The Historical Society of
Rockland County Annual Report 2020–2021
Annual Membership Meeting of The Historical Society of Rockland County April 28, 2021
THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY 20 Zukor Road, New City, NY 10956 (845) 634-9629 Phone (845) 634-8690 Fax
www.RocklandHistory.org
info@rocklandhistory.org
HSRC ◆ 2020-21 Annual Report
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HSRC ◆ 2020-21 Annual Report
Annual Membership Meeting of The Historical Society of Rockland County April 28, 2021 * 6:30 PM
Agenda Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
Distribution of Annual Report with Committee Reports
Report of Nominating Committee & Election of Trustees
Adjournment
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Our Mission The Historical Society of Rockland County is an educational organization dedicated to engaging diverse audiences in promoting and preserving the history of Rockland County. To fulfill its mission, the Society: A. Collects, catalogues, preserves and exhibits artifacts and archival materials that reflect the diverse history of Rockland County and the Lower Hudson Valley. B. Sponsors educational programs and publications based on sound scholarship to promote the appreciation of history and cultural heritage of the people of Rockland. C. Promotes through programs, services and example the preservation, restoration, continuing and adaptive use of the historic buildings and sites in the County. D. Develops and maintains the financial, professional and human resources necessary to achieve the purposes and goals of the organization.
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The Historical Society of Rockland County 2020 Annual Membership Meeting September 16, 2020 * 6:30 PM
Minutes President Alfred J. Weiner opened the meeting at 6:40 p.m. First Vice-President Gordon Wren led the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes: The minutes from the 2019 Annual Meeting were distributed in the Annual Meeting booklet. President’s Report: Judge Weiner gave welcoming remarks and thanked the staff, Board members, and volunteers for their hard work. He recognized outgoing trustees Richard Anderson, Jeff Weinberger, and Gordon Wren. Due to COVID-19 precautions, he announced there would be no program and no verbal committee reports. Everyone was given an Annual Report booklet and invited to view the exhibition inside the History Center. Executive Director’s Report: Susan Deeks thanked everyone for attending the meeting and noted that the HSRC is open three days per week to the public, following state guidelines. Board of Trustees Elections The Nominating Committee nominated Veronica Boesch, Joe Holland Jr., and Anthony Benedict to new three-year terms as trustees and Daniel Garcia and Philip C. Roventini to serve second terms. There were no nominations from the floor. Trustee Thom Kleiner moved for the secretary to cast one ballot for the slate; Stephen Beckerle seconded. The motion carried. Adjournment: Jennifer Rothschild moved to adjourn at 6:50 pm; Thom Kleiner seconded. The motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Rothschild, Secretary HSRC ◆ 2020-21 Annual Report
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THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY 20 Zukor Road, New City, NY 10956 (845) 634-9629
www.RocklandHistory.org Board of Trustees Hon. Alfred J. Weiner, President ; Andrew Glikin-Gusinsky, Esq., 1st Vice President ; Stephen Beckerle, 2nd Vice President ; Philip C. Roventini, CPA/PFS, Treasurer; Jennifer Rothschild, Secretary ; Anthony Benedict; Veronica DeMeo Boesch; Daniel Garcia; Dustin Hausner; Joseph R. Holland III; Thom Kleiner; Jennifer Lorenzo; Asha Paulose; Richard Sena
Staff Susan Curry Deeks, Executive Director Jennifer Brooks, Education Coordinator Christine Kowalski, Museum Services Assistant Robert Carroll, Caretaker Marjorie Johnson, Editor, South of the Mountains Marianne B. Leese, Senior Historian We thank you for your continued support of your historical society! ______________________________________________________
In addition to contributions from members, friends and the business community, the Historical Society of Rockland County received funding in 2020-21 from the Office of the Rockland County Executive, Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and the Town of Ramapo.
