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.
COVER IMAGE: Volunteer docent Tim Adriance educates visitors about the Tappan Dutch Reformed Church during the Historical Society of Rockland County’s 2025 Historic Homes & Landmarks Tour in Tappan, cosponsored with the Tappantown Historical Society.
Annual Membership Meeting of The Historical Society of Rockland County April 13, 2026 * 6:30 PM Agenda
Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
President’s Annual Report
Review of Annual Report with Committee Reports
Report of Nominating Committee & Election of Trustees
Adjournment
THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY 20 Zukor Road, New City, NY 10956 (845) 634-9629
www.RocklandHistory.org
Board of Trustees
Veronica DeMeo Boesch, President; Sue Ferreri, 1st Vice President; John Resanovich, 2nd Vice President; Philip C. Roventini, CPA/PFS, Treasurer; Anthony Benedict, Secretary; Fr. Richard Baker; Diane Buell; Jimmy Higgins Jr.; Josephine Lore; Jesse Malowitz; Maria Mingone; Elijah Reichlin-Melnick
Staff
Susan Curry Deeks, Executive Director
Jennifer Rothschild, Director of Public Programming
Clare B. Sheridan, Director of Strategic Partnerships
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 2025–26 from the Office of the Rockland County Executive, Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and the Town of Ramapo.
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The Historical Society of Rockland County 2025 Annual Membership Meeting April 7, 2025 * 6:30 PM
Minutes
Pledge of Allegiance: President Veronica DeMeo Boesch led the pledge and called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m.
Attendance: Fr. Richard Baker, Anthony Benedict, Bob and Ronnie Boesch, Dina Cannavale, Susan Deeks (staff), Sue Ferreri, Josephine Lore, Ashleigh Malone (staff), Maria Mingone, Victor Miranda, Eileen O’Brien, Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, John Resanovich, Jennifer Rothschild (staff), Philip Roventini, Bob and Adele Schnell, Philip Yacuk
President’s Report: Ronnie Boesch drew attention to the Annual Report booklet. She mentioned the programs and bus trips listed. She thanked Susan Deeks, Executive Director, for her leadership, and recognized Jennifer Rothschild, Director of Public Programming; Clare Sheridan, Director of Strategic Partnerships; Ashleigh Malone, Museum Services Manager; and Bob Carroll, Caretaker, as well as Marianne Leese, Senior Historian. Ronnie noted that 2025 was significant for the United States as we would be preparing for the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. She recounted events she had already attended, such as the Orangetown Historical Museum & Archives’ celebration of the Orangetown Resolutions at the Old ’76 House in Tappan on July 4, 2024. Ronnie recounted Rockland’s role in the Revolution and thanked everyone for their continued interest in the HSRC.
Executive Director: Susan Deeks noted that reports from all of the committees were included in the Annual Report, which was distributed to all Annual Meeting attendees. She highlighted the Buildings & Grounds Committee’s work on the Jacob Blauvelt House and Barn and mentioned the outstanding work of the Bus Trips and Collections committees.
Committee Reports
• Collections: Ronnie Boesch explained the accession process and stated that our collection is growing every year.
• Finance: Susan Deeks noted extraordinary new expenses this year, including technical upgrades to the computer system and the hiring of new employees, plus inflation that has affected the cost of all goods and services.
• Endowment: Bob Boesch reported that the endowment grew by approximately $200,000 in 2024-25.
• Exhibitions: Ronnie Boesch described the 2024 Quilt Exhibition, which showcased inscribed quilts, drawing attention to the quilt from our collection with the signature of President Chester A. Arthur.
• Membership: Ronnie Boesch explained the benefits of HSRC membership, including receipt via mail of the quarterly local history publication South of the Mountains.
• Special Events: Ronnie Boesch referenced the lectures that took place and noted the HSRC’s Historic Preservation Merit Awards Ceremony scheduled for Sunday, May 18.
