Shelburne Theater Open House!
Explore the Shelburne Theater, dedicate Ferndale’s newest marker, and experience an evening of stories, photos, cocktails, food & local lore
Join the Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project for a special day celebrating the history of Ferndale!
The afternoon begins at 3:00 pm with a rare open house at the historic Shelburne Theater, one of Ferndale’s last surviving Borscht Belt-era landmarks. Located on the site of the former Shelburne Hotel, the theater is not regularly open to the public.
Explore the building, take photographs, and connect with its owners, Leisah Swenson and Monica Byrne, while experiencing a piece of Catskills history firsthand.
Light refreshments will be provided. Donations to support ongoing preservation efforts are welcome and appreciated, but not required.
The afternoon continues with the dedication of our 16th historic marker at 4:00 PM at 9 Ferndale Road. The ceremony will feature introductory remarks by Town of Liberty Supervisor Frank DeMayo, followed by reflections from longtime resident and local legend Maurice Gerry, as well as hotel descendants Eileen Pollack (Pollack’s), Marc Stier (Stier’s) and Mitchell Ivers (Upper Ferndale Country Club).
Following the dedication, festivities continue at Otto’s from 5:00–7:00 PM for Find Me in Ferndale! – an immersive slideshow exploration of the hamlet’s history through rare photographs and ephemera, storytelling, music, themed cocktails and food for purchase, local lore, and more!
Free and open to the public.
