The Historical Society of
Rockland County
A Brief History of Rockland County
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. ...
2025 Annual Appeal
Rockland is rich in history.
Our mission is to save and to share it.
For information about donating by check, click here.
Please consider making a generous donation to the Annual Appeal!
New Exhibition
Holidays on the Farm
The 49th Annual Holiday Exhibition
In this holiday exhibition, we continue the history of agriculture in Rockland County theme, with a festive spin!
Coming Soon: December Podcast
Crossroads of
Rockland History
History of Religious
Worship in Pearl River
Pearl River Librarian and local historian
James Cassetta
discusses his newly published book,
When God Awakens in the Hinterlands: A History of Religious Worship in Pearl River, New York.
Upcoming Events
Rockland County Local History Event Calendar
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10:30am HSRC: St. Nicholas Day
1pm HS-Nyacks: "Caroline Lexow: A Life of Purpose" Exhibition:
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10:30am HSRC: St. Nicholas Day
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12pm HSRC: 49th Annual Holiday Exhibition: Holidays on the Farm
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12pm HSRC: 49th Annual Holiday Exhibition: Holidays on the Farm
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12pm HSRC: 49th Annual Holiday Exhibition: Holidays on the Farm
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1pm HS-Nyacks: "Caroline Lexow: A Life of Purpose" Exhibition:
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12pm HSRC: 49th Annual Holiday Exhibition: Holidays on the Farm
5pm HSRC - Candlelight Tours of the Jacob Blauvelt House
6:30pm HSRC - Candlelight Tours of the Jacob Blauvelt House
Show all
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12pm HSRC: 49th Annual Holiday Exhibition: Holidays on the Farm
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12pm HSRC: 49th Annual Holiday Exhibition: Holidays on the Farm
7pm HS-Nyacks: Regular Meeting
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12pm HSRC: 49th Annual Holiday Exhibition: Holidays on the Farm
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1pm HS-Nyacks: "Caroline Lexow: A Life of Purpose" Exhibition:
5pm HSRC - Candlelight Tours of the Jacob Blauvelt House
6:30pm HSRC - Candlelight Tours of the Jacob Blauvelt House
Show all
21
12pm HSRC: 49th Annual Holiday Exhibition: Holidays on the Farm
5pm HSRC - Candlelight Tours of the Jacob Blauvelt House
6:30pm HSRC - Candlelight Tours of the Jacob Blauvelt House
Show all
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7pm Genealogical Society of RC: Monthly Meeting
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12pm HSRC: 49th Annual Holiday Exhibition: Holidays on the Farm
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12pm HSRC: 49th Annual Holiday Exhibition: Holidays on the Farm
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12pm HSRC: 49th Annual Holiday Exhibition: Holidays on the Farm
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1pm HS-Nyacks: "Caroline Lexow: A Life of Purpose" Exhibition:
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12pm HSRC: 49th Annual Holiday Exhibition: Holidays on the Farm
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12pm HSRC: 49th Annual Holiday Exhibition: Holidays on the Farm
1
12pm HSRC: 49th Annual Holiday Exhibition: Holidays on the Farm
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12pm HSRC: 49th Annual Holiday Exhibition: Holidays on the Farm
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1pm HS-Nyacks: "Caroline Lexow: A Life of Purpose" Exhibition:
Press Room
South of the Mountains
Dive into a world of captivating stories, insightful discussions, and endless entertainment.
Issues of South of the Mountains from 1957 to 2013 are available in fully searchable PDF form online via the New York Heritage portal.
Collections
The Historical Society of Rockland County's collection comprises approximately 3,650 objects that date from the early eighteenth century to the present.
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.
