Hudson Valley Residents Discover Family History on Bakery List

When it comes to family history, there's a lot that can be learned. More than ever, we're interested in our lineage and may use websites such as Ancestry and 23andMe to gather information.

What if you could learn about your family here in the Hudson Valley?

Some of the villages, hamlets and towns in the Hudson Valley date back to the 1600's. If your family members lived here then, it's possible that they helped settle the beautiful towns that we live in today.

There are Hudson Valley towns that used to be called something else but today, go by a different name.

Every town has a story to tell, whether it's something that is known or hidden. Hudson Valley artifacts can also pop up and tell their own story of what was like before we arrived.'

Hudson Valley Museum Highlights Hudson Valley Residents And Their Past

A popular Ulster County, NY bakery was once one of the most popular businesses in the area. At the time, this bakery was run by Jewish immigrants who were known as the Reher family, their story still lives on today.

The Reher Center For Immigrant Culture and History shared information,

"Today, the site is a museum and cultural center that preserves and honors the legacy of Reher's Bakery and amplifies immigrant stories of the Hudson Valley, past and present. "

While I was visiting Kingston, NY, I took time to go into The Reher Center For Immigrant Culture and History and learn about all that they offer for the community.

How Can Residents Learn More Through The Reher Center In Kingston, NY?

Historic bakery tours take place at the Reher Center and allow guests to

"explore the past, present and future of Reher's Bakery".

The Reher Center For Immigrant Culture and History shared,

Those who go on the tour can "step back to 1959" and explore an immigrant Jewish bakery. This bakery once served different breads such as challah, rye,pumpernickel and more. Their signature bread rolls were a fan favorite and were a part of the Kingston, NY community for 80 years.

Original artifacts will be seen, stories will be told of a typical Sunday morning at the bakery as well. Tour guests will also learn how Frank Reher managed to create a successful business along with his children which is still remembered in 2023.

The ticket also includes a free entry into The Reher Centers newest gallery exhibition which is called Taking Root: Immigrant Stories of the Hudson Valley. This space allows guests to view the interactive content that is displayed on site.

Ticket prices start at only $12.50 and can be purchased through a link provided.

The Historic Reher's Bakery Tours are Saturday and Sunday at 11:30am. These tours start on July 15, 2023 and continue through November 26, 2023. The tours are around 50 minutes.

SEE MORE: Where Can You See This Guiness World Record Holder In The Hudson Valley?

Hidden Artifact Reveals Last Names Of Past Customers Of Reher's Bakery

There are hamlets, villages and towns within the Hudson Valley. Some towns can be recognized as a small town where everyone knows one another by name, this may continue to live on in Kingston, NY.

A Hudson Valley family owned diner uncovered a piece of the past.

The Reher Center allows residents to share their story of what life was like when Reher's Bakery was open and how they positively impacted their lives with their food.

A list is available to those who are interested to see on their website, highlighting customers last names, this includes those who made an order and it needed to be fulfilled or delivered.

Do You Know Any Of The Names From This List Of Reher's Bakery?

The Reher Center, Canva

The Reher Center shared,

"This “Sunday List,” an artifact left behind when Reher’s Bakery closed, inspired Sundays at the Bakery, a digital exhibit."

I spoke with Hudson Valley residents who recognized names from the list that were their family, friends and neighbors. Some of the Ulster County, NY last names mentioned in the list are ancestors of those who carry on the same last name in the Hudson Valley.

It's possible that if you have friends, family or neighbors who are Hudson Valley natives, they may recognize a popular last name, a family friend's name or even an ancestor.

Take a look at the list and share your opinions with us below. Have you ever found a Hudson Valley artifact? Tell us more.

The Only Way To Catch All of These 5 Sites Along The Hudson River

How Can You Experience The View Of All of These 5 Sites Along The Hudson River?

Spending time outdoors in the Hudson Valley is one of my favorite things, I also enjoy exploring different attractions and new experiences.

I took part in the Hudson River Cruises Sunset Cruise out of Ulster County, NY. Being on the Hudson River, seeing historical sites and soaking in the fresh, summer air was uplifting.

This is the only way that history buffs, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can experience these 5 sites along the Hudson River.

Take a look at what can be experienced along this cruise.

Gallery Credit: Allison Kay

Sneak Peek at Highly Anticipated Hudson Valley Museum

A New Museum Will Open In The Catskills Featuring Hollywood's Biggest Stars

The Borscht Belt Museum will open in Ulster County,NY. This allows for the history of the Borscht Belt to carry on in the Hudson Valley.

While celebrities in the past visited the Borscht Belt region, there will be more involved in the community when this museum opens in 2025.

Fran Drescher And Fellow Celebrities Will Sit On A Hudson Valley Museum Board

Fran Drescher is a celebrity that almost everyone likes. Known for her role as Fran Fine in The Nanny, the world couldn't help but laugh at her jokes, statements, and relatable interactions with other members of the show.

According to Yahoo News,

Fran Drescher isn't the only celebrity who will be in the Catskills.

"The museum’s list of advisory board members includes Fran Drescher, Harvey Fierstein, Judd Hirsch, Robert Klein and Richard Lewis — a fitting cast for a place where some of the nation’s top comedians got their start."

Have You Ever Heard Of The Borscht Belt?

According to Borscht Belt Museum.org,

"For generations of Jews in the New York metropolitan area, there was no doubt about the location of those “mountains.” Less than 100 miles from the cramped, sweltering tenements of Manhattan’s Lower East Side was a lush patchwork of forests, farms and bustling rural towns that hosted a summertime population of nearly a million urban strivers hungry for the clean air, fresh food and familiar camaraderie that even a garment worker or cab driver could afford."

Spending the summer in the Catskills sounds ideal.

"From the turn of the 20th century to the 1970s, more than 1,000 hotels, bungalow colonies, summer camps and boarding houses dotted the Catskill Mountains of southern New York. At first they came by train, and later, by bus and car along The Quickway, now known as Route 17."

Some may know this area or region to be called Solomon County, Jewish Alps or The Mountains. The Borscht Belt was also another term that most people remember the most.

How Can You Visit The Borscht Belt Museum In Ellenville, NY?

I took a day trip to the Borscht Belt Museum in Ellenville, NY. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a humorous sign stating "Come in and schmooze, free admission".

When I entered the museum, I was greeted by a volunteer. I was able to walk around and see memorabilia from the different resorts of the Borscht Belt region and community.

I was also told that this museum is a pop up for now, they will continue to change the set up as well. 2025 marks the year that the Borscht Belt Museum will officially open.

Gallery Credit: Allison Kay

Source: Hudson Valley Residents Discover Family History on Bakery List

Filed Under: Kingston, NY, Reher's Bakery, The Reher Center, Ulster county

Categories: Articles