Step Back in Time: Explore Historic Reher’s Bakery!

Get ready to journey into Kingston’s past! Starting April 19th, the Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History is kicking off a new season of fascinating historic tours through their preserved early 20th-century bakery.

For nearly a century, the Reher family, Jewish immigrants, ran this very spot, serving up deliciousness to the working-class, immigrant community in Rondout. Now, you can get a rare peek into the daily life and culture of the Hudson Valley back then.

Imagine the aroma of fresh rolls, rye, and challah that once filled the air! Reher’s Bakery was a Sunday morning staple, with churchgoers lining up for their dinner rolls – so much so that the Rehers kept a special “Sunday List” for orders! The museum is even on a mission to connect with the families on that list to hear their stories, and you might just hear some of them on your tour.

As local resident Karen Sangaline Pillsworth fondly remembers, “Growing up in Kingston, visiting the Reher Bakery to get our rolls was the best part of Sunday morning! The Reher Center is a step back in time with a promise for the future. It should be on every tourist’s list, but more importantly on every local’s.”

And the best part? You can almost taste that history! Thanks to a cool partnership with Rosie General, the awesome new bakery and general store just down the street (run by siblings!), tour guests will receive some special rolls and even a discount to use at Rosie General.

Tours of the Historic Bakery happen every Saturday at noon. Spots are limited, so make sure to reserve your place! Head over to rehercenter.org/bakery-tours to learn more and sign up for a truly unique experience.