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The Borscht Belt Museum breaks ground

Story and photos By Nic Birgler
Posted 4/28/23

For generations, the Catskills were the premiere vacation destination for New York City’s Jewish Community, searching for an escape from the harsh city summers. Visitors were welcomed by clean …

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The Borscht Belt Museum breaks ground

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For generations, the Catskills were the premiere vacation destination for New York City’s Jewish Community, searching for an escape from the harsh city summers. Visitors were welcomed by clean air, fresh food and camaraderie.  

Resorts like Kutshers, Grossinger’s, and the Concord boasted great views, and even greater entertainment featuring acts like Ben Vereen, the Four Tops, Joan Rivers, Freddie Roman and many more, creating a very specific type of  humor unique to the Catskill region, earning the regional nickname “The Borscht Belt”.

“The History of the Borscht Belt is worth recognizing and sharing with the next generation. The area gave many people joy and many lasting memories,” said Jennifer Kutsher, granddaughter of the owners of Kutsher’s Resort, Milton and Helen.

The culture and humor of these resorts inspired blockbuster films like Dirty Dancing and hit television series like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Unfortunately, the era of these grand resorts came to an end with rise in affordable air travel. 

New York Times reporter Andrew Jacobs, together with co-president Kenneth Weisen, have acquired the Old Home National Bank, the former main funder of local resorts, building to house the Borscht Belt Museum in Ellenville.

Beginning with a pop up show in July, the museum will illuminate and celebrate the golden age of the Catskills resort era and will offer a rich array of adult public programming and interactive activities and workshops for family audiences.

The Borscht Belt Museum aims to revitalize the spirit of the Catskill’s vacation culture and commemorate “the rich history and enduring legacy of the Catskill Jewish community, which has contributed much of the culture our region and nation,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. 

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