How do I join the virtual book talk?

Register via the provided referral link and you will receive a Zoom meeting link to join the talk on December 3rd.

Is there a cost to attend?

The event is pay-what-you-wish, allowing attendees to contribute any amount they feel comfortable with.

Can I ask questions during the event?

Yes, there will be a Q&A session where attendees can submit questions live or via chat.

Do I need prior knowledge of the 1906 Christmas Boycott?

No prior knowledge is needed; the talk is designed to introduce and explore the topic thoroughly.

What if I miss the live event?

Information about recordings will be provided by the organizers after the event.

Is this event suitable for all ages?

The talk is best suited for adults and students interested in history and social movements.

Explore The Great Christmas Boycott of 1906: A Virtual Book Talk with Historian Scott D. Seligman | History Tour

Set against the rich backdrop of New York City's enduring historical landscape, experience an insightful virtual event that offers a deep dive into a pivotal moment in American social history. On December 3rd at 6pm ET, historian Scott D. Seligman hosts an engaging, pay-what-you-wish Zoom book talk titled "The Great Christmas Boycott of 1906." This event unpacks a powerful story of community resistance, highlighting an important chapter where Jewish communities challenged the imposition of religious influence in public schools, sparking a boycott that profoundly shaped cultural identity and civil rights dialogue across the United States.

New York City, renowned for its diverse cultural fabric, serves as the perfect virtual stage for this exploration. Though experiential in a digital environment, the talk anchors you in the city's historical essence, connecting you to a nuanced narrative that often remains obscured in mainstream accounts of American history. The 1906 boycott stands out not just as a protest but as a foundational movement underscoring the tension between church and state, education, and minority rights – themes that resonate powerfully today.

Scott D. Seligman, whose research meticulously details the social currents leading to the boycott, brings this episode to life with firsthand analysis and narrative zeal. Attendees can expect a stimulating discussion complemented by fresh insights into the sociopolitical landscape of early 20th-century America. The talk also highlights the perseverance and solidarity of New York's immigrant Jewish population, an often underrepresented story in the broader context of civil rights.

This virtual format offers accessibility to audiences far beyond the city itself, making it an ideal opportunity for history buffs, educators, and social justice advocates seeking to expand their understanding of American identity and resistance movements. Dive into this rich episode, perfect for those passionate about cultural history and the ongoing dialogue surrounding religious freedom and public education.

Whether you live in New York or are exploring history from afar, this virtual talk provides a compact yet profound experience rooted in one of the city's defining moments – all from the comfort of your home.

Nearby City: New York

This unique mix of historical narrative and digital accessibility makes it a standout event in the current calendar of educational outdoor and cultural adventures, broadening the concept of "exploration" to include intellectual journeys into the past.

About Museum at Eldridge Street

Museum at Eldridge Street preserves and interprets the Eldridge Street Synagogue, a landmark on Manhattan’s Lower East Side established in 1887. The museum offers a range of guided and self-guided experiences, including docent-led discovery tours, self-guided visits, architecture and anniversary building tours, virtual talks, and multilingual programs.
Regular offerings highlight walking tours that explore Jewish history across neighborhoods such as the Lower East Side, Greenwich Village, and Historic Jewish Harlem, as well as themed walks about activism, love and courtship, and the Jewish gangsters of Lower Manhattan. Monthly Spanish-guided tours are held every last Monday of the month, and special events include concerts, exhibition talks, and food-focused walks like the Eldridge Eats Food Tour.
The museum presents virtual programming, including seminars tied to exhibitions such as the Lower East Side in 1975 photography project and virtual book talks. The Anniversary Building Tour celebrates the synagogue with artifacts, documents, and images presented by guides like Scott Brevda.
By combining historic preservation, community programming, and educational tours, the institution supports research and public engagement without relying on conjecture. Visitors can expect factual interpretation rooted in primary sources, curated exhibitions, and live-led programs produced by professional staff and volunteer docents. Located in New York, New York, the Museum at Eldridge Street serves both local audiences and visitors seeking authentic stories of Jewish immigrant experience, architecture, and cultural history on the Lower East Side. Programs include guided education for schools, public lectures, family activities, and seasonal events that deepen neighborhood connections and archival access.