Election of Trustees: The Nominating Committee presented a slate of four nominees to fill open board seats for the 2025–28 term: Josephine Lore, Jesse Malowitz, Maria Mingone, and Philip Roventini. Ronnie opened the floor for additional nominations. Secretary Anthony Benedict made the motion for the secretary to cast one ballot for the slate; Sue Ferreri seconded. The motion carried. Susan Deeks thanked Trustees Stephen Beckerle, Thom Kleiner, Jennifer Lorenzo, the late Doris-Renée Weiner, and Lea Wolinetz for their Board service.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Rothschild (staff)
President’s Report
In December 2005 my husband and I attended a Salvation Army breakfast. We sat at a table with a lovely couple named Pat and Jim Cropsey. We spoke about their involvement in local issues, and they talked about the activities of the Historical Society of Rockland County. Four years earlier I had retired from thirty-two years of public school education and was interested in local history. The Cropseys invited me to participate in a focus group being organized at the History Center.
At that time, Thomas F. X. Casey was the president of the HSRC Board of Trustees. He had been my social studies chair at North Rockland High School. When he heard of my membership in the focus group, he nominated me to become a Trustee. I joined the Board and have continued to volunteer and serve since. When I joined the Board, most of the Trustees were older than I. They were individuals in our Rockland community who had been elected to public office, had owned local businesses, and had an appreciation for the history of the smallest county in New York State outside New York City.
Today, as I leave the Board in 2026, our Trustees are of a new generation. They are young and eager to preserve the history and traditions of our county. Their talents range from business administration, archeology, construction, and technology to farm management, law, project planning and management, pastoral care, and education. We have past, present, and future elected officials serving with enthusiasm for the future of our Historical Society.
We are fortunate to have a staff of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to promote and maintain our presence in the county and the state. Susan Deeks, our executive director, wears many hats promoting our mission. Her extensive experience includes active involvement in major historical venues in both New York and New Jersey. She holds membership in numerous professional and civic organizations.
Jennifer Rothschild is the HSRC’s director of public programming. Her responsibilities include creating and implementing projects, educational trips, and events. Clare Bowes Sheridan is our director of strategic partnerships. She is also the producer, writer, and host of our award-winning audio program “Crossroads of Rockland History.” Her contributions to the mission of our organization have been invaluable to our success.
Robert Carroll serves our organization as caretaker. We appreciate his efforts in maintaining our campus as we welcome visitors as well as those who use our resources to learn and write about Rockland history.
I would be remiss if I failed to recognize someone who began serving the HSRC long before I became involved: Senior Historian Marianne Leese. She has been a volunteer with the HSRC for more than forty years; she has also served as a Trustee and is a past president of our Society. Today she volunteers her time to answer historical inquiries from the public and managing our extensive collection of artifacts. Her knowledge concerning county history and the environment is seemingly endless.
Finally, I thank my husband, Bob, for chairing the HSRC’s Endowment Committee. He keeps tabs on the nation’s finances, holds monthly meetings with our financial consultants, and reports on our endowment fund at every board meeting.
As we look forward to celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence, we should be proud to remember the role that our county has played in achieving that independence. From the Orangetown Resolutions of 1774 and the Battle of Stony Point in 1779 to the unfortunate execution of British Major John André, we have a front-row seat in the historical drama of our nation’s birth.
Thank you to our membership, Trustees, volunteers, and staff for making the Historical Society of Rockland County the success that it is and has been for sixty-one years.
Respectfully submitted,
Veronica DeMeo Boesch President, Board of Trustees
Reports from the Committees
BUILDINGS & GROUNDS
The 2025–26 committee consisted of Richard Anderson, Fr. Richard Baker (chair), Tony Benedict, Ronnie Boesch, Sue Ferreri, Jimmy Higgins, Maria Mingone, and Win Perry.
