Straus Historical Society

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Straus Historical Society

Welcome to the Straus Historical Society
page! The history of the Straus family is part of world history. It is written for the present.

The Straus Historical Society fosters educational activities with respect to the settlement of Jews in the United States and, in particular, the family of Lazarus and Sara Straus, their ancestors and their descendants. The focus of the Society's activities on the Straus Family is based on the family's involvement in government, commerce, and philanthropy. It provokes discussion, imagination and cr

eation. It ties the present with the past and draws pathways to the future. Visit the Straus Room at the Rutgers University Virtual Museum of Public Service: www.vmps.us/straus-family

06/10/2026

On this day, 141 years ago, Isidor and Ida Straus purchased their house in Inwood.

The property was sold by court order at public auction on June 10, 1885. Isidor Straus placed the winning bid of $30,000 and, after a hiccup whereby the property was determined to be about 1/3 acre smaller than advertised and Straus sued successfully to get the price decreased, the estate entered the Straus family. As a corollary to the mystery about why Isidor and Ida felt they needed two substantial residences six miles apart, there is uncertainty about just how much they used the Inwood home. There is a family story that when the family was at Inwood, the Straus’ son Herbert needed medical attention and it was slow to arrive at their rural location, causing Isidor and Ida to change their plans and settle instead at 105th Street.

Learn more: https://shorturl.at/Nh1Ma

06/08/2026

On June 8, 1913, a remarkable tribute was unveiled at Macy’s historic 34th Street entrance—the Isidor and Ida Straus Memorial Plaque.

Funded by contributions from nearly 5,000 Macy’s employees, the bronze tablet honors Isidor Straus and Ida Straus with bas-relief portraits and a deeply moving inscription:

“THEIR LIVES WERE BEAUTIFUL AND THEIR DEATHS GLORIOUS - THIS TABLET IS THE VOLUNTARY TOKEN OF SORROWING EMPLOYEES.”

Each contributing employee’s name is forever etched into the plaque—a powerful testament to respect and remembrance.

Unveiled by their 7-year-old granddaughter Eleanor Straus Hess, the ceremony reflected the profound bond between the Straus family and the people who worked alongside them. Accepting the tribute, Jesse Straus called it a “fitting climax” to the many honors bestowed upon his parents.

More than a century later, the plaque continues to inspire. In 2014, it was re-dedicated following the reopening of Macy’s original entrance, with great-great-great granddaughter Jenna Belabed helping mark the occasion.

Learn more about the re-dedication: https://shorturl.at/5gyrB

06/06/2026

Join the Straus Historical Society for a special virtual program on June 10 at 6:00 PM featuring author Andrew Fisher with an introduction by Executive Director Joan Adler. Fisher will explore the remarkable life and legacy of Nathan Straus.

Andrew Fisher, author of Nathan Straus: From Macy’s Magnate to International Humanitarian, will discuss Straus’ extraordinary journey from merchant prince to internationally celebrated humanitarian. This engaging online event offers a unique opportunity to learn more about one of the most influential humanitarian figures of the early twentieth century.

Registration is free, but space is limited. Guests must register in advance in order to receive the Zoom link.

We hope you will join us for this fabulous presentation!

Register: https://forms.gle/YNcMtEG1tqMxwYFHA

06/04/2026

Honoring Arthur “Art” Loeb on World Environment Day

This World Environment Day, we celebrate the legacy of Arthur Loeb—a man whose love for nature transformed both his life and the landscapes he cherished.

Born into a family shaped by international experiences and strong business roots, Art Loeb was the son of Adolf Loeb, who immigrated from Germany in 1895 and built a successful career in the United States. While Art followed a path in business as a corporate leader at Ecusta, it was the mountains that ultimately defined his legacy.

After a heart attack in his early 40s, Art turned to walking as a way to heal. What began as short strolls near his home grew into a passion for exploring the rugged beauty of Pisgah National Forest. With maps in hand and curiosity as his guide, he ventured across trails, often getting lost—and loving every moment of discovery.

Art’s dedication to the outdoors extended beyond personal exploration. As an active member of the Carolina Mountain Club and supporter of the Appalachian Trail, he championed conservation and community engagement. Known for his humility, kindness, and leadership, he inspired all who hiked beside him.

In 1969, his impact was permanently honored with the dedication of the Art Loeb Trail—a challenging and beloved route that continues to connect people with the natural world he so deeply loved.

Today, we remember Art Loeb not only for the trail that bears his name, but for the spirit of exploration and stewardship he passed on to future generations—including his daughters and grandchildren, many of whom continue his environmental legacy.

Let his story remind us: sometimes, the path to healing leads us back to nature—and forward to protecting it.

06/01/2026

Celebrating Pride Month

This June, the Straus Historical Society proudly celebrates Pride Month—honoring the history, resilience, and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.

Pride is a time to reflect on the ongoing pursuit of equality, dignity, and inclusion, and to recognize the courage of those who have fought—and continue to fight—for a more just and compassionate society.

