On April 9th, we celebrated the debut of our newest Special Exhibition, “Most Fortunate Unfortunates: The Jewish Orphans’ Home of New Orleans,” created by Marlene Trestman, with an Opening Event featuring remarks by Marlene, Curator Michael Jacobs, and Executive Director Kenneth Hoffman. Based on Marlene’s award-winning book by the same name, the Exhibition explores the history and legacy of the first purpose-built Jewish orphanage in the United States through rare artifacts, deeply researched stories, and detailed portraits of the administrators, caretakers, and “inmates” of the Home. The Special Exhibition will be on view at the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience through January 25, 2026.