Borscht Belt Museum to Present Mel Brooks Tribute, Moth Storytelling and More

Step back into the golden age of the Borscht Belt for a weekend of nostalgia, storytelling and celebration. From the heartfelt whispers of mountain romances to the booming laughter of comedy legends, Ellenville will come alive with a tribute to the enduring spirit of the Catskills. The Borscht Belt Museum invites visitors to experience a vibrant lineup of events taking place June 27–28, bringing together history, culture and entertainment in one immersive weekend.

The festivities begin on Saturday, June 27, with a special afternoon Interactive Storytelling Experience from 4:00 to 5:15 p.m. led by Corey Rosen, host of The Moth StorySlams. This workshop blends the art of storytelling with the spontaneity of improvisation. Participants will learn how to transform everyday moments into compelling narratives by developing skills such as idea generation, story structure, emotional presence and adaptability. Through guided exercises and supportive feedback, attendees will leave with a polished personal story and practical techniques they can apply to everything from professional presentations to life's milestone moments. 

Later that evening at 7:00 p.m., the Museum will host a reception for the opening of its new exhibit, Catskills Romance: Love and Desire in the Borscht Belt. Corey Rosen returns as the honored guest for an evening featuring live music by the Starlight Duo, along with refreshments and dancing. The exhibit explores the many forms of connection that flourished in the Catskills, from traditional courtships to more unconventional relationships, highlighting the vibrant social world of grand hotels and bungalow colonies. It shines a spotlight on the figures who helped orchestrate these connections, resort owners, maître d's, tummlers, dance instructors and staff, and captures the rituals and settings that defined a Catskills summer, from poolside mingling and mambo nights to Champagne Hour competitions and world-class entertainment. Admission to the reception is free with advance RSVP required at: https://givebutter.com/catskills-romance-love-desire-reception 

The Catskills Romance exhibit, which will continue to run throughout the summer and beyond, is curated by Cristian Petru Panaite and Mackensie Griffin with support from the Catskills Borscht Belt Museum community. The exhibit is made possible thanks to the support of the Naiades Fund, the Chaya Fund and the Victor and Pearl Tumpeer Foundation. Admission to the exhibit is included with general museum admission. For more information on the exhibit visit: https://www.borschtbeltmuseum.org/catskills-romance  

As part of the upcoming exhibit, the Museum is seeking couples who met, married or honeymooned in the Catskills to share their memories and for a chance to become a part of this special exhibit honoring the connections, traditions and enduring love stories born in the mountains. Participants must have a photograph from that time and currently reside in the New York City metro area or the Catskills/Hudson Valley region for an in-person photoshoot. Interested couples are encouraged to email romance@borschtbeltmuseum.org with a brief summary and photograph of their romance story for consideration no later than June 7.

The celebration continues on Sunday, June 28, at 2:00 p.m. with a tribute marking the 100th birthday of comedy legend Mel Brooks. Titled Mel Brooks: The Birthday Party, the program features a dynamic panel discussion with Eddy Friedfeld, David Margolick and Danny Fingeroth, who will reflect on Brooks' extraordinary life, career and lasting influence on American comedy. Friedfeld, a film and entertainment journalist and historian, has collaborated closely with comedy greats including Sid Caesar and Brooks himself, while Margolick, a noted journalist and Vanity Fair contributing editor, brings deep insight from his recent biography of Sid Caesar. Fingeroth, a respected comic book writer and cultural historian, offers a unique perspective on the intersection of Jewish and American humor traditions. Following the panel, guests are invited to continue the celebration with a lively birthday after-party. The festivities will include stand-up comedy, classic songs and, of course, birthday cake for all, capturing the joyous, communal spirit that defined the Borscht Belt at its peak. To purchase tickets, visit: https://givebutter.com/mel-brooks-the-birthday-party-panel-and-after-party-g3vvok 

Together, these events offer a rich and engaging journey into the history and cultural legacy of the Catskills, inviting audiences of all ages to connect with the stories, laughter and romance that made the Borscht Belt an enduring icon of American life.

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