Boston, MA — The Vilna Shul, Boston’s Center for Jewish Culture housed in the last remaining immigrant-era synagogue building, is proud to announce its participation in Everyone250: The People’s History of Boston, the major public history initiative commemorating the city’s 250th anniversary, organized by Embrace Boston with a coalition of more than 100 community partners, with a historic monument unveiling on Thursday, June 4.
Led by A Beautiful Resistance, Embrace Boston, MassArt, Mass Humanities, and Mathmatik Athletics, Everyone250 is a citywide effort dedicated to telling the fuller story of Boston—elevating voices that have too often been overlooked, underrepresented, or erased.Through partnerships with more than 30 historic sites and over 250 community organizations, the initiative highlights the contributions of immigrants, workers, and communities of color who shaped the city’s past and continue to define its future.
The Vilna holds a unique place in the city’s history. Built by Jewish immigrants in the early 20th century, the Vilna was home to a vibrant Jewish community, creating a majestic spiritual home that was a communal hub for generations of Boston Jews. Rescued in the 1990’s and reimagined as a cultural center, the Vilna stands as a living testament to the resilience, culture, and contributions of Jewish Bostonians.
Through Everyone250, the Vilna will help bring the Jewish story of Boston into sharper focus—connecting it to broader narratives of immigration, labor, and community-building that define the American experience.
“We’re so proud to support this work that elevates the many voices and cultures that make up Boston’s story,” said Marc Baker, President and CEO of Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP). “We’re also proud to have a gem in the Vilna Shul, and in their commitment to creating programs and experiences that highlight Jewish and broader immigrant stories year-round. The Vilna represents the Jewish value of tikkun olam—repairing the world—and we see participation in Everyone250 as a meaningful way to help weave our community back together.”
In addition to Everyone250 and its partners, The Vilna partnered with CJP in this effort, with CJP sponsoring the construction of the marker to ensure greater visibility and understanding of Jewish culture and history at a time when antisemitism remains a persistent and urgent concern. Their collaboration underscores the importance of storytelling, education, and public engagement in fostering a more inclusive and connected Boston.
The June 4 unveiling event is open to the public and features remarks from community leaders, partners, and historians, along with opportunities to engage with the stories and themes of Everyone250. Tickets and additional details here.
About the Vilna Shul
The Vilna Shul is Boston’s Center for Jewish Culture, located in the city’s historic West End. As the last remaining immigrant-era synagogue building in Boston, it serves as a vibrant hub for education, arts, and community programs that explore Jewish history, identity, and culture.
About Everyone250
Led by A Beautiful Resistance, Embrace Boston, MassArt, Mass Humanities and Mathmatik Athletics, and a coalition of over 100 partners in Boston’s arts and culture sector, Everyone250 is redefining what it means to belong in Boston. Through storytelling, cultural celebration, and honest reflection, we shine a light on the untold histories and unsung heroes who have shaped our city over the past 250 years—ensuring every voice is heard and every person is seen.
More than a campaign, Everyone250 is a living, breathing commitment to inclusivity, representation, and the power of collective impact.
Join the Movement. Explore our mission, attend upcoming events, and help us Reveal More Boston.
About Combined Jewish Philanthropies
Founded in 1895, Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) is Greater Boston's Jewish Federation and was created with the purpose of building vibrant Jewish communities and igniting positive change at home, in Israel, and around the world. As a philanthropic organization driven by Jewish values, learning, and culture, CJP mobilizes communal philanthropy and provides grants, builds partnerships, and brings Greater Boston's diverse Jewish community together. For more information, please visit www.cjp.org.