In the spirit of public service that defines the Straus legacy, we stand in support of LGBTQ+ voices and reaffirm our commitment to building a future where all people are seen, valued, and empowered.

Happy Pride Month!

05/29/2026

Straus Scholarship Spotlight: Lashun Taylor

The Straus Historical Society is honored to recognize Lashun Taylor as a 2026 Straus Scholarship recipient, awarded a $5,000 scholarship in support of a deeply meaningful commitment to public service.

Lashun is pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration and Policy at the University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy.

After spending 31 years in state prison—15 of those in solitary confinement—Lashun has dedicated his life to advocacy and service, working with currently and formerly incarcerated individuals. He is especially passionate about supporting incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women, whose experiences are often overlooked.

His work focuses on:
▪️ Gender-responsive reentry planning
▪️ Expanding rehabilitative and educational programs
▪️ Trauma-informed care and support

Lashun is committed to transforming systems that create barriers and ensuring that those impacted by incarceration are seen, supported, and empowered.

He shares:
“My story is painful, but it is also powerful. Through public service, I will make sure that it means something, not just for me, but for every person who still believes their life is over when, in reality, it is just beginning.”

Congratulations, Lashun, on this well-deserved honor and your inspiring dedication to justice, healing, and second chances.

Learn more about the 2026 winners: https://www.strausscholarship.org/

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, the Straus Historical Society honors the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

We remember their sacrifice with gratitude and reflect on the enduring values of courage, duty, and remembrance that shape our shared history.

May their legacy live on in our communities and in the stories we preserve.

05/21/2026

Straus Scholarship Spotlight: Anna Kaganova

The Straus Historical Society is proud to recognize Anna Kaganova as a 2026 Straus Scholarship recipient, awarded a $5,000 scholarship in support of her commitment to public service.

Anna is pursuing a Master’s in Global Business Administration at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

Her work focuses on addressing a critical challenge in public service: bridging the gap between community needs and how resources are allocated. Anna is passionate about strengthening how institutions listen to and respond to the communities they serve—ensuring more equitable, sustainable, and accountable systems.

She aims to build a career at the intersection of finance, policy, and implementation, working with public agencies, philanthropic foundations, and nonprofit organizations to drive meaningful impact.

Anna shares:
“The contrasts between my two homes—one shaped by post-Soviet economic transition and institutional instability, the other a global financial and political center—sparked an early curiosity about how public systems function and whom they ultimately serve.”

Congratulations, Anna, on this well-deserved honor and your dedication to advancing equity and effectiveness in public service.

Learn more about our 2026 winners: https://www.strausscholarship.org/

05/17/2026

Straus Scholarship Spotlight: Ariane Gottlieb

The Straus Historical Society is proud to recognize Ariane Gottlieb as a 2026 Straus Scholarship recipient, awarded a $5,000 scholarship in support of her commitment to public service.

Ariane is pursuing a Master’s degree at the American University School of International Service in Global Governance, Politics, and Security, with concentrations in State, Society and Politics, and Multilateral Diplomacy & Global Governance.

Her academic work is focused on strengthening democratic integrity and addressing the rise of authoritarianism worldwide. Ariane is especially interested in research that bridges democracy and human rights, helping to inform policies that support resilient, inclusive governance.

She aspires to build a career in foreign policy think tanks, contributing meaningful research that advances democratic values on a global scale.

Ariane shares:
“I want to use my research and professional skills to build a more democratic future for Americans and those around the world.”

Congratulations, Ariane, on this well-deserved honor and your dedication to advancing democracy and human rights.

Learn more about the 2026 winners: https://www.strausscholarship.org/

05/13/2026

Straus Scholarship Spotlight: Noam Shapiro

The Straus Historical Society is proud to announce Noam Shapiro as the 2026 recipient of the Paul A. Kurzman Memorial Scholarship, continuing the Straus family legacy of public service.

Noam is pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, concentrating in Environmental Science & Policy.

His research explores how environmental cooperation can foster peace and stability—both domestically and in regions like the Middle East. His work focuses on innovative climate policy solutions, including:
▪️ Alternatives to vehicle emission standards
▪️ Low carbon fuel strategies
▪️ Reducing vehicle miles traveled
▪️ Expanding electric vehicle incentives

Noam is passionate about advancing sustainability, water safety, and emissions reduction through public policy, with aspirations to serve in state or city government as a policy analyst or legislative advisor.

He shares:
“I have dedicated my efforts to passing federal and state legislation to reduce greenhouse gases and accelerate the transition to renewable energy, especially for low-income communities and communities of color.”

Congratulations, Noam, on this well-deserved honor and your commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable future.

Learn more about the 2026 Winners: https://www.strausscholarship.org/

Address

Post Office Box 416
Smithtown, NY
11787

Telephone

+16317244487

Website

http://straushistoricalsociety.org/

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