This summer, the Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project will add another chapter to its journey with the installation of five new markers at key locations in the Catskills.
Each town or village on the trail is associated with a celebrated era that holds a significant place in American Jewish history.
From the 1920s to the 1970s, the Borscht Belt (named for the beloved Eastern European beet soup) thrived. Boasting an impressive 500 hotels and resorts, 50,000 bungalows, and countless rooming houses, the Catskills offered a welcoming haven for generations of predominantly Eastern European Jews.
With its delicious ethnic cuisine, top-notch entertainment, and convenient proximity to New York City, the Borscht Belt also offered a sense of belonging and acceptance, an antidote to the rampant anti-Semitism in the hospitality industry at that time.
Marisa Scheinfeld leads this ambitious project, which is generously supported by the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation. This non-profit volunteer organization identifies and recognizes significant sites in American Jewish history.
The project's initial four markers were installed in 2023, in Monticello, Mountain Dale, Swan Lake, and Fallsburg. This summer's expansion brings markers to South Fallsburg, Kiamesha, Hurleyville, Bethel, and Woodridge.
Each new installation will be accompanied by rich cultural programming, including exhibits, author talks, lectures, music, and film screenings.
The ultimate goal? A 20-marker trail by 2026, encompassing other potential installations in Loch Sheldrake, Woodbourn, Ellenville, Livingston Manor, and Parksville.
The markers themselves offer a two-sided experience. One side provides a general overview of the Borscht Belt, while the other delves into the specific history of the featured village or town.
Photographer and author Marisa Scheinfeld played a pivotal role in capturing the essence of the Borscht Belt history and culture. Over two years, she meticulously documented the area's glory days, as well as the remnants left behind after the decline of hotels, resorts, and bungalows. Her work was featured in a Cornell University Press book titled "The Borscht Belt: Revisiting the Remains of America's Jewish Vacationland" (2016).
Looking towards the future, Scheinfeld says the project hopes its impact will extend far beyond nostalgia alone.
"The response has been immense," she says. "Last year alone, over 500 people of all ages attended our dedications, sharing countless memories and stories." The project also aspires to ignite interest and educate younger generations about the Borscht Belt's legacy.
The Borscht Belt's influence has been immeasurable, says Scheinfeld. "From shaping entertainment, comedy, music, and
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