Preserving the history, legacy and future of the Borscht Belt
A historical marker system commemorating the famed era
Preserving the Past
Preserving the Past
Preserving the Past
Established in August 2022, the Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project is a group of locals, artists & historians dedicated to commemorating the history of the Borscht Belt, a celebrated era in American Jewish life, American culture and Catskill history. Our mission is the creation of a large-scale historic marker trail that permanently c
Established in August 2022, the Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project is a group of locals, artists & historians dedicated to commemorating the history of the Borscht Belt, a celebrated era in American Jewish life, American culture and Catskill history. Our mission is the creation of a large-scale historic marker trail that permanently cements the famed era in its physical place while paying tribute to its legacy. Enhanced by photographs and QR codes, when complete the 20-marker trail will be united by a self-guided audio driving tour.
Whether on or near sites of significant events or historic properties, the Marker Project selects locations significant to the era and illuminates them in the present day. Our historic markers are intentionally placed on public domain lands and in existing public spaces, parks, and locations where people can easily maneuver.
Beyond guiding visitors through a literal roadmap of history, the Marker Project, along with its accompanying public programs rolled out at each historic marker dedication, fosters community engagement, a sense of social connection, and deepens the relationship citizens and visitors have with the region's vibrant past.
The Marker Project
Preserving the Past
Preserving the Past
Prior to our initiative, there were no historical markers commemorating the Borscht Belt era. As of now, we have established nine, with plans to expand to 15 by the end of 2025.
When completed (estimated in 2026), the permanent marker trail, along with its audio tour, will encourage visitors to explore the landscape and discover the vario
Prior to our initiative, there were no historical markers commemorating the Borscht Belt era. As of now, we have established nine, with plans to expand to 15 by the end of 2025.
When completed (estimated in 2026), the permanent marker trail, along with its audio tour, will encourage visitors to explore the landscape and discover the various towns that were central to the Borscht Belt era. The project aims to be a fun, educational endeavor that invites people to experience the physical places tied to this history, while also promoting economic development and tourism throughout the region. As of late 2024, we have installed nine historical markers, with six more planned for 2025. Marker dedications will continue into 2026 until the trail is completed.
The Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project goes beyond just markers. It includes a variety of initiatives such as film screenings, exhibitions, bus tours, and events celebrating authors, literature, comedy, music, and more. Additionally, we are creating a self-guided audio driving tour. All public programs associated with the historic marker dedications are free. Our goal is to combine history and adventure, offering an immersive, educational community experience while fostering economic growth and tourism in the region.
Our Fiscal Sponsor
Preserving the Past
Our Fiscal Sponsor
Our historic markers are generously funded 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 wit
Our historic markers are generously funded 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.
PUBLIC PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS
We currently have nine historic markers throughout the Catskills with six on the way in 2025!
Our lively dedication ceremonies include guest speakers who are hotel and bungalow colony descendants and workers, town officials, local representatives and individuals who have a connection with the Borscht Belt.
Each dedication ceremony is complimented by a public program which celebrates the famed era through film screenings, arts and literary expos, architectural tours, musical performances, DJ sets, immersive slideshows, cocktail hours, and more!
Check out our events page here!
May the Borscht be with you!
OUR PARTNERS
