Donate Memorabilia to JWV-MI Archive

It's a fact of life that we all pass on. When that time comes, what happens to all of our service-related "stuff"?

The director of the Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archive invites you to donate to the Jewish War Veterans Department of Michigan (JWV-MI) Collection service-related documents, photographs, diaries, letters, scrapbooks, medals or other artifacts from an honorably discharged veteran regardless of his/her religious affiliation. If you are handling the final settlement of a veteran's estate, please contact the Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archive before disposing of any military material. The Franklin Archive would be honored to add it to the JWV-MI Collection where it will be preserved for posterity.

The JWV-MI Collection is under the custodial management of the Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archive at Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Hills. The Franklin Archive maintains not only 150 years of congregational records but is also a repository for history of the local Jewish community.

Rabbi Leo M. Franklin

Recently, the Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archive has combined with the Jewish Federation Archive to form the Joan Meyers Jampel Center for Michigan Jewish Heritage - still housed in Temple Beth El.

Since 2008, the Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archive has been the custodian of the Jewish War Veterans of Michigan Collection. The JWV-MI retains ownership of the collection while the Franklin Archive manages its day-to-day operation. Veterans are also encouraged to contact the Archive for an appointment to record an oral history of their military experiences. Taken together, these artifacts and recorded stories paint a portrait of veterans service and sacrifice to our country.

The Jewish War Veterans of Michigan Collection is open for use by researchers, academicians, genealogists and historians. Hours are Monday to Thursday, 10-5. Please make advance arrangements. For an appointment, call 248-865-0628 or email farchives@tbeonline.org.