Get Back: The Boomer Experience…Growing up Jewish in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s

"Our exhibit combines lively artwork with nostalgic memorabilia that will instantly evoke fond memories for boomers," says Leventhal, who is well-known for his colourful murals and whimsical sculptures.

Some of Toronto's who's who in the Jewish community have contributed personal memorabilia, including renowned tabloid editor Bonnie Fuller, comic actor Rick Moranis, Fashion Television's Jeanne Beker, children's writer Arlene Perly Rae (married to former Ontario premier Bob Rae), award-winning Toronto music/film promoter Gary Topp, and Toronto's "Queen of Cake" Dufflet Rosenberg.

The centerpiece for the 1950's era is a "Dinner at Bubbie's" scene, featuring sculptures created by Elaine Glassman of a grandmother and her grandchildren setting the table for the Shabbat meal.

The 1960's "Youthquake" display is a wild combination of the fashions, music and social life of that era. The centerpiece of the 1970's display is a full-size wedding scene, with the bride, groom and bridesmaid in authentic dress of that time period.

Topp, who produced the first local concerts of legendary bands such as The Police and Ramones, has contributed some of his music memorabilia, including an original Beatles souvenir pennant, CHUM Charts, and a 1963 Toronto Star review of a Rolling Stones concert at Maple Leaf Gardens.

"We've had some interesting contributions from our elderly clients at Baycrest," says Pat Dickinson, museum coordinator. "One of them was a professional knitter and we have on display the hand-knitted dress that she wore to her son's wedding in the 1970's."

"We're hoping that by recreating fond memories of our growing-up years, boomers will rekindle their pride in Jewish heritage and become more interested in what's happening at Baycrest," says Leventhal.

The Baycrest Heritage Museum is located on the main floor of Baycrest, 3560 Bathurst St., north of Lawrence. Baycrest is an internationally-renowned academic health sciences centre committed to improving the health of tomorrow's elderly while at the same time caring for the elderly of today.

Special thanks to exhibit sponsors: Barrday, Inc.; David Buck; Danson, Recht, Voudouris, LLP, Barristers & Solicitors; Downsview Chrysler Plymouth Ltd.; Harry Rosen, Inc.; and Royal Bank of Canada Foundation.

Get Back: The Boomer Experience, Growing Up Jewish in the 1950's, 60's and 70's opens to the public on Sept. 19 for a 12-month run. For museum hours and guided tour info, call (416) 785-2500, ext. 2802.

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For more information on this release, please contact:
Kelly Connelly, Media Relations
Baycrest
416.785.2432 or pager 416.612.5494
kconnelly@baycrest.org