The Historical Society of

Rockland County

About Us

A Brief History of Rockland

Rockland County is the smallest county in New York State outside the five boroughs of New York City. It is bounded by the Hudson River on the east, the State of New Jersey on the south, and the Ramapo Mountains to the north and west. Although the county consists of only 176 square miles, it is a land rich in history.

To a newcomer, Rockland County may appear to be border-to-border housing developments built over the past forty years, but its historical roots go back almost four hundred years—more than ten thousand years if you include Native American history. Records indicate that the first residents were the Indians of the Delaware or Lenape Nation, who were scattered throughout the county in small bands.

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Current Exhibition

48th Annual
Holiday Exhibition

Holidays on the Home Front:

Rockland County in World War II


December 11, 2024 — February 23, 2025

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Now and Upcoming Events


St. Nicholas Day

December 7-8

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Holiday Candlelight Tours

December 15 & 22, January 5 & 12

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Press Room


South of the Mountains

Dive into a world of captivating stories, insightful discussions, and endless entertainment.

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New Issue!

A Rockland County

Dutch Barn in Hiding

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April-June 2024

The Rocks of Rockland:

Iconic Rocks

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January-March 2024

New City in the

Early 20th Century

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Collections

The Historical Society of Rockland County's collection comprises approximately 3,650 objects that date from the early eighteenth century to the present.

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Podcasts


Crossroads of

Rockland History

Host Clare Sheridan welcomes guests every month to explore, celebrate and learn about the rich history of Rockland County and New York's Lower Hudson Valley.

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October 2024
Veterans Day at
Mount Moor Cemetery
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September 2024
Revolutionary History
(Reprise)
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August 2024
Nyack Jazz Exhibition,
with Miriam Hoffman
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