Use the search functions on the map to view profiles by traditions, cultural groups and geography. Check back regularly for new profiles.

The Jewish Food Festival at Congregation Kol Ami in Elmira is a culmination of months of preparation and lifetimes of cooking traditions.
Like many faith communities, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Congregation Kol Ami has had to adapt to the conditions of everyday life. This short video illustrates how they have reinvented worshiping and their very popular Jewish Food Festival.
Dinorah Peters of Lowman, NY came to the Southern Tier from Tamaulipas, Mexico in the 1980s.
For the Knox family, food has been central to their livelihoods for over 3 generations. Learn about Jesse Knox’s experience as a professional chef, told by his daughter, Sue and grandson, Kaylen in this short video.
Felicia Dvornicky has been making both Polish pisanki (wax resist dyed Easter eggs) and wycinanki (cut paper) for over forty years. Born in Dundee, NY to a Polish American family, Felicia remembers seeing family friends’ pisanki from a young age.
For nearly the last 20 years, Burke has performed as a solo delta blues guitarist throughout the region. Hear in his own words about his upbringing in Elmira’s Black community and his journey to become the deeply emotive player he is known as.