The Columbus Jewish Historical Society maintains an extensive collection of audio recordings from individuals who have been actively involved in the Jewish communities of Central Ohio. Older members of these communities have shared what life was like when they were growing up in days gone by, and they relate the history of institutions and businesses that no longer exist or have changed dramatically over the years. Many of those who have given interviews are no longer with us, and their oral histories preserve their voice and their memories for future generations.

In addition, oral histories have also been gathered from some of the Jews who emigrated to Central Ohio from the countries of the former Soviet Union during the 1980s and 1990s.

All of these recordings have been transcribed, and many are available for viewing on this website. The oral histories that are not published on this site may be examined by appointment at the CJHS offices.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PUBLISHED ORAL HISTORIES

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A LIST OF UNPUBLISHED ORAL HISTORIES

The oral history collection of the CJHS is supported in part by the Benjamin Balshone Oral History Endowment, the Robert A. Glick Testamentary Endowment and the Edward Schlezinger Fund — all of the Columbus Jewish Foundation — and a special one-time gift from Betty & Herbert Schiff.

Some oral histories may be in Adobe Acrobat format. Click here to download the free reader.

Do you already have an idea of what you are looking for? If so, try our new Oral History Search Box below. Once you find a page you are interested in, use your browser's find function (CTRL + F), OR (Edit->Find) to find specific text on that page.