The committee’s most important project in 2025 involved replacing the aging cedar shake roof on the historic Jacob Blauvelt House. After a competitive bidding process, LKC Builders of Valley Cottage was chosen to do the work. LKC removed the existing shakes on the house’s three roof sections; replaced flashing as needed with new copper-lined flashing; and installed western red cedar shakes over the roof surfaces. In addition, LKC evaluated the house’s chimneys and repaired damaged mortar; sealed brick to prevent water infiltration; and fabricated and installed caps with screens on the chimney tops.
This historic preservation project was underwritten by an anonymous donor to whom the HSRC is deeply grateful.
Otherwise, the Jacob Blauvelt House, History Center, and grounds required only regular maintenance in 2025–26. Caretaker Bob Carroll continued to tend the ornamental garden; clean the interior of the History Center, Blauvelt House, and Barn-Carriage House complex; and clear walkways and driveways after snow-
storms. We thank Curti’s Landscaping for continuing to mow the lawns and trim the edges; Mr. K’s Gutter Service for cleaning gutters; Second Nature tree service for tending our endangered hemlocks and otherwise examining our aging trees; and the Town of Clarkstown for keeping the parking lot plowed in winter.
Respectfully Submitted, Fr. Richard Baker, Chair
BUS TRIPS
Director of Public Programming Jennifer Rothschild (chair), Tony Benedict, Director of Public Programming Jennifer Rothschild, and Gordon Wren formulated and carried out five events in the 2025–26 fiscal year. They included four bus daytrips and one Hike through History in Harriman State Park, with a total of 120 participants.
The five events in 2025–26 were:
Bus Daytrip: Armour-Stiner Octagon House, Irvington, April 18
Bus Daytrip: Fraunces Tavern, Manhattan, May 14
Fraunces Tavern
Bus Daytrip: Bartow-Pell Mansion, Bronx, September 18
Hike through History: Letchworth Reservoirs, September 27
Bus Daytrip: Wilderstein Historic Site and Beekman Arms, Rhinebeck, October 24
All of these events promote the HSRC as an organization and fulfill our local history mission. They raise funds to support that mission, build friendships and goodwill, and increase membership. We generally offer discounts for members on fee-based programs.
Events are spread out fairly evenly throughout the year, giving the HSRC visibility in advertising and community discussion. These events also keep us involved with other nonprofit organizations and businesses throughout the county and region.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jennifer Rothschild Director of Public Programming
COLLECTIONS
Serving on the 2025–26 Collections Committee were Sara Bensman, Ronnie Boesch, Diane Buell (Chair), Kathleen Delargy, Marianne Leese, Maria Mingone, Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, and John Resanovich.
Frank Eberling Mail Wagon Restoration
The horse-drawn Eberling Mail Wagon was driven by Frank Eberling in the early 20th century to deliver mail for the New City
postal district. The Historical Society acquired what remained of it in the late 1970s. For the past year it has been undergoing cleaning and restoration at Fallon & Wilkinson, LLC, in Baltic, Connecticut. The Eberling family has wished for the restoration project to include the addition of an undercarriage.
Frank Eberling’s grandson Ray Eberling spent part of the year visiting buggy and carriage museums and speaking with experts in the field. One such person is Isaac Reiff, a Mennonite who owns and operates the Vicksburg Buggy Shop in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. When a small buggy came into Reiff’s shop with the exact size and age of the Eberling mail wagon, Ray purchased it for the restoration project. We thank Bonnie Dilts, a granddaughter of Frank Eberling, for underwriting the purchase. Tad Fallon subsequently picked it up and transported it to his studio.
In the fall, the HSRC Board approved Tad’s recommendation for the conservation of the undercarriage (running gear) and integration to the cab. Once the undercarriage is cleaned, superficial rust will be removed from the metal hardware; a rotted section of wood on one wheel will be repaired; the painted surfaces will be touched up; and the undercarriage would be attached to the cab. We are grateful to Ray and Bonnie for their efforts; to Tad for accommodating the HSRC in so many ways; and to everyone who has donated to make this project possible.