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HSRC ◆ 2020-21 Annual Report
President’s Report It has been a pleasure to serve as the president of the Historical Society of Rockland County again this past year. There have been many accomplishments, which I credit to our hardworking Trustees and volunteers, as well as to a very capable staff. Unfortunately, the global spread of COVID-19 was the major factor influencing the Historical Society’s operations in 2020-21. Important events, including two annual dinners; the Historic Preservation Merit Awards County Supper; and a series of bus trips, historical hikes, and walking tours had to be postponed or canceled for public safety. This resulted in an unexpected, and unprecedented, loss of program revenue, which we hope to begin recouping as pandemic conditions ease. Meanwhile, we are grateful to all who gave generously to our Annual Appeal and included extra gifts with their membership renewals. Despite the challenges, the Historical Society was able to resume limited on-site operations in June 2020 with the Suffrage Centennial gallery exhibition “Inside Out: Women, Fashion & The Fight for the Vote” and special display “Mariel Farlow–Being of Light,” part of our semi-permanent “Rockland Voices.” Both exhibitions will run through October 2021 and are open to the public by appointment. Public outreach was especially strong this year, with new episodes of the “Crossroads of Rockland History” radio program on WRCR; new issues of South of the Mountains; and a variety of online offerings via our website and new technologies such as Zoom. All enable Rocklanders both near and far to better understand and appreciate our county’s rich historical heritage in fulfillment of the mission of the Historical Society of Rockland County. Respectfully submitted, Hon. Alfred J. Weiner, President HSRC ◆ 2020-21 Annual Report
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Reports from the Committees Buildings & Grounds The 2020-21 committee consisted of Gordon Wren and Stephen Beckerle (co-chairs), Richard Anderson, Daniel Garcia, Art Gunther, Joseph Holland, and Judge Alfred Weiner. Although stay-athome orders and other COVID-19 restrictions prevented volunteers from performing much building and grounds work, the HSRC maintained contracts with Design Air (heating and airconditioning systems); Steve Botto Landscaping (lawn mowing and groundskeeping), Mr. K’s Gutter Service (quarterly cleaning), and other vendors, with the goal of staying ahead of basic maintenance needs. Caretaker Bob Carroll continues to tend the ornamental garden; clean the interior of the History Center and Blauvelt House; and clear walkways after snowstorms. Respectfully Submitted, Gordon Wren and Stephen Beckerle, Co-chairs
Bus Trips The 2020-21 committee consisted of Cathy Quinn (chair), Andrew Glikin-Gusinsky, Clare Sheridan, Larry Singer, Judge Alfred Weiner, and Gordon Wren. Although a number of bus trips and historical hikes were planned, the committee was forced to put them on hold until conditions improve. In August 2020, committee member Gordon Wren was able to lead one Hike through History to the Northwest Airlines Flight 6231 crash site in Harriman State Park. Attendance was limited to a dozen participants to ensure safe social distancing, and all enjoyed the day. Respectfully Submitted, Caty Quinn, Chair 8
HSRC ◆ 2020-21 Annual Report
Collections Committee & Library Serving on 2020-21 Collections Committee were Andrew GlikinGusinsky, Dustin Hausner, Marianne Leese (chair), Jennifer Lorenzo, Winston Perry, Jennifer Rothschild, Richard Sena, and Clare Sheridan. Without a professional curator on staff, the Collections Committee is required to submit to the Board of Trustees for its approval any recommended additions to the collections. Once an item has been accepted, a Deed of Gift is signed by the donor. When the committee decides it is best not to accept a donation, it will, if possible, suggest an alternative and appropriate institution. Or the item may be accepted for educational or exhibition purposes, with thanks to the donor. No items were added to the permanent collections in 2020-21. Approved by the Board of Trustees for Deaccessioning:
Object 2000.0.117, High Button Shoes, Dark Brown. Shoes fragile and deteriorated beyond usefulness. Discarded.
Object 1962.19.5, White Silk Bodice, Dated 1893. Bodice failed to retain its identity, tulle around sleeves pulled loose, sleeves missing, silk frayed around collar. To be used in whole or part for educational purposes.
Objects 2008.0.199A&B, Wedding Bodice and Skirt, Green Ruffled Silk, ca. 1873. Outfit failed to retain its identity, bodice badly stained at underarms, silk lining of skirt badly shattering, stitching at waist of skirt compromised as if to be repurposed. To be used for educational purposes.
