Step into one of the most charged moments in American history. Blacklisted: An American Story explores the Hollywood blacklist and the federal government’s loyalty investigations that upended thousands of lives during the Red Scare. Through powerful personal stories, rare artifacts, and film clips, the exhibition reveals how fear, politics, and identity collided—and what was lost when dissent was silenced.
Blacklisted: An American Story, on loan from Jewish Museum Milwaukee, incorporates film, personal narratives, objects, costume, and photography to examine the shifting definition of what it meant then—and what it means now—to be a patriotic American, and who gets to decide. The Capital Jewish Museum expands on the original presentation about the Hollywood Blacklist to include a look at the Red Scare’s impact on federal employees in the nation’s capital.
This special exhibition made possible in part by Richard Small Alper; Bob and Kate Giaimo; Howard Morse and Laura Loeb; Nussdorf Family; and David Bruce Smith, Grateful American Foundation.
Additional support from Linda and Eli Frank; Karchem Raizes Family; Wilma Probst-Levy; Pat and Robert Silverman.
As of 1.22.2026
Security and Safety
We are committed to ensuring that our museum is a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
The Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum reserves the right to refuse entry, or remove anyone from our premises, at our sole discretion. This includes, but is not limited to, anyone who is intoxicated, disruptive, threatening, or refuses a security check.
- All guests and bags will be searched upon entry. To speed up security screenings, please empty your pockets upon arrival and leave prohibited items and large bags at home.
- Please be advised, due to enhanced security measures, all Museum visitors 18 and older must present a government-issued ID upon arrival. The Museum reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone unable to present ID.
Image: Hollywood celebrities arrive in Washington: Marsha Hunt, David Hopkins, Richard Conte, Ralph Alswang, June Havoc, John Huston, Paul Henreid, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Joseph Sistrom, Evelyn Keyes, Danny Kaye, Jane Wyatt, Geraldine Brooks and Ira Gershwin, 1947. Courtesy of the Jewish Museum Milwaukee