Accepted into the Collections
Postcard, Camp Bluefields Tennis Courts. Never mailed. Donated by Kurt Riegel, Sidney, NY.
Three record books of the Wesley Chapel, Suffern (Sherwoodville), now part of Wesley Hills: (a) Quarterly Conference Minutes, 1860–1900; (b) Quarterly Conference Minutes, 1901–
Seven wooden, woven baskets, most (if not all) made by Ramapo mountaineers: (a) three woven in 1930 by Spencer Rose one a tip-up basket used to carry tip-ups for ice fishing; (b) one market basket, with handle, woven by Dory Conklin and purchased from Mrs. Harold T. (Pauline) Sherwood by the donor’s mother, Janet Rose Lehmberg; and one small basket, with handle, dated on bottom November 24, 1917. Two baskets are unmarked as to origin or date. Donated by Gregg Lehmberg.
Letter of recommendation, dated December 19, 1874, from D. J. Blauvelt, president, Rockland County National Bank, and chairman, Rockland County Republican Central Committee, to George H. Sharpe. Mr. Blauvelt recommends John W. Haight, carpenter, for job on the new Post Office building in New York City. Donated by Tim Adriance, Bergenfield, NJ
Full bottle of virgin cherry wine, never opened, produced by High Tor Vineyards, South Mountain Road, New City, 1980s. Donated by Len Kinnick of New City.
Collection of Rockland-related items: (a) Rockland State Hospital employee phone directory, ca. 1957; (b) Rockland Aquanauts newsletter, May 1980, a scuba-diving group that began in 1966 and existed into the 1980s; (c) Rockland National Bank loan book, ca. 1958; (d) Port Authority commuter book, 1963; (3) Rockland Coaches (Red and Tan) ticket book, 1975. Donated by John Resanovich, New City.
Folding card table with advertisements on the top of local businesses, primarily in Nyack, possibly 1940s. Donated by Larry Kigler of New City.
1925 farm auction poster. Ackerman Farm, South Monsey; Oliver Seely, auctioneer. Framed. Auction of goods of the farm of the late David Ackerman. In excellent condition. Donated by Cassie and Peter Strasser, Newtown, CT.
Promotional brochure for Little Tor Estates, Twin Elms Lane, New City. Sixty-five eight-room split-level houses on thirty-five wooded acres. The donor’s family’s house was at 1 Irion Drive, built 1959. Donated by Richard D’Antonio, New City.
Savings account book of Miriam Greenwald in trust for her son Steven and blue plastic checkbook cover, both from the Spring Valley Savings and Loan Association. Checkbook cover is covered with ads, outside and inside, from local merchants in celebration of the bank’s seventy-fifth anniversary in 1964. Donated by Steven F. Greenwald, San Francisco.
Soda bottles: (a) M. H. Hopper & Son, Suffern, 8 oz., 1892–1903; (b) W. R. Conrad Bottlers, Suffern, 8 oz., 1905–1920; (c) Cascadian Spring Beverages, Grand View (water was bottled from spring water that cascaded down the Palisades cliff at 35 River Road, Grand View, from the early 1900s to the early 1970s; (d) Ramapo Club Beverages, Suffern Bottling Works, standard size, 8 oz., art deco embossing, 1925–1935; (e) Ramapo Club Beverages, large size, painted/pyroglazed graphics, 1931–1950; (f) Mission Beverages, Suffern Bottling Works, under license of Mission Day Corp., 12 oz., 1945–1955. Donated by Alexander A. Prizgintas, Central Valley.
World War II items: (a) Booklet, Postal Savings Plan, for purchase of US Defense Savings Bonds 75 Defense Stamps at $1, total value $75 buys a Defense Savings Bond worth $100 in 10 years contains 5 stamps; (b) 18 US War Savings Stamps, 25 cents each; (c) Federal Use Tax Stamp on Motor Vehicles, $2.09, expires June 30, 1942, US Internal Revenue Service. Donated by Robert Schnell, Pearl River.
