Chelsea, The Jewish Years: A Documentary Tribute to a Historic Jewish Community

A new documentary titled Chelsea, The Jewish Years explores the rich and often overlooked Jewish history of Chelsea, Massachusetts, during the first half of the twentieth century. Directed by Ellen Rovner—filmmaker, historian, and founder of the Chelsea Gateway Project—the film offers a compelling account of Chelsea’s cultural, political, and civic legacy as one of the most influential Jewish immigrant communities in the United States.

Ellen Rovner, who is also a member of The Trebuchet’s Convisero, brings both scholarly and community-rooted insight to this project. Her work is grounded in public history and Jewish cultural preservation.

The documentary is presented in collaboration with the Jewish Chelsea Museum and is supported in part by the Chelsea Cultural Heritage Grant, Chelsea Cultural Council, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Chelsea, The Jewish Years is now available for community screenings, both on-site and online. Educational resources and optional filmmaker-led discussions are available to accompany group viewings. The film is part of the broader Chelsea Gateway Project, which also features walking tours, events, and public history initiatives dedicated to preserving and sharing Chelsea’s immigrant heritage.

For screening requests or additional information, contact ellen@thechelseagatewayproject.com