Objects 2008.0199.C&D, Swath of Green Silk and Black Strip of Cloth. Artifacts outside the mission of the Society and its acquisition policy and failed to retain their authenticity
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Object 1976.35.1, Slave Receipt. Received from J. Marsh, Mobile, 4 March 1856, $1,000 for Negro woman Catherine, aged about 28 years, and her child Mary Ann, aged about 4 years. Transferred to the Historic Mobile Preservation Society, Mobile, AL.
Object 1976.35.2, Slave Receipt. Received from James Marsh of Mobile, 11 April 1848, $475 for Negro boy named Jake, aged about 10 years. Transferred to the Historic Mobile Preservation Society.
Object 1976.35.3, Slave Receipt. Received from James Marsh, Mobile, 2 March 1850, $700 for Mulatto girl, Sarah, aged 20 years. Transferred to the Historic Mobile Preservation Society.
Object 1976.35.4, Slave Receipt. John Felts, trustee, sold at public auction Negro fellow named Alfred, aged about 30 to James Marsh for $775, 8 February 1845. Witnessed at City of Mobile, 7 April 1849, John Felts, Trustee. Transferred to the Historic Mobile Preservation Society.
Object 1975.35.5, Slave Receipt. Received from James Marsh of Mobile, 20 November 1848, $550 for Negro boy Alfred, aged about 30 years, a runaway and “sold as he runs.” Transferred to the Historic Mobile Preservation Society.
Addition to the Research Library: The Life, Times and Services of Anthony Wayne (“Mad Anthony”), by O. J. Victor (1861). Gift of Frederick Wagner. Respectfully Submitted, Marianne Leese, Chair, and Senior Historian 10
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Exhibitions Committee To introduce our year of Women’s Suffrage Centennial–themed programming, the HSRC launched the virtual exhibition “Leaving Her Mark: 20 Notable Women in Rockland’s History,” an updated, online version of “Leaving Her Mark: Contributions of Rockland's Women,” which ran in the galleries in 2000. Whether they championed a cause or fought to make a difference, the women in “Leaving Her Mark” have left an indelible imprint on our county’s history . In June, we reopened the History Center to the public, strictly following CDC and County coronavirus-prevention guidelines, with the special exhibition, “Inside Out: Women, Fashion & The Fight for the Vote.” Co-curators Jennifer Brooks and Christine Kowalski mined the HSRC’s permanent collection for clothing items and accessories that address questions about how the fight for women’s suffrage changed fashion, and how women’s fashion changed in response to suffrage. Also in June we reopened the semipermanent “Rockland Voices” exhibition, which illustrates the county’s rich history by highlighting key objects from the HSRC collection. New to “Rockland Voices” in 2020 was the special display “Mariel Farlow—Being of Light,” curated by Clare Sheridan. It takes a close look at one of the most controversial public sculptures in Rockland”: Mariel Farlow’s Being of Light (originally titled Man of Light), which since 1980 has stood on the grounds of the Rockland County Courthouse in New City. Respectfully Submitted, Susan Deeks, Executive Director HSRC ◆ 2020-21 Annual Report
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Membership
There are currently 528 active members, which represents a 2% decrease from last year: 2020-21 12 49 137
2019-20 12 37 133
2018-19 9 37 121
Individual
111
120
103
Libraries Lifetime Museum Patron Presidents Circle Senior/Student
15 8 0 2 192 1 518
15 8 1 1 201 0 528
16 9 1 2 200 0 498
Blauvelt Fellow Centurion Family
Sustaining Patron
Our effort to increase membership in 2020-21 included: Continuing solicitation to social media followers to become active, paid members. Sending gratis issues of South of the Mountains to lapsed members with their renewal notices. Offering memberships in all event and program journals. South of the Mountains continues to be the most popular tangible benefit; discounts on trip and event fees are also a welcome membership benefit. We thank Marjorie Johnson and Marianne Leese for editing the journal and the contributing authors for making the publication unique in our region. We also thank Christine Kowalski for tracking memberships. Finally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we were not able to convene our regular group of mailing volunteers, so a special thank you goes to Ellen Brower and Teresa Loveman for their extra volunteer efforts Respectfully submitted, Clare B. Sheridan, Chair 12
HSRC ◆ 2020-21 Annual Report
Nominating Committee The Nominating Committee offers the names of the following Historical Society members: Trustees nominated for a three-year term (Term 2024): •
Judge Victor Alfieri, Congers
