FAQs

About YIVO

What is YIVO?
YIVO is all these things: a research institute, an institution of higher learning, an adult education organization, a cultural organization, and a world-renowned library and archive. The organization's mission is to preserve, study, share, and perpetuate knowledge of the history and culture of East European Jewry worldwide. YIVO was founded in Berlin and Wilno, Poland (now Vilnius, Lithuania) in 1925 as the Yiddish Scientific Institute with the support of leading intellectuals and scholars, including Albert Einstein and Sigmund Freud. It was located in Wilno (or as it is commonly known, Vilna) from 1925 until forced by World War II to relocate to New York City, where it has been headquartered since 1940.

Where is YIVO located?
YIVO is located at 15 West 16th Street in New York City, not far from Union Square. 

Can I visit YIVO? What is there to see?
YIVO welcomes visitors to its exhibitions at the Center for Jewish History (CJH), in the John and Gwen Smart and the Joan Constantiner Galleries. YIVO also displays artifacts in the Selma L. Batkin Mezzanine and participates in the exhibitions of the other partners of the CJH. (Click here for hours.) 

Please make an appointment to conduct research in the YIVO Archives (manuscripts, photographs, and other special collections). 

Please also visit YIVO by attending one of our programs or by registering for one of our courses.

Ordering

I am having trouble placing my order. Can you help me?
Of course! Please email us at info@yivo.org, and we would be happy to help.

Shipping and Returns

Do you ship internationally?
Yes! YIVO is happy to ship your package outside of the United States. Available shipping rates will show up during the checkout process.

How long will it take for my order to ship?
Please allow 3-5 business days for orders to ship.

Do you provide tracking numbers when shipping packages?
Yes, all packages shipped from the YIVO Store will include tracking numbers. Your tracking number will be linked in your shipping confirmation email.

I decided that I no longer want an item I purchased. Do you accept returns and cancellations?
The YIVO Store does not accept returns and cancellations. All orders are final sale.

The order I received is incorrect. Can you ship me the proper order?
We are sorry that your order was incorrect! Please contact us at info@yivo.org, and we would be happy to rectify this for you. Please include your order number in your email to YIVO.

I ordered a fragile item (such as a mug), and it arrived broken. Can you ship me a new one?
We are sorry your item arrived damaged! Please contact us at info@yivo.org, and we would be happy to ship you a new item, if there is inventory available. Please include your order number in your email to YIVO.