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On a rainy July 22, 1986, the Saint John Jewish Historical Museum opened its doors for the first time. Numerous special guests, including MLAs and the city's Mayor, attended. This was the fulfillment of a dream by Marcia Koven to preserve the history of the Saint John Jewish community. The community had become a diminishing community - from more than 200 families to about 50 at that time. During the first season three hundred visitors viewed the exhibits.

In the years that followed, the number of visitors increased. Most of those early visitors came by car or motor home; today they are more likely to be passengers on board visiting cruise ships between June and October. Many of these people join the Jewish Heritage Bus Tour, one of the many shore excursions which are offered.

By 1990 the museum moved from being a seasonal museum to welcoming group tours year round from schools, churches and various organizations. The next year the archives and library were formally organized and made available to researchers from across the country.

Since 1986, numerous exhibits have been produced to show the community history - businesses, weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, immigration, Israel, organizations, medical professionals, military involvement, and more. Several internationally known artists have had their work hung in our gallery, including Herzl Kashetsky and David Silverberg.

More recently, the Museum has organized a Chanukah Menorah Lighting ceremony and a Holocaust Memorial Day Program. The latter includes an educational program for high school students who present projects on the Holocaust. A series of Jewish education Outreach Kits was created in 1995 to allow the museum to reach students throughout the province.

The museum operates with one full time staff and high school and university students hired on government grants over the summer months. Dozens of young people have benefited from the new knowledge gained through this program.