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Israel Bernstein Papers

 Collection
Identifier: P-51

Scope and Content Note

This collection contains information on Israel Bernstein’s family, employment, numerous public offices, clubs, organizations, and social services. The collection also contains a photograph of Bernstein, and the Boy Scouts of America Silver Antelope Award and the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to brotherhood. The Jewish Federation of Portland’s annual report displays his impact on the organization, as does the citation from the National Jewish Welfare Board. There are news clippings concerning his involvement in various organizations and the speech from Israel Bernstein’s memorial service. In addition, there are two oversized awards from the Jewish Federation of Portland, Maine.

Dates

  • undated, 1945-1968

Creator

Language of Materials

The collection is in English.

Access Restrictions

This collection is open for researcher use. Please contact us to request access or to make an appointment to view this collection at jhcreference@nehgs.org.

Use Restrictions

There may be some restrictions on the use of this collection. For more information contact jhcreference@nehgs.org.

Biographical Note

Israel Bernstein was born in Portland, Maine on November 22, 1890. He graduated from Harvard College in 1912 and Harvard Law School in 1915. In 1922, he married Rebecca Thurman; they had two daughters. He was an attorney at law from 1915 until his death in 1967. Israel Bernstein served as a Regimental-Sergeant-Major in the 12th division U.S. Army during Word War I. He was on the executive board of many organizations, such as the Jewish Federation of Portland and the National Jewish Historical Society of Portland, Maine. Bernstein also co-established the Casco Bank and Trust Company. Among his many achievements, the Boy Scouts of America awarded him both the Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope Awards for his distinguished service to youth. The Jewish Federation of Portland, Maine recognized his service as President in 1947 and 1948 and granted Bernstein a citation commemorating his devotion to the organization. Bernstein died in 1967.

References

  1. Materials from the collection.

Chronology

November 22, 1890
Born in Portland, Maine.
1912
Graduated Harvard College.
1915
Graduated Harvard Law School.
1922
Married Rebecca Thurman.
1933
Co-established Casco Bank and Trust Company.
1940
Awarded Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award.
1945
Awarded Boy Scouts of America Silver Antelope Award.
1948
Elected President of the Jewish Federation of Portland.
1949
Jewish Federation of Portland, Maine tribute to Bernstein.
1953
Received a Citation from the National Jewish Welfare Board.
1953
Elected President of the Jewish Historical Society of Portland, Maine.
1956
Received a Citation from the Jewish Federation of Portland, Maine.
1967
Died in Portland, Maine.

Extent

0.25 linear feet (1 half-manuscript box)

Abstract

Israel Bernstein was born in Portland, Maine. He graduated from Harvard College in 1912 and Harvard Law School in 1915. After graduating, he served as a Regimental-Sergeant-Major in the 12th division U.S. Army during World War I. Bernstein co-established the Casco Bank and Trust Co. He played a prominent role in the Jewish Federation of Portland, Maine. In 1948, he was elected President of the Jewish Federation of Portland, Maine and was President and founder of the Jewish Historical Society of Portland, Maine in 1953.

Physical Location

Located in Boston, Mass.

Acquisition Information

Acquisition information is unknown.

Processing Information

Processed by Rebecca Simon, 2012

Title
Guide to the Israel Bernstein Papers, P-51
Author
Processed by Rebecca Simon
Date
2012
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center at American Ancestors Repository

Contact:
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Boston MA 02116 United States
617-226-1245