2021 Events

When: Sunday, December 12, 5 pm and 6:30 pm, Sunday, December 19, 5 pm and 6:30 pm 
Where: Jacob Blauvelt House, 20 Zukor Road, New City
Price: Adults (non-HSRC members) - $10, Seniors and HSRC Members - $8, Children - $5
 
Spend an enchanting evening at the historic 1832 Jacob Blauvelt farmhouse, illuminated with candlelight and lanterns, fragrant with traditional sweets, and decorated with festive greenery. Experience Dutch American holiday traditions of the 1830s with nineteenth century music and song and seasonal refreshments. The reservation price includes admission to the Annual Holiday Exhibition. 

When: Saturday, December 4: 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm, & 3:00 pm; Sunday, December 5: 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm, & 3:00 pm
            Program duration: 45 minutes
Where: Jacob Blauvelt House, 20 Zukor Road, New City
Price: $5 per person (adults and children) for onsite program, $10 per box for at-home/pickup program (we recommend one box per child)
 
Visit the Historical Society of Rockland County for an unforgettable experience of wonder and fun! We're opening our 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House to welcome children of all ages to celebrate Saint Nicholas as we've done since 1961. This traditional program is a highlight of the holiday season, and many adults who enjoyed this event in the past, as children, now bring their own families. Each child receives a special treat in his or her shoe from Saint Nicholas, and everyone can visit with Saint Nicholas and his horse!         

When: Saturday, December 4, 2021, 9:30 am-12:30 pm — rain or shine!
Where: Trailhead
Price: $25/person (includes guided hike and your choice of a high-quality book about Rockland County history)
 
Led by HSRC Trustees Gordon Wren and Tony Benedict, this history-rich hike will take you to the top of Jackie Jones Mountain and the 60 foot steel fire tower at its summit, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Hudson River and, if the day is clear, the New York City skyline. On the way, you’ll pass the ruins of the Orak mansion built in 1923 as the summer home of the Karo syrup company executive George Briggs Buchanan. The hike is approximately three miles (round-trip). It is rated as moderate to strenuous, with some areas of difficult terrain. Sturdy footwear is required.

When: Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 3:00 PM, and Thursday, October 21, 2021, 7:00 PM
Where: Zoom 
Admission: $FREE or $10 (It's your choice, but we sure would appreciate your additional support as we emerge from these difficult COVID-19 days!)
 
The preserved Jacob Blauvelt Farmhouse in New City, built circa 1832 and home to the family until 1970s, is the gem of the Historical Society of Rockland County's collection. HSRC Education Coordinator Jennifer Brooks takes us on a virtual tour of the structure and the history of the Blauvelt family in Rockland County. In the presentation, she traces Jacob Blauvelt's lineage back to the Netherlands and follows his descendants into the twentieth century, using the home to contextualize the family who built it.

When: Sunday, October 24, 2021, 12-4 pm, rain or shine!
Where: 131 Germonds Road, adjacent to Germonds Park, West Nyack
Admission: $FREE
 
We are very pleased to co-sponsor this festival with Heritage of West Nyack and the Town of Clarkstown. Join the Revolution, the glorious cause! See how militia men and camp followers of the American Revolutionary War lived in the 1770s. Heard's Brigade of the New Jersey Militia is seeking visitors to cheer on our encampment of 18th century tents, open-fire pit cooking, militia drills, musket firing and other living history demonstrations! Maybe we will come upon the British and those Loyalists!

When: Sunday, September 12, 2021, 9 am — early start to beat the heat!
Where: Meeting location provided with confirmed reservation.
Price: $25/person (includes guided hike and your choice of a high-quality book about Rockland County history)
 
This hike is a 2021 Hudson River Valley Ramble event! Northwest Airlines Flight 6231 crashed in Harriman State Park on December 1, 1974, just minutes after taking off from Kennedy Airport, on its way to Buffalo. The HSRC invites you to hike with us to the 1974 commercial plane crash site and memorial. The hike is approximately two miles (one mile in and one mile out). It is rated as moderately difficult and crosses gently rolling terrain. Sturdy footwear is recommended due to some rocky areas.

When: Wednesday, September 22, 2021, 3:00 PM, and Thursday, September 23, 2021, 7:00 PM
Where: ZOOM – Online (Zoom link provided with your confirmed reservation)
Admission: $FREE or $10 (It's your choice, but we sure would appreciate your additional support as we emerge from these difficult COVID-19 days!)
 
On September 21, 1780, General Benedict Arnold supplied Major John André, a top aide to British Commander Sir Henry Clinton, with a map of West Point and George Washington's war council minutes from September 6. As André was returning to British lines two days later carrying the plans, he was stopped by members of the New York militia. He was searched; the plans were found; and André was taken to Tappan to be tried as a spy. Join us for a virtual tour of the newly refurbished exhibition "A Spy In Our Midst: The Story of the André-Arnold Affair" at the Orangetown Museum's historic Salyer House. "A Spy In Our Midst" examines the conflicted history of treason and betrayal that resulted in the execution of John André, a gentleman soldier who faced death bravely and left many to reflect on the tragedy of war. Orangetown Historian Mary Cardenas will guide us through the story of this remarkable episode of the American Revolution, from the meeting of the two men on the Hudson River's shore at Haverstraw through the ultimate hanging of André in Tappan on October 2. This program is co-produced by the Historical Society of Rockland County and the Orangetown Historical Museum & Archives. Donations are welcome and benefit both organizations.

