Taking Root: Immigrant Stories of the Hudson Valley

Taking Root is the newest exhibition on view at the Reher Center Gallery. This exhibition features the personal and family stories of 36 narrators from 22 countries and 6 continents who have made a home in the Hudson Valley. They shared their stories with us between 2019 and 2022 as part of the Reher Center’s growing Hudson Valley Immigrant Oral History Project. Their experiences are brought to life through oral histories, tintype portraits, and the smells of beloved cuisines.

This multimedia exhibition amplifies the stories of local immigrants as never before. Come listen to the voices of our storytellers – their joys, tastes, tears, and laughter – and immerse yourself in what is unique to each person and what is held in common about being an immigrant to the Hudson Valley.

The Reher Center is grateful for the individuals and organizations who made Taking Root possible:

Sponsors and Community Partners

Office of State Senator Michelle Hinchey, Humanities New York Vision/ Action Grant, Ulster County, Steve Housepian, Hudson Valley Credit Union, Ulster Savings Bank, Rondout Savings Bank, Harana Market, and M&T Bank.

Pinnacle Program Partner

Radio Kingston

In-Kind Support

Brand Design

lndeleble Design - Brand Creative Director: Jose Zapata and Graphic Design: Laura Garcia G.

Media

WKZE 98.1 FM

Materials

Herzog's Home Center of Kingston
Jack Weeks

Contributors and Collaborators

Kingston Library, Bard College, Hudson Valley Immigrant Oral History Project Advisory Committee, Ulster Literacy Association, La Vida Real Church, Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church

Food Research

Dr. Willa Zhen and her Research Methods in Applied Food Studies students, The Culinary Institute of America