Crossroads of Rockland History: Recent Episodes
Clare Sheridan
Crossroads of Rockland History, a podcast of the Historical Society of Rockland County. Host Clare Sheridan welcomes guests every month to to explore, celebrate and learn about the rich history of Rockland County and the Lower Hudson Valley, NY.
On the September, 2025 episode of "Crossroads of Rockland History" host Clare Sheridan will welcome County Historian Craig Long and two members of the Tappantown Historical Society: Carol LaValle and Larry Vail. They will all be on hand to discuss the Historic Homes & Landmark Tour that will take place in Tappan on October 4, 2025.
In 1965, the Orangetown Town Board adopted the map outlining the Tappan Historic Area. The tour will be a commemoration of this important milestone.
The HSRC will present this Historic Homes & Landmarks Tour of Tappan in partnership with the Tappantown Historical Society. It will be a self-guided walking tour on which a number of houses and other significant buildings within the Tappan Historic Area will be open to the public. The tour both promotes this Orangetown community and its historic importance to Rockland County and will announce events celebrating the 250th anniversary in 2026 of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
For more information about the tour, and a link to order tickets can be found at the HSRC website here: https://www.rocklandhistory.org/2025-historic-homes---landmarks-tour--tappan
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, starts streaming new episodes on the third Monday of each month at 10am. From October 2010 to May 2025, the program aired after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com.
Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms and at our website.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
The August episode of "Crossroads of Rockland History" started streaming on Monday, August 18, 2025 at 10 am.
On the August, 2025 episode of Crossroads, host Clare Sheridan welcomed Brad Conklin, chair of the Historical Society of the Palisades Interstate Park Region.
Before the creation of the vast interstate park spanning New York and New Jersey, people lived and worked there in small villages and hamlets. The Historical Society of the Palisades Interstate Park Region (HS-PIPR) is a grassroots nonprofit organization that works to preserve and share the history of the people and places that were displaced as a result of the park.
The HS-PIPR is located in the Tomkins Cove Public Library. 419 North Liberty Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986. Its exhibits are open to the public on Saturdays, 1–4pm.Learn more about the HSPIPR through its Facebook group page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/697058125011131.
On Saturday, September 6, 2025, the HS-PIPR will host a reunion of the hamlets that were once part of what is now Harriman State Park. The organization plans to share new bequests, including those from Joan Brooks’s works, as well as the collection of Robert Wallace.
On September 27, the HSRC will offer a guided hike to the Letchworth Reservoirs. Visit www.RocklandHistory.org for info.
The reading at the beginning of the episode was an excerpt from author Elizabeth "Perk" Stalter's book "Doodletown: Hiking Through History in a Vanished Hamlet on the Hudson."
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, starts streaming new episodes on the third Monday of each month at 10am. From October 2010 to May 2025, the program aired after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com.
Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms and at our website.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Clare Sheridan will be joined by theatrical historian Richard Skipper. A talented entertainer, Skipper captivates his audiences wherever he goes, blending theater history, personal reflections, songs, and memories. We’ll discuss theater history; his upcoming performance at the Valley Cottage Library; and the role our public libraries play in the arts and in preserving the history of our communities.
About Richard Skipper: Richard Skipper is a multitalented and multi-award-winning vocalist, host, and raconteur. He has had a long and varied career, from his native South Carolina to New York and beyond, in many aspects of show business. He was the associate producer of the 2010, 2012, and 2013 Bistro Awards, and has produced many cabaret shows and concerts. As a philanthropist, he raises funds for many worthwhile causes.
Richard Skipper’s upcoming local performance will be held at the Valley Cottage Library on August 14, 2025 at 7pm.
It’s a one-of-a-kind, unscripted evening shaped entirely by questions from the audience. Richard Skipper blends personal stories, theatrical history, music, and spontaneity to create a joyful, interactive experience that’s never the same twice. With Musical Director Dan Pardo and direction by James Beaman, this show invites audiences into a dynamic celebration of truth, legacy, and connection.