•
Derek Tarson, Nyack
Trustees continuing in office Term 2022 •
Stephen Beckerle, Stony Point
•
Thom Kleiner, Sparkill
•
Jennifer Lorenzo, Stony Point
•
Asha Paulose, Nyack
•
Richard Sena, Haverstraw
Term 2023 •
Anthony Benedict, Airmont
•
Veronica DeMeo Boesch, Airmont
•
Daniel Garcia, Congers
•
Joseph Holland Jr., New City
•
Philip C. Roventini, New City
Our thanks to Judge Alfred J. Weiner of Wesley Hills, Andrew Glikin-Gusinsky of Monroe, and Jennifer Rothschild of Nyack for their Board service. Respectfully submitted, Andrew Glikin-Gusinsky, Chair
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Finance
N.B. The Finance Committee reports are current as of March 31, 2021. They are not audited financial statements; nor do they include income or expenses received in the final week of the fiscal year. As such, they are preliminary and subject to change. Actual
Plan
Better/(Worse)
$
167,631
261,880
(94,249)
Expense
$
223,644
261,880
38,236
Total
$
(56,013)
~
(56,013)
Full Year Income
Full Year Income was $167,631 versus a plan of $261,880 . This unfavorable outcome was due to lower than expected special event income, corporate support, and government grant funding due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Full Year Expenses were $223,644 versus a plan of $261,880. This favorable outcome was due to lower than projected special event and other expenses due to shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. .
Balance Sheet Summary as of March 31, 2021 Bank
Account
Sterling
Money Market Capital (1)
BNY/Mellon
Endowment Endowment
Sterling Sterling TD Bank Trustco Bank Trustco Bank
Checking Money Market Money Market Checking Savings Operating
Total
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Amount
Fund Type
$ 86,126.46 Capital Fund $ 86,126.46 Subtotal $ 3,340,045.20 Endowment Fund $ 3,340,045.20 Subtotal
$ 22,675.11 $57,894.23 $ 77,515.24 239.68 250.00 Subtotal
Operating Fund Reserves Reserves Reserves Reserves $ 158,324.26 $ 3,584,495.92
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Endowment
N.B. The Endowment Report is based on the calendar year (January 1– December 31, 2020). All other reports are based on the fiscal year (April 1, 2020–March 31, 2021). The Endowment Fund opened the calendar year at $2,815,462, and closed at $3,092,278, for a positive net change in portfolio value of $276,816. As of December 31, 2020, the portfolio consisted of 27% fixed income securities, 5% cash and cash equivalents, and 68% equities. It is managed by The Mahoney Group, with Raymond James as custodian.
Respectfully submitted, Philip C. Roventini, Treasurer
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2020–21 Programs and Special Events Thursday, July 16, 2020, and Wednesday–Thursday, August 18–19, 2020
Suffrage Centennial Lecture
Women’s Suffrage in Rockland County New York State was key to the national movement for women’s suffrage: the victory in New York was a critical tipping point on the road to a constitutional amendment, which was passed in 1920 with the 19th Amendment. In this online presentation, HSRC volunteer Clare Sheridan introduced some of the people here in Rockland County who were leaders in the Women’s Suffrage movement from 1848 until 1917, when women won the vote in New York State. Wednesday–Thursday, September 16-17, 2020
Suffrage Centennial Lecture
Inside Out: Women, Fashion & The Fight for the Vote What may have been the most significant evolution in American women’s fashion happened alongside the ratification of the 19th Amendment as the New Woman proudly took her place in American society. HSRC Education Coordinator Jennifer Brooks presented this virtual guided gallery talk exploring our Suffrage Centennial exhibition “Inside Out: Women, Fashion & The Fight for the Vote,” highlighting the collections items— from women’s gowns and walking suits to fash16
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ion and lifestyle accessories—that she and co-curator Christine Kowalski chose to tell the story of how the fight for suffrage changed fashion, and how women’s fashion and lives changed in response to suffrage. Wednesday–Thursday, October 21–22, 2020
Suffrage Centennial Lecture
“Lifting as They Climbed”: Women of Color and the Fight for Suffrage in New York State African American and Native American women played an integral role in the fight for women’s suffrage in New York State, from the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 that launched the Suffrage Movement through ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. In this presentation, HSRC Executive Director Susan Deeks explored connections among various movements that brought women together in the 18th and 19th centuries, and ultimately split them along racial lines. How this played out in the Hudson Valley provides glimpses of promising areas for future research into the history of Rockland County. Saturday–Sunday, December 5–6, 2020
