ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

Photos courtesy of The Catskills Institute at Northeastern University.

Welcome to the Catskills Borscht Belt Museum Oral History Project! We are dedicated to preserving the rich history and vibrant memories of the Borscht Belt resort hotels and bungalow colonies that once thrived in the Catskills. We invite you to share your unique stories and memories.

To participate, email interview@borschtbeltmuseum.org to schedule an online video interview with a museum representative. During your scheduled session, we will guide you through the process, ensuring that your story is recorded with care and respect.

The Borscht Belt Museum is proud to partner with TheirStory, an online platform dedicated to empowering communities to preserve their own narratives.

We kindly ask that participants prepare for their online recording session by reviewing the questions below.

Do you have photographs, letters, or other documents that you would like to share in connection with your oral history interview? If so, please let us know and we can provide instructions for how you can donate scanned copies for preservation in our archive.

Here are our suggested questions. Answer one, some or come up with your own.

  1. Share a memorable story or anecdote from your time spent in the Borscht Belt resort hotels or bungalow colonies. What made it particularly memorable or unique?

  2. How did you or your family come to discover the Borscht Belt? What led you to choose it as a vacation destination or a place to work?

  3. What was a typical day like for you in the Borscht Belt?

  4. What was your favorite aspect of the Catskills experience? Was there a particular tradition, routine or activity that stands out in your memory?

  5. Were there any specific interactions or relationships that left a lasting impression on you?

  6. What role did comedy, music, and other entertainment play in your Borscht Belt experience? Do you recall any standout performances?

  7. Food was a big part of the Borscht Belt experience. Do you have any specific memories of dishes, meals, or dining experiences there?

  8. How did your experiences in the Borscht Belt influence your life or career? Did it shape any of your values or beliefs?

  9. In your opinion, what made the Catskills hotels and bungalow colonies such a special and vibrant community?

  10. Were there any notable characters, personalities or family members that stood out during your time there?

  11. Describe the atmosphere and camaraderie among staff members or guests in the Borscht Belt.

  12. In your opinion, why is it important for future generations to understand this era?

Please feel free to share any additional stories, memories, or insights that you believe are important for preserving the rich history and experiences of the Borscht Belt. Your participation in the oral history project is invaluable in helping us capture and celebrate the spirit of this cherished era.

Please note that by participating in the oral history project, the audio and content of your recording will become the property of the Catskills Borscht Belt Museum. Your stories will be preserved in our archive, contributing to the collective memory of this remarkable era.

EMAIL INTERVIEW@BORSCHTBELTMUSEUM.ORG TO SCHEDULE YOUR INTERVIEW