54 | JUNE 13 • 2024
J
N
Looking Back
From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History
accessible at thejewishnews.com
A Keeper of History
I
will start this Looking Back with a disclaimer. What you are about to
read is a completely, totally biased column. This is because I am writ-
ing about someone who is both a longtime, esteemed professional
colleague and a great friend of mine. Sharon Alterman has been and still
is a leader in the Detroit Jewish community, and it has been my honor to
work with her over the past few decades.
Just search for “Sharon Alterman” in the William Davidson Digital
Archive of Detroit Jewish History. You will find 258 pages that cite
her name. What initially impressed me is the great number of stories
about communal events in Detroit’s Jewish community
that cited: “
Alterman chairs …
” or end with “call Sharon
Alterman at …
”
You will also notice how many times articles in the
JN include insightful comments by Sharon. These are a
good indication of her involvement in local organizations and
events, and that her opinions are respected by JN writers.
I decided to write this column about Sharon after attending
a wonderful event in May: Jewish Senior Life’s 2024 “8 over
Eighty” celebration. Eight highly accomplished Jewish seniors were honored
at this annual event. Sharon was one of the eight this year, along with anoth-
er friend, Gerry Cook. The “8” richly deserved the honors bestowed upon
them.
Sharon and I began working together on Detroit Jewish archival projects
after I began a second stint at the Walter P
. Reuther Library of Labor and
Urban Affairs at Wayne State University in 1996. The Reuther is the largest
labor history archive in the U.S. and was home to the Jewish Community
Archive.
During my time as Reuther director, 2002-2011, I worked with Sharon on
many occasions, including the development of several exhibits and research
projects. I soon learned that Sharon was diligent, creative and utterly reliable. If she said she was
going to do something, she always “delivered the goods.
”
I also learned that Sharon was devoted to Detroit’s Jewish community. It is always in her heart.
Indeed, although not all Jews in Detroit may know her, many of their stories are preserved because
of Sharon’s work as an archivist.
Sharon was the founding director of the Leonard N. Simons Community Archive at the Jewish
Federation of Detroit. When she began the position in 1990, her first task was creating order out of
chaos; that is, turning a whole hoard of dusty papers and photos into a bona fide research archive.
Did I mention that Sharon is diligent? She also has vision.
Sharon’s archival work was her profession for over 20 years — she retired as the Simons director
in 2014. Along the way, Sharon was awarded the Leonard Simons History Award in 2007, the Jewish
Historical Society’s highest honor.
Preserving history, however, is just one endeavor on Sharon’s long list of accomplishments. To
name just a few: she was president of JARC (1979-1981) — in fact, she was a founder of JARC — president of Congregation Beth
Shalom, active in the Jewish Historical Society, the JCC, Hillel Day School … and the list goes on.
I warned you, didn’t I? I am an unabashed fan of Sharon Alterman, and I am honored to be her friend. I thought you should
know about this remarkable person.
Want to learn more? Go to the DJN archives, available for free at thejewishnews.com.
Mike Smith
Alene and
Graham Landau
Archivist Chair