Orange County Jewish Historical Society
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     "Once you know who you are, 
      where you come from, 
      what meaning the past has for your future, 
      you bring great meaning into your life, 
      and when you do that, 
      you bring great meaning into the world."       
                                  -- Ariel Hilu

Our Mission >

Preserving Our Past

The Mission of the Orange County Jewish Historical Society is to discover, preserve and promote public awareness of the history and contributions of the Jewish community in Orange County.

Donate >

Grow OC's Jewish Archives

Click here to contact us about donating or lending materials -- photos and/or artifacts from the 60s, 50s, 40s or earlier.  Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution in support of our work. 

Volunteer >

Make History Together

Help us to digitize archival materials, collect living histories from our community's pioneers, and to raise awareness of the Jewish Historical Society's work.   Click here to register as a volunteer!

 

Timeline

In 2008 we celebrated the 150th anniversary of Jewish life in Orange County.  Benjamin Dreyfus (pictured at left) settled in Anaheim in 1858, and became the largest wine grower in California.  He even produced Kosher for Passover wine starting in 1864.  Click here for more exciting facts on the rich history of Jewish life in the OC!

Photo Gallery

Our growing archive of historical photos chronicles Jewish life in Orange County from 1857 to the present.  Click here to view and download these images!   Do you have photos to share with us?  Click here to let us know!