The Hudson Valley Borscht Belt Museum Will Close For The Winter

The Hudson Valley is filled with astonishing museums that have stories of the past to tell. My visit to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Dutchess County, NY was educational and informative.

I enjoyed learning about the 32nd president of the United States, his efforts and his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt and how she changed not only the Hudson Valley but played a significant role in making the world a better place to live as well.

The Hudson River Maritime Museum in Ulster County, NY. It showcases the history of the Hudson River by preserving stories, information and artifacts. This museum also hosts public programs and educational resources to help learn about the important history of our area.

A popular museum has found its home in Ulster County, NY.

Fran Drescher And Other Celebrities Are On A Board Of An Ulster County, NY Museum

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Fran Drescher is a celebrity that almost everyone likes. Known for her role as Fran Fine in The Nanny, the world couldn't help but laugh at her jokes, statements, and relatable interactions with other members of the show.

Fran and other celebrities are on the board of the Borscht Belt Museum in Ellenville, NY.

Have You Ever Heard Of The Borscht Belt Before?

Canva, Borscht Belt Museum

The Borscht Belt Museum shared,

"For generations of Jews in the New York metropolitan area, there was no doubt about the location of those “mountains.”

A place to escape to, spend time with friends and loved ones was in the Borscht Belt Region.

"Less than 100 miles from the cramped, sweltering tenements of Manhattan’s Lower East Side was a lush patchwork of forests, farms and bustling rural towns that hosted a summertime population of nearly a million urban strivers hungry for the clean air, fresh food and familiar camaraderie that even a garment worker or cab driver could afford."

What Did The Borscht Belt Region Look Like?

Canva, Allison Kay

The Borscht Belt Museum shared additional information of how the area looked.

"From the turn of the 20th century to the 1970s, more than 1,000 hotels, bungalow colonies, summer camps and boarding houses dotted the Catskill Mountains of southern New York"

"At first they came by train, and later, by bus and car along The Quickway, now known as Route 17."

Some may know this area or region to be called Solomon County, Jewish Alps or The Mountains. However, the Borscht Belt was also another term that most people remember the most.

When Can You Visit The Borscht Belt Museum In Ellenville, NY?

Canva, Allison Kay

This summer, I took a day trip to the Borscht Belt Museum in Ellenville, NY. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a humorous sign stating "Come in and schmooze, free admission". I loved the humor before even entering the building.

When I entered the museum, I was greeted by a friendly volunteer and other local residents. I was able to walk around, learn and see memorabilia from the different resorts of the Borscht Belt region and community.

I was also told that this museum is a pop up for now, they will continue to change the set up as well. Those who are excited about the opening can countdown the date until 2025, which marks the year that the Borscht Belt Museum will officially open.

The Current Pop Up Exhibit Of The Borscht Belt Museum Is Open In Ulster County, NY

Canva, Allison Kay

The pop up Borscht Belt museum is filled with pictures of the past with stories that tell themselves and memories that live on with pieces of unique items from the time period as well.

I had fun posing with their microphone that was underneath the Showbiz sign on site and looking at the clothing and jewlrey that was worn by members of the Borscht Belt Region.

On TV at the pop up Borscht Belt Museum, they had Fran Drescher from The Nanny playing as well.

What Was The Pop Up Borscht Belt Museum Building In The Past?

Canva, Google Maps

The building in the museum is historic and has a story to tell of its own. The Borscht Belt Museum was built in the 1920s as a bank. It's interesting to think about how it played such a large role in so many lives of those who enjoyed staying there later in time.

There will be interactive activities, workshops, lectures, film series and more available at the Borscht Belt Museum.

The Borscht Belt Fest took place on July 29, 2023 in Ellenville, NY. This is known for being an annual event that highlights the never forgotten Borscht Belt time and era.

There were stand up comedians, educational programming, live music and more.

When Is The Last Time To See The Borcht Belt Pop Up Museum This Year?

On their website, The Borscht Belt Museum shared their fall and winter hours. Visitors are able to explore the pop up Borscht Belt Museum Thursday through Sunday from 12pm until 5pm. They are closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at their location in Ellenville, NY.

Their newest announcement was shared on their website as well. The pop up Borscht Belt Museum will close for the winter on Sunday, November 12, 2023.

Personally, I look forward to visiting this museum again in the spring and see what other additions they have added until the official opening in 2025.

Borscht Belt Museum

90 Canal St, Ellenville, NY 12428

Be sure to follow The Borscht Belt Museum for updates.

Have you heard of the Borscht Belt Region before? Have you visited the pop up Borscht Belt Museum? Tell us more below

Sneak Peek at Highly Anticipated Hudson Valley Museum

A New Museum Will Open In The Catskills Featuring Hollywood's Biggest Stars

The Borscht Belt Museum will open in Ulster County,NY. This allows for the history of the Borscht Belt to carry on in the Hudson Valley.

While celebrities in the past visited the Borscht Belt region, there will be more involved in the community when this museum opens in 2025.

Fran Drescher And Fellow Celebrities Will Sit On A Hudson Valley Museum Board

According to Yahoo News,

Fran Drescher isn't the only celebrity who will be in the Catskills.

"The museum’s list of advisory board members includes Fran Drescher, Harvey Fierstein, Judd Hirsch, Robert Klein and Richard Lewis — a fitting cast for a place where some of the nation’s top comedians got their start."

Have You Ever Heard Of The Borscht Belt?

According to Borscht Belt Museum.org,

"For generations of Jews in the New York metropolitan area, there was no doubt about the location of those “mountains.” Less than 100 miles from the cramped, sweltering tenements of Manhattan’s Lower East Side was a lush patchwork of forests, farms and bustling rural towns that hosted a summertime population of nearly a million urban strivers hungry for the clean air, fresh food and familiar camaraderie that even a garment worker or cab driver could afford."

Spending the summer in the Catskills sounds ideal.

"From the turn of the 20th century to the 1970s, more than 1,000 hotels, bungalow colonies, summer camps and boarding houses dotted the Catskill Mountains of southern New York. At first they came by train, and later, by bus and car along The Quickway, now known as Route 17."

Some may know this area or region to be called Solomon County, Jewish Alps or The Mountains. The Borscht Belt was also another term that most people remember the most.

How Can You Visit The Borscht Belt Museum In Ellenville, NY?

I took a day trip to the Borscht Belt Museum in Ellenville, NY. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a humorous sign stating "Come in and schmooze, free admission".

When I entered the museum, I was greeted by a volunteer. I was able to walk around and see memorabilia from the different resorts of the Borscht Belt region and community.

I was also told that this museum is a pop up for now, they will continue to change the set up as well. 2025 marks the year that the Borscht Belt Museum will officially open.

Gallery Credit: Allison Kay