Continental Breakfast Reception

Dietary laws observed
Exhibits

Welcome—

Dr. Ruth K. Abrahams,
Executive Director, GFMH

Keynote Address—

Dr. Jonathan Ray,
Samuel Eig Assistant Professor Jewish Studies
Georgetown University

Break

Panel:

Exploration and Expansion:
Forces that Brought Merchant Jews
to the New World

Buffet Lunch - dietary laws observed

Films, Exhibits, Book Sales/Signing

Panel:

The Impact of Jews on Caribbean Trade

Break

Panel:

The Importance of Jewish Merchants
in Early America

Conclusion —

Andrée Aelion Brooks.
Author and Trustee, GFMH

Reception:

Wine & Light Buffet
dietary laws observed
Exhibits, Book Sales/Signing

The cornerstone of the Jewish pioneer experience in America lies along the Hudson River five miles north of Newburgh, New York. It is Gomez Mill House, one of the oldest continuously lived in residences in the United States and the oldest surviving Jewish dwelling in North America.

In 1714, American Jewish Pioneer, Luis Moses Gomez, built a fieldstone blockhouse to conduct trade in the Mid-Hudson region as an extension of his successful enterprises in Colonial America. From these roots and through nearly 300 years of American history, Gomez Mill House evolved as home of American Revolutionary patriot, Wolfert Acker; 19th century gentleman farmer, William Henry Armstrong; Arts & Crafts artisan Dard Hunter; and 20th century social activist, Margaret Gruening.

Descendants of Luis Moses Gomez, joined by descendants of other owners and friends, formed the Gomez Foundation for Mill House in 1979 to preserve and maintain the Gomez Mill House and Historic Site, a chartered museum on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Gomez Foundation for Mill House is to preserve the historic Mill House and historic site; to make the public aware of the long history and role of American Jews as pioneers, predating the Revolution by many decades. The Gomez Mill House is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization registered in the State of New York.