When: Wednesday, June 16, 2021, 3:00 PM and Thursday, June 17, 2021, 7:00 PM
Where: ZOOM – Online (Zoom link provided with your confirmed reservation)
Admission: $FREE or $10 (It's your choice, but we sure would appreciate your additional support as we emerge from these difficult COVID-19 days!)
 
The Piermont Historical Society came together in 2004 to preserve the village's old railroad station, located on Ash Street along the Old Erie Path rail trail. Originally built in 1883, the structure is the only station to survive from Rockland County's mid-nineteenth-century railroad era. In this online presentation, PHS members and volunteers will provide a virtual tour of the Train Station Museum, which is preparing to reopen later this year. The museum's exhibits explore many facets of Piermont's rich history. The virtual gallery tour, which incorporates video taken by PHS intern Jacob King, will be followed by a brief Q&A with members of the Piermont Historical Society and Historical Society of Rockland County.

When: Saturday, May 8, 2021, 2:30 pm (official HAAC program begins at 3)
Where: Haverstraw African-American Historical Park, 41 Clinton Street, Haverstraw
Price: $FREE (but reservations are required)

This is a meetup announcement for history enthusiasts. All are welcome! The Haverstraw African-American Connection (HAAC) will host the nationally touring sculpture Harriet Tubman: Journey to Freedom from April 20 through June 18, 2021. Join us as we meet up on May 8 to view the statue and attend the HAAC’s special Saturday program celebrating local women. This program is part of a series of weekend programs to honor not just Harriet, the Underground Railroad conductor, but also Harriet, the Civil War scout, spy, nurse, activist and humanitarian. The sculpture, created by Wesley Wofford, is filled with symbolism and commemorates the resilience and contributions of strong women throughout history. Learn more about the sculpture and the other auxiliary programs at www.thehaac.com. Please note that this event will take place entirely outdoors, so be sure to dress accordingly. Also, masks/facial coverings must be worn and safe social distances maintained during this Meetup.

When: Sunday, August 1, 2021, 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 pm
Where: Historical Society of Rockland County, 20 Zukor Road, New City
Price: $5/person (children age 5 and under are free)
 
Members of the Blauvelt family lived in the house from its construction in 1832 until 1970, when it was given to the Historical Society of Rockland County. Since then it has been restored to its original period and furnished with original Blauvelt family pieces, as well as Rockland County and Lower Hudson Valley pieces from the Society's collection. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the interior of the house with our costumed docents and enjoy the tranquil surrounding grounds, which were once a 100+ acre farm operated by the Blauvelt family. The entry fee also includes admission to our two gallery exhibitions: "Inside Out: Women, Fashion & the Fight for the Vote" and "Rockland Voices."

When: Wednesday, March 17, 2021, 3:00 PM and Thursday, March 18, 2021, 7:00 PM
Where: ZOOM – Online (Zoom link provided with your confirmed reservation)

Admission: $FREE or $10 (It's your choice, but we sure would appreciate your additional support during these difficult COVID-19 days!)

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. Join us for a trip through the centuries to explore Haverstraw's long tradition of brickmaking. During this guided virtual tour of new exhibitions at the reopened museum, Acting Director Rachel Whitlow showcases displays illustrating the components and conditions of the brickmaking business, as well as a timeline chronicle drawn from the museum's archives of Haverstraw’s historic past and significant contributions to the building of New York State from the 1600s to the 1940s. The exhibitions 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 virtual gallery tour will be followed by a brief Q&A with Brick Museum and Historical Society staff. This program is co-produced by the Historical Society of Rockland County and the Haverstraw Brick Museum, Center for Historic Preservation. Donations are welcome and benefit both organizations.

When: Wednesday, May 19, 2021, 3:00 PM, and Thursday, May 20, 2021, 7:00 PM
Where: ZOOM
Admission: $FREE or $10 (It's your choice, but we sure would appreciate your additional support during these difficult COVID-19 days!)
 
American women fought for more than seven decades to earn the right to vote. During that time, they organized, lectured, petitioned, lobbied, paraded, picketed and went to jail for daring to support suffrage. The movement questioned the country’s commitment to democracy, highlighted persistent racial and class tensions and challenged domestic relationships. It shaped the individuals involved in the struggle, at times demanding enormous sacrifice. "Orangetown Suffragist," the Suffrage Centennial exhibition at the Orangetown Historical Museum & Archives, honors the women of Orangetown who were engaged in this national movement. Curator Elizabeth Skrabonja provides an online virtual tour of this outstanding exhibition, highlighting original objects and photographs on display and discussing the legacy Orangetown's activist women have left for us that promotes the advancement of women and girls in our community today. This program is co-produced by the Historical Society of Rockland County and the Orangetown Historical Museum & Archives. Donations are welcome and benefit both organizations.