Respectfully submitted, Diane Buell, Chair, and Marianne B. Leese, Senior Historian
EXHIBITIONS
In April, we opened “Home Grown: A History of Farming in Rockland County.” The exhibition, curated by staff members Jennifer Rothschild and Ashleigh Malone, explored key eras of our region’s agricultural history, from Native American “Three Sisters” cultivation through early Dutch settlement and sustenance farming, the rise of commercial and mechanized techniques in the 19th and 20th centuries, and today’s rebirth of sustainable farming to promote community engagement in suburban Rockland County.
We thank the Orangetown Historical Museum & Archives for objects on loan to the exhibition. In addition, we’re grateful to HSRC Exhibition Committee volunteers Fr. Richard Baker, Veronica Boesch, Diane Buell, Sue Ferreri, Jimmy Higgins, Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, and John Resanovich.
“Rockland Voices” also reopened to the public in April featuring the “Day” and “Night” Bicentennial quilts. This semipermanent exhibition relates early history of Rockland County through the historic objects and
Continued on page 18
FINANCE
N.B. The Finance Committee reports are current as of March 31, 2026. 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.
FY Income was $312,983 versus a plan of $337,240. This unfavorable outcome was due to lower than projected corporate and foundation support and membership revenue.
FY Expenses were $317,563 versus a plan of $337,240. This favorable outcome was due to lower than projected personnel, building repair, and program costs.
Balance Sheet Summary as of March 31, 2026
ENDOWMENT
N.B. The Endowment Report is based on the calendar year (January 1–December 31, 2025). All other reports are based on the fiscal year (April 1, 2025–March 31, 2026).
The Endowment Fund opened the calendar year at $3,322,810.00, and closed at $3,527,398.00, for a positive net change in portfolio value of $204,588.00.
As of December 31, 2025, the portfolio consisted of 32% fixed income securities, 5% cash and cash equivalents, and 63% equities.
It is managed by The Mahoney Group, with Raymond James as custodian.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Boesch, Chair Endowment Committee
documents that tell the stories of people, buildings, and sites. Highlighting items from the HSRC’s permanent collection, the objects and text in the exhibition help visitors learn about key themes, such as the Lenape, the Dutch colonial period, Treason of the Revolution, slavery, and the Nyack Turnpike. From December 2025 through February 2026, the galleries hosted the 49th Annual Holiday Exhibition. “Holidays on the Farm” continued the exploration of key eras of our region’s agricultural history, concentrating on fall and winter themes. The 2025-26 exhibitions were underwritten in part by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Office of Rockland County Executive Ed Day. We’re grateful for the support.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Deeks, Executive Director
MEMBERSHIP
There are currently 454 active members, which represents a 5.4% decrease from last year:
Our effort to increase membership in 2025-26 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 Jennifer Rothschild and Clare Sheridan for tracking memberships and Jennifer Rothschild for coordinating volunteers–notably, Fr. Richard Baker, Sara Bensman, Ronnie and Bob Boesch, Kathleen Delargy, Kay Levinson, Dianne Macpherson, Larry Vail, and Jeanne Zeitvogel to help with envelope stuffing this year.
Respectfully submitted, Susan Deeks, Executive Director
NOMINATING
Trustees nominated for a three-year term (Term 2029):
Sara Bensman, New City
Kathleen Delargy, New City
Sue Ferreri, New City
Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, Nyack
Candice Whatley, Nyack
Trustees continuing in office:
Term 2027
Fr. Richard B. Baker, Blauvelt
Diane Buell, New City
Jimmy Higgins, Congers
John Resanovich, New City
Term 2028
Jesse Malowitz, Suffern
Maria Mignone, Valley Cottage
Josephine Lore, Nanuet
Philip Roventini, CPA, New City
We thank Judge Victor Alfieri, Anthony Benedict, and Veronica DeMeo Boesch for their Board service!
