Jewish Historical Society of Maryland

The Jewish Museum of Maryland (JMM) will develop "American Alchemy: Junk to Scrap to Recycling," an exhibition telling the story of Jews and other people in the American scrap industry, the technological dimensions of scrap recycling, and artistic interpretations of scrap recycling. The exhibition will take shape through consultations with past and present participants in the scrap industry, and collaboration with the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries to collect oral histories, and to gather historical and technical materials. JMM will produce an interpretive plan, object list, and design approach while solidifying partnerships with institutions, and preparing school and adult programs. Once planning is complete, JMM will install the exhibition and companion components while the museum's staff will develop programs throughout Maryland to supplement the exhibition. These programs will be adapted for subsequent venues when the exhibition travels to other locations across the nation.