About

The Jewish Historical Society of British Columbia (JHSBC) was founded on January 25, 1971, under the direction of historian Cyril Leonoff, with assistance from the National Council of Jewish Women and Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region. Over the years, the society amassed a wealth of historical materials, preserving the stories of Jewish migration, community building, and cultural contributions across BC.

By 2002, it became clear that the JHSBC’s expanding collection would demand a dedicated archives. The JHSBC–operating as the Jewish Museum and Archives of British Columbia (JMABC)–officially opened to the public on March 25, 2007, and now serves as the leading institution for collecting, documenting, and disseminating the province’s Jewish cultural heritage.

Currently, our extensive archives have grown to house over 325 linear metres of textual records, more than 325,000 photographs, and more than 1,000 oral history interviews, covering all aspects of Jewish life in BC from 1858 to the present. These collections, sourced from over 70 organizations, families, and individuals, form the foundation of our research and public programs, including exhibits, lectures, walking tours, media content, and publications., through which we connect with BC’s diverse communities, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of the long legacy of Jews in the region.

The work of the Jewish Museum and Archives of BC is made possible through the support of:

And through the support of family foundations and community donors.