Respectfully submitted, Sue
Ferreri, 1st Vice President Chair, Nominating Committee
2025–26 Programs and Special Events
Sunday, April 6, 2025
FamilyProgram
Imps of Donderberg:
The Lore of Rockland County
Hudson Valley Storyteller Jonathan Kruk shared adventuresome stories about pirate treasure, bold patriots, ghost imps, and Indian guides. Best known for his solo shows “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “A Christmas Carol,” Kruk has been featured on The Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, and the BBC.
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Sunday, April 27, 2025
SundayAfternoonLecture
Stories from Ellis Island, Part 1
Ellis Island opened on January 1, 1892, as the nation’s first federal immigration entry point. Fred Voss provided an overview of the workings of Ellis Island: how immigrants arrived; how they were processed through the facility; and what might mean a long stay on the island or a return-ticket home.
32nd Annual Rockland County Executive’s Historic Preservation Merit Awards
At the 2025 Preservation Celebration, held on the grounds of the HSRC, we honored Tim Adriance, Historian and Historic Preservation Specialist, with the Margaret B. and John R. Zehner Award for Historic Contribution; Robert C. A. Sorensen with the Preservation Leadership Award; the Angel Nyack Board with the Adaptive Use Award for the First Reformed Church, Nyack; Rev. John Schneider and Church Elders with the Continuing Use Award for Central Presbyterian Church, Haverstraw; and Joseph Panzella and Andrew Rosen-
berg with the Rehabilitation Award for the Bogert House, 77 Main Street, Tappan, with special commendations going to Terri Thal for her book My Greenwich Village: Dave, Bob, and Me and to Andrew Goodwillie, Myra Starr, Evelyn Fitzgerald, Tom Hackett, Jennifer Rothschild, and Lola and Richard Esnard, for the Historical Trail Signs Project along the Erie Railroad path. In addition, a special HSRC Preservation Award was given to the County for its commitment to the preservation of Open Space and acquisition of New City’s DePew Farm.
Sunday, June 29, 2025
SundayAfternoonLecture
Riverside Moguls, Part 1: Rise of Steel Rails
From the Vanderbilts of Hyde Park to Jay Gould’s purchase of Tarrytown’s Lyndhurst estate and the vast land holdings of E. H. Harriman in Orange County, the Hudson Valley was home to many of the Gilded Age’s most illustrious, and infamous, titans of industry. Hudson Valley author, historian, musician, and preservationist Alex Prizgintas shared the stories of “riverside moguls” from the Hudson Valley and the transformation of their estates through time.
Sunday, August 17, 2025
SundayAfternoonLecture
Stories from Ellis Island, Part 2
In this part 2 of this fascinating series, Fred Voss explores the personal, sometimes heartbreaking, stories of those who came through the facility; those whose visit to the United States ended there; and whose stay on the island was unexpectedly lengthy.
Sunday, August 24, 2025 FamilyProgram
Barnyard Tails & Activities Day
Jonathan Kruk returned to the HSRC to present “Farm Fables of Old Rockland” tales people living in our county in the 19th century would have enjoyed with a mix of riddles and stories kids can help act out. In addition, crafts and games were available in the barnyard, and the Jacob Blauvelt House was open for tours throughout the day.
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Cornerstone Jubilee Luncheon
In 1975, members of the Historical Society of Rockland County came together to lay the cornerstone for the History Center. Fifty years later, we gathered at O’Grady’s Castle in Pearl River to cele-
brate that milestone and pay tribute to Winston C. Perry with the Lifetime Service Award; Friends of Mount Moor Cemetery with the Community Service Award; and Trudy Album with the Living Landmark Award.