Advance registration required. Click here to register: https://valleycottage.librarycalendar.com/event/everything-you-always-wanted-know-about-richard-skipper-20384
Skipper's website about the history of Hello Dolly can be found here: https://www.callondolly.com/
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New episodes of the "Crossroads of Rockland History" podcast, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, premier at www.RocklandHistory.org on the third Monday of each month. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York. www.RocklandHistory.org
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, starts streaming new episodes on the third Monday of each month at 10am. From October 2010 to May 2025, the program aired after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com.
Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms and at our website.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Crossroads revisited an earlier interview with Virginia Norfleet, founder of the Haverstraw African American Connection (HAAC), an organization that sponsors the annual Haverstraw Juneteenth Celebration. Norfleet was also instrumental in the founding of the African American Memorial Park in Haverstraw. Norfleet is also the 2019 recipient of the HSRC’s Margaret B. and John R. Zehner Award for contributions to the county's history.
The 2025 Juneteenth celebration in Haverstraw will take place over three days: June 19, 20 and 21. Learn more about this years events and programs here: https://www.thehaac.com/juneteenth
Juneteenth is a holiday observed annually on June 19. It commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. A combination of the words June and nineteenth, the holiday, also called Freedom Day, has been celebrated since 1866 and is considered to be one of the oldest continuing African American holidays. Juneteenth commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. state of Texas, and more generally the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans throughout the former Confederacy of the southern United States. This announcement came 2 1/2 years after The Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery. On June 17, 2021, Pres. Joe Biden signed legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.
The mission of the Haverstraw African American Connection is to research, recover, preserve and teach the rich culture and contributions of African American’s with emphasis on the African American people of Haverstraw N.Y.
H.A.A.C is a Non-Profit 501c3 agency. Through public outreach, dialogue, exhibits and other community initiatives, we will promote knowledge, acceptance and appreciation of our heritage.
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"Crossroads of Rockland History," is a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. The recorded broadcasts are available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a non-profit educational institution and principle repository for documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House located at 20 Zukor road in New City.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, starts streaming new episodes on the third Monday of each month at 10am. From October 2010 to May 2025, the program aired after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com.
Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms and at our website.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Episode originally aired on Monday, April 21, 2025 at 9:30 am, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM.
The topic of conversation was the Lawrence–Tonetti Waterfall in Palisades, NY. Also known as Peanut Leap Cascade, this natural waterfall was beautifully enhanced by sculptors Mary Lawrence and Francois Tonetti in the early 20th century by creating stream-fed pools, sculptural fountainheads, and a Roman-style pergola on the shore of the Hudson River.
John Ratcliff, the grandson of the sculptors, joined host Clare Sheridan to share memories of this extraordinary place, which was once part of the larger Lawrence property in Snedens Landing. The property is now contained within the Palisades Interstate Park, where thousands of hikers pass by its ruins as they descend the Shore Trail to the Hudson River.
We are pleased to share the details of an upcoming program at the Palisades Free Library:
The Lawrence-Tonetti Waterfall: A History of the Peanut Leap Cascade
from Snedens Landing to Palisades Interstate Park
When: Thursday, May 8, 2025, 6:30 pm
Where: Palisades Free Library, 19 Closter Road, Palisades, NY 10964, (845) 359-0136
About the program: Join Francesca Costa (Palisades Interstate Park Public Historian), Jennifer Rothschild (Historical Society of Rockland County Programming Director), and John Ratcliff, grandson of the sculptors Mary Lawrence and Francois Tonetti as they tell the story of "The Waterfall" and how it has become a popular hiking trail within the park. This slide presentation and panel discussion explores the fascinating history of The Waterfall, a natural feature enhanced by Lawrence and Tonetti in the early 20th century with stream-fed pools, a roman-style pergola, and sculptural fountainheads. Once part of the larger Lawrence property in Snedens Landing, it became a favorite spot for moonlit gatherings of guests who arrived by boat, including fellow sculptors and painters, as well as the renowned architects Charles McKim and Stanford White, who helped design the pergola. This magical spot is now contained within the Palisades Interstate Park, where thousands of hikers pass by its ruins as they descend the Shore Trail to the Hudson River.