When: Sunday, May 9, 2021, 11:30 am
Where: Lilac Splendor Garden, New Jersey Botanical Garden/Skylands, 2 Morris Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456
When: Admission to the event is $FREE, but guests are responsible for paying any parking fees.
 
This is a meetup announcement for history enthusiasts. All are welcome! The Lilac Garden is a large collection of these sweet-scented and prolific spring beauties, in the peak of bloom this time of year. Members of the Skylands lilac team will be in this part of the garden to answer any questions you might have. To join the group, arrive at the New Jersey Botanical Garden/Skylands at 11:30 am. Meet HSRC volunteer Cathy Quinn in Parking Lot B. The Lilac Garden is across the street and up a small incline from parking area. Please note that there are steps with no railing, and we will be walking mostly on grassy, sloping terrain. This Meetup will take place outdoors, so please dress accordingly. Also, we will observe safe social distancing, as required by NJ State Law, and request that you bring a mask/facial covering

When: Monday, April 28, 201, 6:30 pm

Where: HSRC History Center, 20 Zukor Road, New City

Price: $FREE

Due to forecasts of inclement weather this week, the Annual Meeting of the Historical Society of Rockland County has been postponed one week -- to Wednesday, April 28, 2021, 6:30 pm -- at the HSRC's History Center, 20 Zukor Road, New City, New York. Please note that we will be holding the meeting outdoors, on the HSRC grounds (weather permitting) or under the History Center's patio roof. Seating will be socially distanced . Masks/facial coverings are required. The order of business will include reports of the committees and elections of Trustees. All members of the public are invited.
 
The Nominating Committee offers the names of the following Historical Society members:
 
Trustees nominated for a three-year term (Term 2024): Hon. Victor J. Alfieri Jr., 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, Bardonia

Term 2023: Anthony Benedict, Airmont; Veronica DeMeo Boesch, Airmont; Daniel Garcia, Congers; Joseph Holland Jr., Airmont; Philip C. Roventini, New City

Our thanks to Hon. Alfred J. Weiner, Dustin Hausner, Andrew Glikin-Gusinsky, and Jennifer Rothschild for their Board service!

When: Thursday, April 22, 2021, 7:00 pm
Where: ZOOM

Admission: $FREE (reservations are required and donations are appreciated)
 
The year 2020 marked the 40th anniversary of the installation of one of the most controversial public sculptures in Rockland. In this virtual program, we will look back to the hot summer of 1980, when Mariel Farlow installed a monumental sculpture on the grounds of the Rockland County Courthouse in New City. This presentation explores the serendipity, controversy, and philosophy behind Being of Light (originally titled Man of Light), which still stands in front of the Courthouse, exactly where it was placed 40 years ago. We will renew the call for Farlow's artist’s statement and poem to be mounted on the base of the sculpture, as she had planned in 1980, so viewers can reflect on its true meaning and, once and for all, we can let the controversy end.
 
The presentation is also a companion to “Mariel Farlow—Being of Light,” a special mini-exhibit within the Historical Society of Rockland County's semipermanent exhibition, Rockland Voices, open to the public Wednesdays-Fridays between 1 and 4 pm by prearranged reservation.

When: February 19-28, 2021
Where: Rivertown Film Online
Price: $FREE (donations are welcome and benefit the Nyack NAACP)
 
In honor of Black History Month, Rivertown Film is offering a special fine-cut prerelease screening of Rockland filmmaker Susan Hillary's new documentary,The Pratt in the Hat, from February 19 to February 28. Starring Dr. Frances Pratt of Nyack, the short film (12 minutes) features her colorful hats and “Prattisms,” as well as her civil rights leadership from 1957 through her retirement as the President of the Nyack Branch of the NAACP this year. The film is a celebration of Dr. Pratt’s unique wisdom, which she gained through observation and perseverance as a woman of color.

When: February 19–25, 2021

Where: Rivertown Film Online
Price: $10 (single price for both films)

In honor of Black History Month, Rivertown Film is showing two groundbreaking films by Piermont's Kathleen Collins (1942–1988), Losing Ground and The Cruz Brothers and Miss Malloy, during the week of February 19–25. A live panel discussion about art, movies, Rockland history, and more will be held on Zoom on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at 7 pm. The discussion will be moderated by Bill Batson (Nyack Sketch Log), and the panelists will include Collins’s daughter, Nina, who reintroduced her mother's writing and films to the world; her son, Emilio, who recently moved back to Nyack; the actress and theater director Seret Scott, who played the primary role in Losing Ground, and Sam Waymon, who played her husband; and Michael Minard, music teacher at Nanuet High School who composed the scores for both films.