Sunday, September 28, 2025
SundayAfternoonLecture
Riverside Moguls, Part 2:
Titans of Industry
Building on the theme of part 1, “ Titans of Industry” focused on industrialists tied to themes of the Gilded Age beyond railroads, including oil and real estate. Included in this segment were John D. Rockefeller’s Kykuit Estate, Pierre Lorillard IV’s Tuxedo Park, Col. Oliver Hazard Payne’s West Park Estate, and the Livingston Legacy of Staatsburgh.
Sunday, October 19, 2025
12th Annual Fall Festival
WithHeritageofWestNyack andtheTownofClarkstown
In celebration of Rockland History Month in October and to continue our focus on collaboration and preservation, the HSRC teamed up for the eleventh year with Heritage of West Nyack and the Town of Clarkstown for the annual Fall Festival. The one-day event was held at Germonds Park in West Nyack to raise awareness of ongoing efforts to preserve the historic OnderdonckTallman-Budke and Traphagen farmhouses, now owned and being preserved by the Town of Clarkstown.
Thursday, October 30, 2025
AnnualHistoryLuncheon
Protecting the Ramapo Pass
When we drive up Route 287 or 17, we are passing a piece of history that George Washington knew well: the Ramapo Pass. He wrote in his logbook that it was of vital importance that the Ramapo Pass remain in American possession.
County Historian Craig Long shared this key piece of Revolutionary War history.
Sunday, November 9, 2025 RevWar250Lecture
“They Absolutely Did Not Murmur”: The Hudson Valley Takes Up Arms for King George
In 1776, the scene of action for the Revolutionary War moved from Boston to the New York City area in part because of reports of a strong presence of colonists loyal to King George along the Hudson River. Todd W. Braisted examined the role New York’s Hudson Valley played in supporting British efforts in the war, their leaders, and the corps in which they served.
Saturday–Sunday, December 6–7, 2026
St. Nicholas Day Festival
The HSRC has welcomed children of all ages each year since 1961 to celebrate St. Nicholas Day. This traditional program is a highlight of the holiday season, and many adults who enjoyed the event as children now bring their own families.
This year, 110 children accompanied by 130 adults enjoyed the eight St. Nicholas Day performances. Special thank to Richard Anderson (St. Nicholas), Jennifer Brooks (storyteller), Clare Sheridan, Jennifer Rothschild, Marianne Leese, Fr. Richard Baker, Kathleen Delargy, Mary Lou Kossifos, Kay Levinson, Ashleigh Malone, Mary and John Resanovich, Jeanne Zeitvogel, and other staff and volunteers who helped our guests learn about early Dutch holiday traditions; visit with St. Nicholas; enjoy spiced cider and ginger cookies by the open hearth; and discover holiday treats in the children’s shoes.
Sunday evenings, December 20 & 21, 2025, and January 4, 2026
Candlelight Tours
of the Jacob Blauvelt House
Some 115 adults and children joined us this holiday season for special Candlelight Tours of the decorated Jacob Blauvelt House, experiencing Dutch American holiday traditions of the 1830s. Evening tours were held on the Saturday and Sunday, December 20 and 21, and on Sunday, January 4. We thank Fr. Richard Baker for assistance in decorating the historic house and Jacquelyn Drechsler for again providing nineteenth-century flute music for the tours. Candlelight Tours require a great deal of volunteer support. Special thanks in 202526 are due to Fr. Richard Baker, Ronnie and Bob Boesch, Diane Buell, Kathleen Delargy, Sue Ferreri, Ashleigh Malone, Maria Mingone, and Stephanie Patiris for making the program a success.
Sunday, January 11, 2025
SundayAfternoonLecture
Rockland Lake’s Icy Past and Future
Timothy Englert, founder of Rockland County's Knickerbocker Ice Festival, shared stories about Rockland Lake’s illustrious past as the ice box of New York City and how it became worldfamous a century before it became a state park.
