Preserving the history, legacy and future of the Borscht Belt
A historical marker system commemorating the famed era
2024 SULLIVAN COUNTY HISTORY preserver AWARD
2024 HISTORY PRESERVER AWARD
We are thrilled to be the recipients of a 2024 History Preserver Award, given to us by the Sullivan County Historical Society (SCHS). The History Preserver Award is given to a person or group who has done significant work in preserving and interpreting Sullivan County history.
Previously, this award was given to none other than Jennie Grossinger, The Kutsher Family, Max Yasgur, and more!
We want to extend our gratitude to SCHS for helping our ‘Catskilland: Billboards of The Borscht Belt’ slideshow come to life with images from their collection earlier this year- along with being one of our fiscal sponsors and partners since our inception.
It’s an honor- we’re elated our passion for The Borscht Belt / Catskills is felt by the community as much as it is.
Excited for our markers to come in 2025!
Preserving the Past
Preserving the Past
Preserving the Past
The mission of The Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project is to interpret and designate places important to the Borscht Belt’s vibrant history and to consider its impact on American Jewish life, the legacy of the Catskills, New York State history, American culture and entertainment, and the ways in which the era’s rich history is enduring
The mission of The Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project is to interpret and designate places important to the Borscht Belt’s vibrant history and to consider its impact on American Jewish life, the legacy of the Catskills, New York State history, American culture and entertainment, and the ways in which the era’s rich history is enduringly present and woven into the very fiber of the region.
As of our inception in 2022, there were no historical markers dedicated to the Borscht Belt era in either Sullivan or Ulster County.
Whether on or near sites of significant events or historic properties the Marker Project’s efforts strive towards selecting locations significant to the local, state, and national history in towns and villages scattered across the Sullivan and Ulster County landscape.
Markers will intentionally be placed on public domain lands and not on land that may have future development and get knocked down. By utilizing existing public spaces, parks, and locations where people can easily maneuver, this project will attract foot traffic from locals and visitors alike.
This large-scale interpretive project will benefit the communities they are placed in by sparking interest in local history, be easily accessible to the public and educate citizens and visitors alike about the events that have shaped our past.
The Marker Project
Preserving the Past
Preserving the Past
The Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project is a group of locals, artists & historians dedicated to identifying and commemorating the history of the Borscht Belt, a celebrated era in American Jewish life. Beyond the Borscht Belt, the era's crossover and impact on American culture is unmeasured!
Our goal is to create a comprehensive marker
The Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project is a group of locals, artists & historians dedicated to identifying and commemorating the history of the Borscht Belt, a celebrated era in American Jewish life. Beyond the Borscht Belt, the era's crossover and impact on American culture is unmeasured!
Our goal is to create a comprehensive marker system and self-guided audio driving tour that traverses the region along with an array of public programming and educational materials.
Our mission is the creation of a large-scale interpretive historic marker trail of 20 dual-sided markers enhanced with photographs and QR codes. The historic trail will span the towns and villages where over 500 documented Borscht Belt hotels and 50,000 bungalows once thrived. When complete it will be complimented by a self-guided audio tour traversing Sullivan County and parts of Ulster County.
By using both traditional (historic marker) and new media (QR codes, images) our aims to combine history and adventure, attracting those who have experienced the era and those who are newly intrigued by it.
The project aims to cement the Borscht Belt in its physical space. Juxtaposed with the Catskill’s natural beauty, the permanent marker trail and audio tour encourages people to venture out into landscape and visit the various towns that once comprised the famed era.
The Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project is more than just historic markers.
A multi-disciplinary venture, we have a wide range of public programs & curated initiatives from film screenings to exhibits, tours, author, literary, comedic, community & musical events. Our public programs aim to expand upon the marker experience, furthering history, education & community and dialogue about the Borscht Belt in an array of formats.
Our Fiscal Sponsor
Preserving the Past
Our Fiscal Sponsor
Each one of our historic markers is generously supported by The Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, a non-profit, volunteer organization. The purpose of the Society is to identify and recognize sites of American Jewish Historical interest.
The Society sponsors and promotes programs of local and national historic interest. C
Each one of our historic markers is generously supported by The Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, a non-profit, volunteer organization. The purpose of the Society is to identify and recognize sites of American Jewish Historical interest.
The Society sponsors and promotes programs of local and national historic interest. Cooperating with local Historical Societies, Communities, Churches and Synagogues, the Society encourages dialogue and interactive recognition of the commonality of the American Experience.
OUR PARTNERS
