Jewish Country Houses: A remarkable gathering at the Jewish Philanthropy Conference
The Jewish Philanthropy Conference 2024, themed “Solidarity, Antisemitism, and Cultural Heritage,” took place on June 24-25 at the esteemed venues of Brasenose College (Oxford), Upton House, and Waddesdon Manor. Organized by the Jewish Country Houses project with support from the National Trust and Waddesdon Manor, the conference was a resounding success, bringing together leading experts from around the world.
The conference featured a series of thought-provoking sessions led by distinguished scholars and practitioners. Highlights included keynote speeches and engaging panel discussions that set the stage for deep discussions on Jewish philanthropy’s historical and contemporary impacts. Experts explored various themes, from national paradigms of philanthropy to cultural legacies and philanthropic activism. In addition, curatorial workshops and guided tours at Upton House and Waddesdon Manor offered practical insights into heritage preservation, providing participants with hands-on experiences. The quality of the speakers and the depth of their presentations were standout features of the event.
AEPJ was present at the conference through its director, Victor Sorenssen, who presented the European Routes of Jewish Heritage, certified by the Council of Europe, where Jewish Country Houses are an established member. Sorenssen had the opportunity to learn first-hand about the magnificent work being done by the Jewish Country Houses, and the fantastic network of researchers and managers who run it. It is worth noting that The AEPJ Routes Incubator will take place in September this year in Oxford, hosted by the Jewish Country Houses, so it will be a unique opportunity for the entire network of route managers to learn about the project and explore collaborations at all levels with them.
