CHESTERTOWN — What is being described as “a groundbreaking new exhibit” that highlights a heretofore hidden part of Kent County history through the lives of Jewish families who came to the region in the early 1900s opens Friday, Oct. 3 at the Bordley History Center in downtown Chestertown.
Drawing on first-person narratives and primary-source research, the exhibit will explore why these families chose Kent County; their contributions to local communities; how they sustained their cultural and religious traditions; what it meant to grow up Jewish in an isolated rural setting that was sometimes hostile and sometimes warm; and how later generations carried these experiences into the wider world.
A full weekend of related events will begin with an opening reception on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the historical society’s headquarters, 301 High St.
On Saturday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m., pianist Susan Hollins, who grew up in Millington and whose family is featured in the exhibit, will present a concert titled “Jewish Composers of the Immigration Era” with guest Nevin Dawson. The concert will be at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 N. Cross St. in Chestertown.
To reserve a spot, see https://buytickets.at/historicalsocietyofkentcounty/1862099.
A panel discussion titled “Finding Community” will close out the weekend on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. at the Kent Cultural Alliance’s Vincent and Leslie Prince Raimond Cultural Center, 101 Spring Ave. in Chestertown.
Panelists will include Sol Davis, executive director of the Jewish Museum of Maryland; Margie Elsberg, a former Chestertown resident and one of the founders of the Chestertown Havurah; and descendants of the families featured in the exhibit. They will delve into the questions addressed in the exhibit, and what it means to find community whoever we are, wherever we find ourselves.
To reserve a seat, see https://buytickets.at/historicalsocietyofkentcounty/1862717.
All events are free and open to the public.
Light refreshments will be served courtesy of the Chestertown Havurah.
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The Historical Society of Kent County is dedicated to preserving, protecting and sharing the rich history of Kent County [Maryland] through its museum, research library, exhibits and programs.
The public is invited to visit the Bordley History Center at 301 High St. in Chestertown, attend events and consider getting involved as a member or volunteer.
Membership benefits include unlimited use of the genealogy and research library [by appointment], a discount on books in the museum gift shop and invitations to members-only events.
A donation of $25 is recommended for individual memberships, and $40 for families. Student memberships are always free.
Visit www.kentcountyhistory.org for more information, or email admin@kentcountyhistory.org.
