Congregation Anshei Libovitz (Boston, Mass.) Records
Scope and Content Note
Congregation Anshei Libovitz was founded in 1890. In 1898 or 1899, the congregation left its old synagogue in Downtown Boston and purchased the African Meeting House at 8 Smith Court in Beacon Hill. This building, which had previously belonged to the First African Baptist Church (the first black church in Boston) and served as a center of the abolitionist movement, was the congregation’s synagogue until 1972 when it was sold to the Museum of Afro-American History. The congregation’s cemetery is located in Woburn, Massachusetts.
Dates
- undated, 1894-1965
Creator
- Congregation Anshei Libovitz (Boston, Mass.) (Organization)
Language of Materials
The collection is in English and Yiddish.
Conditions Governing Access
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.
Conditions Governing Use
There may be some restrictions on the use of this collection. For more information contact jhcreference@nehgs.org.
Historical Note
Congregation Anshei Libovitz was founded in 1890. In 1898 or 1899, the congregation left its old synagogue in Downtown Boston and purchased the African Meeting House at 8 Smith Court in Beacon Hill. This building, which had previously belonged to the First African Baptist Church (the first black church in Boston) and served as a center of the abolitionist movement, was the congregation’s synagogue until 1972 when it was sold to the Museum of Afro-American History. The congregation’s cemetery is located in Woburn, Massachusetts.
References
- Clingan, Carol. “Massachusetts Synagogues and Their Records, Past and Present.” http://jgsgb.org/pdfs/MassSynagogues.pdf
- Horton, James Oliver. Landmarks of African American History. 57-58. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005
- Kaufman, David. “Temples in the American Athens: A History of the Synagogues of Boston." In The Jews of Boston, edited by Jonathan D. Sarna, Ellen Smith, and Scott Martin Kosofsky, 188. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2005.
Chronology
- 1890
- Congregation Anshei Libovitz is founded.
- 1898 or 1899
- The congregation purchases and moves to 8 Smith Court in Beacon Hill.
- 1972
- The congregation closes and sells its building to the Museum of African American History Boston.
Extent
3.5 linear feet (4 manuscript boxes and 1 OS box)
Abstract
Congregation Anshei Libovitz (alternatively referred to as Lebowitz, Libawitz, Libavitz, and Lebavitz) was founded in 1890 in Downtown Boston. The collection contains meeting minutes and financial records that provide information on the congregation’s membership and the day-to-day management of the synagogue.
Physical Location
Located in Boston, Mass.
Acquisition Information
Acquisition information is unknown.
Processing Information
Processed by Amir Zelinger, 2018
- Title
- Guide to the Congregation Anshei Libovitz (Boston, Mass.) Records, I-103
- Author
- Processed by Amir Zelinger
- Date
- 2018
- 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