Borscht Belt: Woodbourne
Borscht Belt Nights: A Celebration in Woodbourne —-In-person Marker Dedication & Virtual Premiere
Join the Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project as we unveil our 13th historic marker, celebrating the legacy of Woodbourne!
This dedication honors Woodbourne’s unique place in Borscht Belt history—including its farming roots, role as a hub for kuchaleins (“cook alone” in Yiddish), pioneering women hoteliers, and the vibrant arts and Bohemian culture that defined the area.
⭐ In-Person Dedication Ceremony ⭐
Saturday, August 23
9:00 PM
437 Main Street, Woodbourne, NY
Free and open to all
Due to limited space (the marker is installed on the sidewalk), the dedication ceremony will be a small in-person gathering with a virtual component to follow.
As Woodbourne is predominantly Orthodox Jewish, most businesses reopen after Shabbat ends around 9 PM — from coffee and dessert shops to restaurants and cocktail bars.
Attendees are encouraged to stick around and join us for a festive nighttime celebration, featuring a special night projection slideshow illuminating Woodbourne’s storied past onto its present-day streets.
⭐ Virtual Premiere ⭐
Sunday, August 24
Watch the pre-recorded dedication online, featuring:
Our team and descendants of local hotels such as Chesters’ and Jacoby’s.
⭐ EVENT AGENDA: ⭐
August 23, 9 PM: In-person dedication in Woodbourne. Stick around for a slideshow projection and to peruse the food offerings in town!
August 24: Virtual premiere goes live on social media.
