WPA Survey of the Vilner Congregation

 In 1936, the Works Progress Administration conducted a Historical Records Survey of all populations in the United States. In Massachusetts, this included a survey of all synagogues, giving us great insight into Jewish life during the time period. While the survey was conducted in 1936, most files have documentation up to 1945. This specific survey is about the Vilner Shul, which no longer operates as a practicing synagogue, but remains a cultural center for Jewish life and is the last immigrant-era style synagogue in Boston.

Citation: Massachusetts Historical Records Survey Files. SC1 167x. Massachusetts Archives. Boston, Massachusetts.