Outreach
HSRC in Print
SouthoftheMountains
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 2025–26 issues include “The New Exhibit at the Historical Society: ‘Home Grown: A History of Farming in Rockland County,’”; “Remembering William Doherty,” “Our Priceless Volunteers,” and “O’Grady's Castle: What Is This Place? ”
South of the Mountains, a winner of the Greater Hudson Heritage Network Award for Excellence, is published in four issue per year, thanks to editor Marjorie H. Johnson, consulting editor Marianne Leese, and our many contributors.
HSRC on the Radio Crossroads of Rockland History
In May 2025, WRCR 1700 AM ceased broadcasting local content, so in its fourteenth season “Cross-roads of Rockland History” became a selfstanding podcast streaming on the Rockland-History.org website and many podcast platforms. Hosted by Clare Sheridan, “Crossroads” featured the following programs in 2025-26:
April 2025: “Lawrence-Tonetti Waterfall,” with John Ratcliff
June 2025: “Haverstraw’s Juneteenth Celebration,” with Virginia Norfleet
July 2025: “Theater History,” with Richard Skipper
August 2025: “Lost Hamlets of the Palisades Interstate Park,” with Stony Point Historian Brad Conklin
September 2025: “Tappan Historic Homes & Landmarks Tour,” with members of the Tappantown Historical Society
October 2025: “Memories of John Zehner,” with Russell Woolley
November 2025: “Protecting the Ramapo Pass,” with Rockland County Historian Craig Long
December 2025: “Pearl River Religious History,” with Pearl River Librarian James Cassetta
January 2026: “Knickerbocker Ice Festival,” with Timothy Englert
February 2026: “The Queen of Bohemia,” with Eve Kahn
March 2025: “The Remarkable Landscape Design of Mary Mowbray-Clarke,” with Rachel Whitlow and Luke Spaltro of the Haverstraw Brick Museum
To date, 182 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 RocklandHistory.org website, our archived podcasts continue to be available on all of the major podcast platforms.
HSRC on the Internet Website and Social Media
More than 40,750 individuals visited RocklandHistory.org at least once between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. The majority (91%) lived in the United States and accessed the website via some form of broadband or satellite connection, though access via cell phones continues to grow, with nearly 25% of website visitors using smartphones.
The number of people who “Like” or “Follow” the HSRC’s Facebook page grew again this year, from 5,700 on April 1, 2025, to 6,373 on March 31, 2026. Most of our Facebook followers live in Rockland County, with the remainder in the New York metropolitan area and a few out of state and overseas.
The HSRC continued to email the weekly “Flashback Friday” feature to members. The column, compiled by Clare Sheridan, curates items of local history significance that were published in Rockland County newspapers between 150 and 50 years ago. Each column is also archived on RocklandHistory.org, under the “Research” tab.
In early 2026, the HSRC launched a new feature, “Rockland Remembers,” in partnership with the Rockland County Times. Each week, Clare Sheridan selects a captivating image from the HSRC’s archives, with a brief accompanying description, to run in the Times and on its website at www.RocklandCountyTimes.com. The images are drawn from the collection of some 8,000 photos and slides assembled by former Rockland County Historian and HSRC Senior Historian Scott (1916–2005) and donated to the HSRC in 2003.
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 X. Our presence on these sites, where we share the history of Rockland County with images, text, and video, has continued to increase.
In addition, the HSRC’s online media including the “Crossroads of Rockland History” radio podcast continues to be available through the New York Heritage portal (https:// nyheritage.org), bringing even more history enthusiasts to our digitized collections
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.
Payment: My check for $_________ is enclosed. Credit Card #
Expiration Date: ________ /________ CCV
Mail to: HSRC, 20 Zukor Road, New City, NY 10956
Memberships are also available online at www.RocklandHistory.org. Questions? E-mail info@rocklandhistory.org or phone (845) 634-9629
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 Jennifer Rothschild, Ashleigh Malone, and Susan Deeks for the photos used in this report and archived on our Flickr site at https://www.flickr.com.photos/100479933@N04.
