There are Many Ways to Support the Museum at Eldridge Street
Annual Fund
Your fully tax deductible unrestricted donation to the Annual Fund will help the Museum at Eldridge Street sustain and maintain the 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue building, and support cultural and educational programs that focus on Lower East Side immigrant history, Jewish-American culture, and architectural preservation.
Honor and Memory Gifts
When you make a $36 gift or more in honor or memory of someone dear or a special occasion, we also send a, “In Memory” or “In Honor” card to your designee informing them of your thoughtful gift.
Glass Block Tribute Wall Dedications
The restoration of our historic building is your story: that of one generation’s deep respect for the sacrifices and memories of earlier generations, and continuity and joy of mitzvahs celebrating our families and friends today. The historic glass blocks that once composed the sanctuary’s east window are now reframed on the synagogue’s first floor. In association with this glass block wall, a corresponding wall contains only 208 panels for permanent dedications. Each dedication is $1,800 which can be fulfilled through a one-time gift or in installation payments. Please don't miss this unique opportunity to help preserve your family and friend’s history and mitzvahs.
Underwriting Cultural and Educational Programs
Throughout the year, there are many opportunities to underwrite one of the Museum’s public programs, each of which offers significant exposure and credit, including but not limited to the following:
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Visual Art Exhibitions (learn more)
Each year, the Museum hosts a visual artist who creates a site specific installation at the Museum.
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Pre-K to Grade 12 Education (learn more)
The Museum at Eldridge Street serves more than 4,000 children through its K-12 educational programs, pre-K StoryTime learning programs, Preservation Detectives program for ages 5-10, and unique tours for children and adults with physical, emotional or learning disabilities.
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Adult Education & Scholar in Residence Program (learn more)
The Museum believes that learning is a life-long endeavor. Our Scholar in Residence program features lectures, adult-education classes, and public conversation series that explore Biblical, historical and contemporary Jewish-American themes and issues.
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Collections (learn more)
The Museum at Eldridge Street’s collections include photographs, minute books, ledgers, oral histories, and myriad other historical artifacts and documents pertinent to our foci on Lower East Side immigration, American-Jewish history and culture, and architectural preservation. Our archivist assists students and scholars in accessing these materials for their studies; provides fascinating information about items in the collection on the Museum’s website; and showcases collection materials through on-site exhibitions.
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Concerts (learn more)
The Eldridge Street Synagogue is a beautiful site to listen to music. Museum concerts include “Lost and Found” music by composers and musicians of varied musical genres. Sponsor a concert or the entire concert series.
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Preservation and Conservation (learn more)
One of the Museum’s main mission goals is to restore and maintain our beautiful National Historic Landmark 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue. Permanent naming opportunities are available for major gifts.
Investing in the Future: The Museum’s 1887 Society
The Museum at Eldridge Street has established the 1887 Society to recognize individuals who have chosen to create a legacy that will live on at Eldridge Street by establishing a “planned gift” to benefit the Museum.
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The term "planned giving" refers to any major gift that involves financial or estate planning. 1887 Society members are very special people who have informed us that they have made a gift to benefit the Museum in their will, life insurance policy, or charitable remainder trust. Many of these gifts can provide both financial and tax benefits, and may permit you to achieve much more with your donation than you thought.
For example, a bequest in your will is a simple, straightforward means to create a legacy that will live on at Eldridge Street. You can include the “Museum at Eldridge Street” as a beneficiary in your will by either amending a current will or by drawing up a new one. It’s as simple as sharing the following suggested wording with your attorney: "I give and bequeath the sum of $____ (or ___% of my estate) (or ---- shares of X corporation) to the Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge Street, New York, New York 10002 to be used for its general purposes."
As the Museum at Eldridge Street continues the critical restoration of the 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue, plans for its future maintenance, and expands its cultural and educational programs to meet an overwhelming demand from local schools, residents, and tour groups, planned giving plays an increasingly vital role in the Museum’s future.
The Museum at Eldridge Street’s staff can work with you and your advisors to structure a gift that meets your charitable and personal tax and financial goals. All questions will be treated confidentially and will place you under no obligation.
