’s Club float, a joint tea and musical event with the Adath Israel Sisterhood and Bi-state Sisterhood, and clothing donations for the Council birthday party at Waverly Hills Sanatorium. The Penny Lunch fund and the Committee on Ways and Means both reported positive financial situations for free lunches and cookbook sales. The correspondence read at this meeting concerned letters of appreciation to and from the Council, “changes in immigration and naturalization laws pending for consideration in Congress,” charitable contributions, and upcoming events. The minutes conclude with a reminder to Board Members “to keep secret all matters discussed at the Board meetings until presentation of these matters had been made at Open Meetings.”

  • National Council of Jewish Women, Louisville Section, open meeting minutes for December 18, 1934. During the correspondence portion of the meeting, the Council read a letter from National President Fanny Brin “requesting further co-operation in securing additional passage money for Jewish children of Germany to this country and for the securing of private homes for the placement of the children.” The Council also received acknowledgement for the money already donated “for the passage of two German Jewish children.” The minutes also recount expenses and remaining Council funds for October through December. The Penny Lunch Committee reported that 38 lunches per week and 5 breakfasts per day were being served each day to children in the lunchroom. The total cost of the lunches per week was $9.50. Updates were given regarding the next book review meeting and “Contemporary Jewish Problems Class conducted by Rabbi Solomon N. Bazell.” Reports were also given by the Committee on Drives regarding the Red Cross Drive, the Student Loan fund, the Membership Committee, the Committee on Ways and Means regarding the Council cookbook, and the Memorial fund. The Council read letters relaying appreciation for various local efforts, including “jellies and preserves” donated to the Jewish Children’s Home, and updates on local happenings, including Y.M.H.A. performances and the availability of a report on Public Schools by Griffenhagen Associates. Many of the letters pertained to national matters. The Louisville Board of Trade, Civic and Welfare Endorsement Committee, sent a letter “advising the presence in the community of undesired individuals soliciting funds under false representations.” Letters also covered the National Conference on the Cause and Cure of War in Washington, D.C., National Council efforts to reach out to former members who may rejoin and non-members in small communities, and upcoming National Council elections.

  • National Council of Jewish Women, Louisville Section, open meeting minutes for March 18, 1935. The minutes announce that "Cecilia Rasovsky will be in Louisville on March 19th to confer wit the Louisville Committee on the placement of German Jewish children in homes. A meeting of the Executive Board with Miss Rasovsky is planned." There was an extended discussion of the fourteenth Triennial Convention in New Orleans, which was themed “What Do We Owe the Next Generation.” The minutes refer to “Resolutions concerning Munitions, World Court, Military Training in Schools and Colleges, Disarmament, League of Nations and Racial Relation.” National dues were increased “to $1.50 per person in order to carry on a broader social program which embodied the field work, a Nat’l quarterly bulletin for each Council member, birth control clinics, radio programs, continuation in work for German Jewish Children, and a religious educational project for the home teaching of children by mothers.”
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