59th Annual St. Nicholas Day Festival Each year since 1961, the HSRC has welcomed children of all ages to celebrate St. Nicholas Day. This traditional program is a highlight of the holiday season. To keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, we did things a little differently in 2020, offering the experience as HSRC ◆ 2020-21 Annual Report
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a combination of curbside pickup and online storytelling, with an in-person photo op with St. Nicholas and his white horse. Each of the 45 children who joined us in 2020 received a gift box containing individually packaged refreshments, recipes, special treats , and a unique link to view our magical storytelling done virtually from the Jacob Blauvelt House by Education Coordinator Jennifer Brooks. Special thanks to Richard Anderson (St. Nicholas); Clare Sheridan for coordinating the event and photo ops, and Museum Assistant Christine Kowalski for creating the gift boxes. Wednesday–Thursday, December 9–10, 2020
Zoom Lecture
Dutch Holiday Traditions: A History of the Season in the Hudson Valley In this virtual program, Education Coordinator Jennifer Brooks traced the line between the traditions of early Dutch settlers in Rockland County and surrounding areas to the growth of our modern American Christmas traditions. She also shared Dutch recipes and festive crafts to bring Rockland’s Dutch heritage to participants’ homes for the holidays. Monday, December 14, 2020
Online Film Screening
The Tappan Zee Bridge: Transforming Rockland County Built during a time of great optimism in America, the Tappan Zee Bridge led Rockland County into the era of the automobile. Along with the New York State Thruway, the bridge enabled Rockland County to modernize its roads and support a highway system that would tie it to the rest of the country. Cutting-edge 18
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building techniques anchored the bridge across the Hudson and connected two shores where only ferries had once made the crossing. This screening of the thirty-minute film telling the remarkable story of the cantilever bridge that transformed Rockland was followed by a Q&A with Winston Perry, who witnessed the impact this transformation had on the Village of Nyack firsthand. February 19–28, 2021
Online Film Screenings
The Pratt in the Hat + Two Films by Kathleen Collins In honor of Black History Month, the HSRC teamed up with Nyack’s Rivertown Film to offer a special prerelease screening of Rockland filmmaker Susan Hillary’s new documentary, The Pratt in the Hat. The short film features the colorful hats and “Prattisms” of Dr. Frances Pratt of Nyack, as well as her civil rights leadership from 1957 through her retirement as president of the Nyack Branch of the NAACP in 2020. The film is a celebration of Dr. Pratt’s unique wisdom, which she gained through observation and perseverance as a woman of color. In addition, HSRC members were invited to stream Losing Ground and The Cruz Brothers and Miss Malloy, two rarely seen, groundbreaking features by the pioneering African American filmmaker Kathleen Collins (1942–1988) of Piermont. Our thanks to Rivertown Film for preserving and making available these unique films documenting our county’s history. HSRC ◆ 2020-21 Annual Report
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Saturday, February 27, 2021
Online Performance
André: A Play by William Dunlap The HSRC was pleased to co-sponsor an online performance of André by William Dunlap, by the Public Domain Players of Nyack’s Elmwood Playhouse. The play, which is about the hanging of Major John André during the Revolutionary War, was the first very tragedy written by an American playwright about an American topic. It takes a sympathetic look at André, who sought to die a soldier’s death by being shot instead of hanging, the sentence imposed on common criminals. Wednesday-Thursday, March 17-18, 2021
Zoom Lecture
Haverstraw History: A Virtual Gallery Tour at the Brick Museum From the humble beginnings of the brick industry in the 18th century to the explosion of brickmaking in the 19th century and the end of the era in the 20th century, the Haverstraw Brick Museum, Center for Historic Preservation, presents a quintessential story of American industry. Rachel Whitlow, acting director at the Brick Museum, led this virtual tour of the reopened museum’s new displays, which tackle themes such as how industries can define who we are and how we can learn from the past to provide a better future. The program was co-produced by the HSRC and Haverstraw Brick Museum. 20