To register, go to: https://southorangetownlibraries.librarycalendar.com/event/lawrence-tonetti-waterfall-snedens-landing-palisades-interstate-park-33538
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, starts streaming new episodes on the third Monday of each month at 10am. From October 2010 to May 2025, the program aired after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com.
Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms and at our website.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
A 30-minute version of this interview originally aired on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 9:30am on WRCR Radio 1700AM.
Crossroads celebrated both Women’s History Month and Saint Patrick’s day with a discussion about an exciting program coming up at Harmony Hall in Sloatsburg. Eve Kahn, the former Antiques Editor for the New York Times and Elizabeth Stack the Executive Director at the American Irish Historical Society will joined host Clare Sheridan to discuss Anna Frances Levins, the Irish American artist and entrepreneur who traveled widely to photograph remotest Ireland and created portraits of sitters ranging from Pope Pius X to martyred Irish revolutionaries.
Anna Frances Levins founded her own company, Levins Press, which published lavish books about the history of Ireland and Irish Americans, and her photos appeared by the hundreds in books, newspapers, and magazines. Levins also helped the newest Irish arrivals at Ellis Island, combating her era's bitter prejudices against immigrants. She eventually married one of her portrait sitters, an Irish baronet. Despite all of this, Levins has ended up in contemporary obscurity.
About the guests:
Eve Kahn is an Independent scholar and former Antiques Columnist at The New York Times. She is an award winning author who writes about art, architecture, and design for the Times among other publications.
Elizabeth Stack, PhD, is the Executive Director of the American Irish Historical Society in New York City. Dr. Stack was previously the executive director of the Irish American Heritage Museum in Albany, NY and before that she taught Irish and Irish American History and was an Associate Director at Fordham University’s Institute of Irish Studies. She completed her PhD at Fordham, writing about Irish and German immigrants in New York at the turn of the twentieth century, as they grappled with the immigration restriction movements of that time.
About the Program: Anna Frances Levin on Sunday, March 30th, 2:00 pm at Harmony Hall, Jacob Sloat House in Sloatsburg, NY.
Tickets available at https://www.friendsofharmonyhall.org/events
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The American Irish Historical Society will also host Eve Kahn for "Rediscovering Anna Frances Levins” on March 25th at 6pm. Info here: https://aihsny.org/events-2/rediscovering-anna-frances-levins-forgotten-irish-american-photographer-publisher-political-activist-and-baroness
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, starts streaming new episodes on the third Monday of each month at 10am. From October 2010 to May 2025, the program aired after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com.
Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms and at our website.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, February 17, 2025 at 9:30 am, on WRCR Radio 1700AM.
Master storyteller and author Jonathan Kruk joined host Clare Sheridan to discuss his career as a Master Storyteller. In April, Kruk will bring a family-friendly program to the Historical Society of Rockland County entitled: “Imps of Donderberg: The Lore of Rockland County.”
Topics discussed in this interview include: Washington Irving; The Legend of Sleepy Hollow; The Goblin of Donderberg; Charles Dickens; A Christmas Carol; Hudson River; Rocklandia; The Hudson River; Pete Seeger and more.
Best known for his solo shows “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “A Christmas Carol,” Jonathan Kruk has been featured on The Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, and the BBC. In addition to performing for the New-York Historical, the Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum, Pete Seeger’s Clearwater Fest, the NYS Reading Teacher’s Association, NYS PTA Conference, the Nassau County Museum, the Greater Hudson Heritage Network, Met-Life, and Pepsico, he has eight award-winning recordings and is the author of two books: Legends and Lore of Sleepy Hollow and the Hudson Valley and Legends and Lore of the Hudson Highlands.
His website is: https://jonathankruk.com/
The upcoming program at the HSRC:
In this family-friendly Sunday afternoon program, Jonathan will tell adventuresome stories about pirate treasure, bold patriots, ghost imps, Indian guides, and more.
