Schmatta Talk: Italian & Jewish Stories of Sewing in Kingston

Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History

Enjoy an excerpt of the documentary Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags and a discussion of Italian and Jewish stories of sewing in Kingston.

Reher Center

In the 1920s, more people in Kingston worked in sewing industries than in any other job – and many of those employed were Italian and Jewish immigrants and their descendants. Join us to explore and celebrate the Italian and Jewish stories of Sewing in Kingston.Enjoy an excerpt of the documentary Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags, which explores the rise and fall of NYC’s garment industry, and hear from Italian and Jewish Kingston residents whose family stories shine light on the business of sewing in our city. This event is free but requires a ticket to reserve seating.F﻿or information on visiting and parking near the Reher Center, go to <a href="https://www.rehercenter.org/visit/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">rehercenter.org/visit</a>. This event takes place in our historic building's gallery space, which is located up a flight of 14 steps.Following this free screening event, we're grateful to Graziano's Downtown Café for hosting a mouthwatering dinner, where every dollar of every ticket purchased will support the Reher Center.  To make this event as appetizing and impactful as possible we're offering tiered ticketing. Whether it's $125 or $75, you can choose the price that's meaningful to you. With no administrative or production costs you'll directly contribute to our work of amplifying immigrant stories. Seating is limited, so <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/buffet-dinner-at-grazianos-downtown-cafe-tickets-432053532747">purchase your ticket here </a>today to reserve your spot!

About Schmatta: Rags to Riches to RagsThe Garment Center is the heart and soul of Midtown Manhattan and the backbone of the fashion industry. It was the gateway for many immigrants to the American Dream. Now, it’s in danger of disappearing. Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags, a 2009 feature HBO documentary, explores the rise and fall of New York's fabled schmatta (rag) trade as a microcosm for the economic shocks that have changed our lives.

SupportersOur thanks to the Ulster County Italian American Foundation for their support of this event through a 2022 Community Grant.Sewing in Kingston is made possible thanks to significant support from the Coby Foundation. Associated public programs are made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Humanities New York.Many thanks to Sewing in Kingston Presenting Sponsors: Ulster County Tourism, Shawangunk Valley Conservancy/Bienstock Family, and an Anonymous Donor.Additional Sewing in Kingston supporters include Pleat Sponsor: Ditto! Design!, and Stitch Sponsors: Barbara &amp; Joe Cohen, Basch and Keegan, Central Hudson Gas &amp; Electric, CoWork Kingston, Herzog’s Home &amp; Paint Centers, Jill Ammerata, Miller &amp; Khan, Rick Friedman, and RUPCO.

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