Borscht Belt Discussion

Culture, cuisine, and comedy came together to form an intricate network of hotels, bungalow colonies, and resorts throughout New York’s Catskill Mountains. With a strong Jewish lineage, the Borscht Belt came to be known as a distinctly American story—one represented by a diverse clientele that journeyed to the mountains in search of fellowship basking under the warmth of the summer sun. Now, with the remaining hotel structures vanishing one by one, it is through these remaining artifacts such as matchbooks, silverware, menus, and even architectural details that this story can be shared. The lecture employs these relics to share with visitors the complete and complicated story of the Borscht Belt—one that extends before the Civil War and reveals the many industries, as well as individuals, that made it successful. Displayed are a wide array of artifacts from the Richard L. Benjamin Archive of Borscht Belt Tourism History, which works in conjunction with the Borscht Belt Museum in contributing artifacts for exhibits.
Space is limited and signup suggested: https://hurleylibrary.libcal.com/event/15363573

After you attend this discussion, you can visit the Borscht Belt Museum in Ellenville for free with your library card! Reserve the museum pass here: https://midhudsonlibraries.libcal.com/passes/09c37e97f918

You may also like the following events from Hurley Library:

• Next Monday, 5th January, 05:00 pm, Chair Yoga in Hurley

Also check out other Food & Drink events in Hurley, Comedy events in Hurley.