Jewish Communities Oral History Project

The Illinois Jewish Communities Oral History Project consists of oral history interviews with Jewish individuals who resided in Illinois during the mid-to-late 20th century, with a focus on members of small to midsized Jewish communities in central Illinois.

These interviews reflect the lived experiences of Jewish Illinoisans and document the history of Jewish communities in the state. Commonly discussed topics include religious practices, education, community and faith-based organizations, immigration, and Jewish identity.

To learn more about this project, search and browse all interviews, browse interviews by Jewish community, or browse interviews by theme, select an option below.