Alumni author book on "Jewish Youngstown"

Three Youngstown State University alumni have co-authored a book, titled A History of Jewish Youngstown and the Steel Valley, released by publisher The History Press.

The writers – Thomas Welsh, Joshua Foster and Gordon F. Morgan Jr. – created their 208-page narrative based upon previous historical accounts, volumes of archival data and scores of interviews with members of the Jewish community in and around Youngstown.

The book was produced with the support and collaboration of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society and features dozens of historic images.

Welsh holds a BFA in Studio Art, a master’s degree in English Language and Literature, both from YSU, and a PhD from Kent State University. He lives in Youngstown and previously authored or co-authored three books, including Classic Restaurants of Youngstown, also published by The History Press, co-written with Morgan.

Foster lives in Louisville, Ky., and holds a BFA in painting and a BA in Religious Studies, both from YSU; Morgan lives in Boardman and has a master’s degree in Professional Writing and Editing from YSU.

The authors plan an official launch for the book at 5 p.m. Monday, May 22, at the Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center, 325 W. Federal St. in Youngstown. For more information, contact the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, 330-743-2589.