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Outreach HSRC in Print
South of the Mountains The history quarterly South of the Mountains is the flagship publication of the HSRC and a tangible benefit of membership in the Society. Highlights from 2020–21 issues include “The Nanuet Mall: Your Editor Remembers,” by Marjorie Johnson; “The American Operatic Company of Stony Point,” by John Scott; “Miriam Bradley Cordwell: The First Lady of Hairdressing,” by Judith A. Brodil; and “The True Story of Major André’s Toe Bone,” by Alice Gerard. South of the Mountains, a winner of the Greater Hudson Heritage Network Award for Excellence, is published four times a year, thanks to editor Marjorie H. Johnson, consulting editor Marianne Leese, and our many contributors. HSRC on the Radio
Crossroads of Rockland History Our monthly radio program streaming live on www.WRCR.com entered its ninth year in 2020–21, during which our focus was Women’s History in celebration of the Suffrage Centennial. “Crossroads” featured the following programs: April: “Orangetown Suffragist Exhibition at the Orangetown Museum,” with Executive Director Mary Cardenas and Curator Elizabeth Skrabonja May: “Josephine Nivison Hopper,” with Hopper House Director Jennifer Patton June: “The Life and Work of Mary Mowbray-Clarke,” with the scholar and author Justin Duerr July: “Suffrage Summer Reading,” with librarians Anya Berg HSRC ◆ 2020-21 Annual Report
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(Palisades) and Katie Karkheck (Valley Cottage) August: “The League of Women Voters Turns 100,” with Marilyn Cohen, vice president of the LWV’s Rockland Chapter September: “Exhibitions at the HSRC,” with Mariel Farlow and Michele Lehtis (Being of Light/Rockland Voices) and Jennifer Brooks (Inside Out). October: “Women’s History,” with Hon. Nita M. Lowey and Becky Savell November: “Rockland County True Crime: Shopping List for Murder,” with the author, Tess McCormack December: “The National Organization for Women (NOW),” with movement founder Muriel Fox January: “The Ramapo Pass,” with Rockland County Historian Craig Long February: “Urban Renewal in Nyack,” with Owen VoutsinasKlose and Bill Batson March: “Miriam Cordwell,” with Judith Brodil To date, 122 programs and excerpts are available for download or for Podcast listening. The New York History Blog continues to pick up “Crossroads” and share it with the larger New York State History Community through their platform. In addition to providing links under the “Podcasts” tab on the www.RocklandHistory.org website, we are pleased to announce that our archived podcasts are now available on the Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify platforms. HSRC on the Internet
Website and Social Media From April 2020 to March 2021, 13,489 individuals visited the HSRC website at least once (down from 17,811 in 2019-20). Some 85% percent of them were first-time visitors to the website (versus 95% last year), and they looked at 44,412 pages, for an average of 2.00 pages viewed per user per session. The majority (82%) lived in the United States and accessed the website via broadband connections.
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The number of people who “Like” our Facebook page grew again this year, from 4,370 on April 1, 2020, to 4,624 on March 31, 2021. Most of our Facebook friends live in Rockland, with the remainder in the New York metropolitan area and a few out of state and overseas. The HSRC continued to email the “Flashback Friday” feature to members each week. The column, compiled by volunteer Clare Sheridan, curates items of local history significance that were originally published in Rockland County newspapers between 150 and 50 years ago. Each column is also archived on the RocklandHistory.org website, under the “Research” tab. These consistent periodic publications allow the HSRC to leverage social media to engage new audiences. Social media platforms on which we are participating include Instagram, Facebook, SoundCloud, Tumblr, and Twitter. Our presence on these sites, where we share the history of Rockland County with images, text, and video, has continued to increase. Using the insights and metrics from social media our goal is to convert these casual users into active, paid members and supporters of the society. In addition, the HSRC’s online media continues to be available through the New York Heritage portal (https://nyheritage.org), a move that brings even more history enthusiasts to our digitized collections.
