Catskill Resort Museum

Future Catskill Resort Museum

For 150 years, the Catskill Mountains have served the changing needs of Americans seeking a nearby vacation paradise. Their seasonal visits have transformed a hunting and agricultural landscape into an intensely developed tourist mecca. In 1823, the Catskill Mountain House stood alone as a specialized tourist hotel, now bungalow colonies, hotels, country, clubs boarding houses and motels were virtually everywhere.

Films like “ Dirty Dancing” “You can count on me” “A Walk on the Moon” and countless others were set in or based on the Catskill Mountains and all that it embodies for those that had the pleasure to experience it first hand. Many comedians, actors, and musicians got their start there, entertaining and delighting vacationers and locals alike.

Since its heyday, many of its surrounding towns, communities and villages have been depressed.

The future Catskill Resort Museum, set to be built in the heart of the Ellenville business district, will resurrect the Catskill Resort era and preserve the memories of those who grew up in it. Its mission is to spread awareness about the era and impact on 20th century American culture. With efforts to reach people of all ages and backgrounds, the museum will be interactive, multimedia experience, featuring personal stories and profiles, exhibitions, educational events, and fostering inter-generational dialog and insight to the Catskills broad impact.

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