From the slums of 19th century West Bar, a handful of Jewish immigrants went on to shape Sheffield history.

In 2022, Sheffield City Archives acquired records from the Sheffield Jewish Community, covering almost two centuries of Jewish life from 1780-1980. From Shtetl to Steel City explores the hidden history that lies buried in these records. It brings to life the world of impoverished immigrants, who fled from oppression to embrace an alien environment. Striving, aspirational and feisty, they punched above their weight to help shape the story of Sheffield itself.

This talk for Heritage Open Days is a rare chance to hear this largely unknown story from Sheffield's history and to see archive material, artifacts and documents on display.

Judy Simons is a Sheffield born and bred writer, Professor Emerita at De Montfort University, Leicester and former editor of Sheffield Jewish Journal.

Description supplied by the event organiser.