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ROCKLAND HISTORY WORD SEARCH Test Your General Knowledge! During the first months of the pandemic in 2020, HRC staff created play-athome puzzles to challenge our members and help pass the time. This word search proved very popular. Try your hand at it here or download a larger copy at www.RocklandHistory.org (Press Room).
Clues 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30.
This body of water separates Rockland & Westchester Geographical feature that bounds western Rockland Original inhabitants before European settlers Captain of the Haelve Maen (Half Moon) Mercantile firm that first colonized New York Municipality named for the oat straw in its marshes Its name means “Thunder Mountain” in Dutch The larger of two peaks on South Mountain Sovereign who granted land patents in colonial times Rockland was part of this county, named for a duke, before 1798 Built on streams, they ground grain into flour Oldest home in Rockland and Washington's headquarters in 1780 Orangetown hamlet steeped in Revolutionary history Local predecessor to Declaration of Independence Defensive structure in the Ramapo Clove Famous hill at Rockland’s northernmost point, featuring 105-year-old inn A woman named Mollie operated a ferry here Major garrison built to defend West Point Fiery Revolutionary War general who beat the British in Rockland Location of the battle where that general beat the British Stealing West Point plans made his name synonymous with “treason” He was hanged in Tappan for the treacherous plan Washington and Sir Guy Carleton talked peace aboard this British ship An early name for Ramapo Town named for an early Dutch settler This Indian trail-turned-onetime toll road is now Route 59 This colonial toll road was an important route to Albany Completed in 1858, this railroad linked the Hudson River to Lake Erie Terminal point on the Hudson for the railroad completed in 1858 Dominant economic activity in Rockland until the mid-twentieth century
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HSRC ◆ 2020-21 Annual Report
31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43.
Haverstraw had dozens of these making building material for NY City This 19th-century firm owned by the Piersons made nails These people started and still staff all of Rockland's fire companies: The Army’s largest US port of embarkation during World War II Denomination of the first churches in Rockland The county’s first Roman Catholic church The county’s first synagogue Original name of Suffern-based Avon Enclave where many famous mid-century artists and intellectuals lived World-famous realist painter who grew up in Nyack The span that changed Rockland’s history forever Scenic byway through Rockland built by Robert Moses Toll road named for former Governor Thomas E. Dewey
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THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY Please consider becoming a member of The Historical Society of Rockland County!
Beyond the sheer knowledge that you are helping to preserve Rockland County’s legacy of land and culture, you will also receive the following tangible member benefits: • Quarterly mailings of South of the Mountains, the only
journal of Rockland County history, published continuously since 1957. • Seasonal mailings of our Calendar of Events and/or
newsletters. • 10% discount on HSRC publications, maps, and items in
our Museum Shop. • Reduced fees for HSRC programs and services. • Free admission to the Jacob Blauvelt House and to
most of the HSRC’s exhibitions. Name: Address: City, State, Zip:
Phone: ___________________ Cell Phone: Email (required): Circle:
Student/Senior: $25 Centurian: $100 Museum Patron: $1,000 Individual: $40 Blauvelt Fellow: $250 Sustaining Patron: $2,500 Family: $50 President’s Circle: $500 Benefactor: $5,000
Payment: My check for $_________ is enclosed. Credit Card # ______________________________________ 26
Expiration Date: ________ /________ ____________ HSRC ◆CCV 2020-21 Annual Report
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The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and the principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its mission is to acquire, preserve, and exhibit objects, buildings, and sites that reflect the history of Rockland County and to research, document, promote, and publicize the county’s rich historical heritage for the people of Rockland. The HSRC is open to the public Wednesday–Friday, 10 am–5 pm yearround and on Sunday, 12–4 pm, during exhibitions, events, and programs. Library research and tours of the Jacob Blauvelt House are available by appointment by contacting (845) 634-9629. www.RocklandHistory.org
Special thanks to Christine Kowalski, Dorice Madronero, Tom O’Reilly, and Clare Sheridan for the photographs used in this report and archived on our Flickr site at https://www.flickr.com.photos/100479933@N04. 28
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