Borscht Belt Museum — Attraction in Town of Wawarsing

I’d stay far away from this place. I went with my father inside the museum. We were visiting the town and never heard of the Borscht Belt before and were curious. The receptionist there was staring at her phone hunched over until I came up and asked if she had any pamphlets or literature about the museum. She asked me why I need them, and I said I just came into town for the first time and was interested. She said “Well didn’t you think to look online before you came in to the museum?” I don’t know why she was so rude about it, but after reexplaining myself, she pointed to some pamphlets on the other side of the room and continued to scroll on her phone. I read the brochures but I didn’t like how condescending she was, so I decided to just go. She asked if I found what I wanted. I wanted a good experience in a new place that I hadn’t heard of before. I’m not sure why she had to be so rude but whoever was working that day on Tuesday Sept 10th at about 1 pm made us feel pretty unwelcome. I’d tell anyone I know to stay away. She never even asked if we were interested in a tour or why we were interested in coming that day. Isn’t that the point of working in a museum, to get people interested? Plus the place was dusty and looked sort of run down once you step through the doors. Would not recommend, though I wish we could have had a...

I haven’t been to the Catskills in 23 years. What a wonderful gem this museum proved to be. I read some of the previous reviews before going and I agree that the museum is in its infancy, but for those of us who lived, worked and (most of all) PLAYED in the Catskills, it triggered the most wonderful memories. My tour guide, Lisa, was full of information and, if it weren’t for her, I might have spent a few minutes and walked out. As it happens, we shared many of the same experiences and I stayed and reminisced with her for quite some time. She’s like a human exhibit. Ask a question, and she delivers the answer…and more!!!

I highly recommend visiting if you grew up in this era. Today’s Catskills no longer reflect the heyday of the Dirty Dancing era. The grand hotels, the bustling bungalow colonies, and the thriving towns may be gone, but, thanks to the Borscht Belt Museum, they are not forgotten. I am especially thrilled that Ellenville, home to both The Fallsview and Nevele hotels, is the host for this...

"I didn't even know there was a Borscht Belt Museum!" is the reaction I get when I tell people we came for a visit.

It's definitely worth a visit!

I've been fascinated with the Borscht Belt from my mother stories. She was a mother's helper at a bungalow colony in the 50s. I was intrigued by a small exhibit at the Sullivan county Museum a few years ago. I'm glad this interesting part of Hudson Valley history has a home.

The museum is scrappy but fun. I loved the recreations of the hotel room and The bungalow colony. It was really interesting to read people's remembrances that were hung on the windows. Fascinating to read the menus. I wish I could have stayed or eaten there.

This Museum definitely gives you a taste of...