LECTURE ON FORCED CONVERTS OF THE SPANISH INQUISITION TO BE HELD AT THE HISTORIC SITE OF LUIS GOMEZ, AMERICAN COLONIAL JEWISH PIONEER, DESCENDANT OF A FORCIBLY CONVERTED JEWISH FAMILY

Point of contact: Dr. Ruth Abrahams (212) 294-8329

ORANGE COUNTY, NY (May 18, 2010) – As part of a series of dynamic programming at the historic Gomez Mill House museum and historic site, a lecture entitled, The Impact of the Spanish Inquisition on the Forced Jewish Converts will take place on June 13, 2010 (1pm) at the oldest standing Jewish dwelling in North America.

This lecture will be given by Mr. Shelomo Alfassa, Sephardic scholar and author, who coordinates Special Projects for the American Sephardi Federation at the Center for Jewish History in New York City. The program is organized by the Gomez Foundation for Mill House which manages and operates the 296-year-old 'Gomez Mill House' in Orange County, New York. The house was named for the Jewish merchant Luis Moses Gomez who built the dwelling in 1714. Other pioneers, patriots and significant owners who came after him are also honored at the house.

Luis Gomez was a descendant of a forcibly converted Jewish family during the era of the Inquisition. He was born in Spain, fled with his family to Southwestern France, and arrived in New York by way of England and the Caribbean. His aim in building his trading post (now the Mill House) was to help extend his enterprise and trade along the Hudson River.

Dr. Ruth K. Abrahams, the Executive Director of the Gomez Foundation said, “This program is part of our ‘Sundays at Mill House 2010’ series which, in addition to scholarly lectures, will encompass activities such as tours, workshops, and several outdoor activities in and around the historic home in Marlboro, New York.”

The Gomez Mill House has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places which is administered by the National Park Service, a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Among the goals of this museum and historic site is to make the public aware of the long history and role that American Jews had as pioneers, predating the American Revolution by many decades.

The Gomez Foundation for Mill House is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 established to support the preservation, conservation and public programs of the Gomez Mill House. Visit www.gomez.org to learn more about programs for adults and children, how to visit the museum, take a tour, or learn about upcoming programs.