The weathered change purse pictured above was a flea market find but for Benjamin Feldman is turned out to be much more than that. After purchasing the item for $15, he set out on a six-month personal sleuthing mission. Who was Sol Goldberg of 71 Canal Street and what became of him? As the New York Times explained in an article published last year, this remarkable six month project revealed a lot not only about one family but about the Lower East immigrant experience.
“In every grave lies a wonderful story,” Feldman told the Times. On Sunday, you’ll be able to hear him tell that story first-hand. Feldman will be speaking at the Museum at Eldridge Street (12 Eldridge Street), at 3 p.m. The event is included in the price of admission ($10/$8 for seniors and students).
You can read much more about Feldman’s historical investigations on his blog, The New York Wanderer.
