Founded in 1654, this is the earliest constructed synagogue still in use in the Americas. The museum artistically communicates the story of the Jewish diaspora and their search for a Promised Land as it relates to the Caribbean region and most specifically Barbados.
The Jewish community thrived in Barbados until 1831 but by 1848 the Jewish population had declined to only 70 Jews. In 1925 there was only one Jew left on the island, David Baeza. The Nidhe Israel Syngogue was deconsecrated and sold to private interests.
In 1931, Ashkenazi Jews, including the late patron Moses Altman, migrated to Barbados from Poland. He and his son Paul Altman dedicated themselves to rescuing the decaying structure.
With assistance and generous donations the entire Synagogue Historical District has been exquisitely restored. It includes the synagogue, a water fed mikvah, shops, a meeting facility, restaurant, a very special gazebo, and an interesting graveyard.
