Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum

Built in 1876 and restored and rededicated in 1970, the historic synagogue is now stewarded by the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington. It is open for educational tours, programs, and life-cycle events. Our exhibitions are displayed in venues throughout the region to preserve the authentic feel of the historic space. The historic synagogue, the oldest in the Washington area, is home to the Lillian & Albert Small Jewish Museum. Built by Adas Israel Congregation, President Ulysses S. Grant attended the synagogue's dedication in 1876. The congregation outgrew the building in a few decades and sold the building.It stood at Sixth & G Streets, NW, for more than 90 years before being slated for demolition. The Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington helped save the building from the wrecking ball, and in 1969, it was moved three blocks to its present site. Community contributions and a gift from Lillian and Albert Small helped restore the synagogue.