The Jewish Community Center in Salt Lake City, Utah is turning 100 years old.

The centennial will be celebrated throughout 2025, starting with a lecture, “1925-2025: Progress & Positivity,” Thursday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m.

University of Utah librarian emeritus, Prof. Walter Jones, will take guests on a time-travel journey to 1925 for a look at American society, literature and the arts in comparison to today.

Other events include a panel discussion on the homelessness crisis in Utah, an “Ain’t Misbehavin’” party where guests can learn the Charleston, a Centennial Trivia Night; a walking tour of Salt Lake City’s historic Jewish cemetery, and a look at the legacy of the Scopes Trial.

The annual fundraiser, Shalom on the Range, June 26, will feature the Roaring ‘20s.

Originally located in the Wall Mansion at 411 East South Temple, then referred to as the “Covenant House,” the JCC was the place for dances, dinners and other society events.

When the stock market crashed and the pall of WW II fell over the Jewish community, the Covenant House became a different gathering place — one where women supported the war effort by rolling bandages and other jobs for the nearby army camps.

As the Jewish community grew, so did its needs. In 1958, the JCC moved to the 1700 South location, where for five decades children from all walks of life learned how to swim, attended summer camp and school.

This location was so overrun by children’s programs that once again, there was a need for a bigger space.

Fast forward to 1999, when Izzy Wagner donated a major gift honoring his late wife, Jeanné, which was paired with gifts made by over 500 families and organizations to purchase the Fort Douglas Country Club.

The country club, which had denied Wagner membership because he was Jewish, focused on becoming a state-of-the-art facility where everyone was welcome.

The I.J. and Jeanné Wagner JCC has changed and grown since 1999. It currently houses a full workout facility, Pilates studios, a basketball court, two pools, an early childhood center, reception venues, a new building for camp and after-school program, and one of the best views of the city.

“Many don’t realize that Jewish roots run deep in the history and development of Salt Lake City,” says JCC CEO Andrea Alcabes.

“We are so proud to be part of the fabric of this great city.”