IMPS OF DONDERBERG: The Lore of Rockland County, with Jonathan Kruk
- When: Sunday, April 6, 2025,at 1:00 pm SHARP
- Where: Lower-level Community Room, HSRC History Center, 20 Zukor Road, New City
- Price: $15.00/adult; $5/child (best for children in second grade or older)
Learn more or get tickets: https://www.rocklandhistory.org/family-program--imps-of-donderberg
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 J
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, starts streaming new episodes on the third Monday of each month at 10am. From October 2010 to May 2025, the program aired after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com.
Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms and at our website.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Episode originally aired Monday, January 20, 2025 at 9:30m on WRCR Radio 1700AM.
Crossroads of Rockland History revisited one of the most tragic events in Rockland History: The 1914 murder of Eugene Newman by William V. Cleary. In this re-broadcast, host Clare Sheridan interviewed the grand-nephew of the murder victim, Eugene Newman. Now living in Chicago, IL, Gene Newman shared the details of this dreadful event and the subsequent trial which has been described as a major scandal involving political and legal corruption in New York State.
Please note: A version of this interview was aired on Monday, October 19, 2015 and was archived as episode 61.
To read an outstanding article by Cheryl Slavin , published by the Rockland County Times in 2014, visit: www.rocklandtimes.com/2014/07/24/haverstraw-political-boss-shoots-newspaper-publishe
To see related photos and news clippings, visit our flickr album here: www.flickr.com/photos/100479933@N04/albums/72157658442917045
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30am on WRCR Radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, starts streaming new episodes on the third Monday of each month at 10am. From October 2010 to May 2025, the program aired after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com.
Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms and at our website.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday December 16, 2024 at 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 AM Radio.
Beverly Schultz Csordas joined host Clare Sheridan to discuss her new book, The Olden Days: My Mother's Family History (1594-1997).
Csordas is a member of the Concklin family whose Orchards in Pomona have been owned and operated by the Concklin family for ten generations. By weaving together a wide variety of family documents and photos, and enhancing them with her own research, Beverly Csordas presents a historical and fascinating tale of her mother's heritage from the time the first ancestors arrived in Salem, Massachusetts. in the 1600s. https://www.orchardsofconcklin.com/
Learn more about the author: https://beverlyscsordas.com _____
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, starts streaming new episodes on the third Monday of each month at 10am. From October 2010 to May 2025, the program aired after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com.
Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms and at our website.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Episode originally aired on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 9:30 am, WRCR Radio 1700AM.
We turned our attention to the historic Jacob Sloat house, also known as Harmony Hall, in Sloatsburg. The house is owned by the Town of Ramapo, but a small group of dedicated volunteers - The Friends of Harmony Hall - are working hard to preserve and restore this important place.
Peter Bush, a member of the Friends of Harmony Hall and a Sloat descendant, joined host Clare Sheridan to share what the Friends of Harmony Hall have done so far this year and what is coming up at Harmony Hall.
Learn more about the Friends of Harmony Hall here: https://www.friendsofharmonyhall.org
The Friends of Harmony Hall 's Annual Victorian Holiday at Jacob Sloat's 1848 Greek Revival mansion will take place Sunday, December 8, 1-5 pm. Enjoy live music, sweet treats, and their signature hot mulled cider. Children’s crafts and unique hand-made crafts in Ye Olde Holiday Shoppe - and, of course, a visit from Santa (1:30-2 pm) - will complete the day! Tickets are available at the FOHH website.
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Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, starts streaming new episodes on the third Monday of each month at 10am. From October 2010 to May 2025, the program aired after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com.
Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms and at our website.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday October 21, 2024 at 9:30 am on WRCR 1700 AM Radio.
Bill Batson, incoming President of the Friends of Mount Moor Cemetery, joined host Clare Sheridan to discuss the upcoming Veterans Day Program at Mount Moor Cemetery. @billbatsonny @friendsofmountmoorcemetery
Mount Moor African-American Cemetery, also known as Mount Moor Cemetery, is a historic African American cemetery located at Palisades Center, West Nyack in Rockland County, New York. It was established in 1849 and contains approximately 90 known graves including veterans of the Civil War, Spanish-American War and World War I. Among the notable burials are Lafayette Logan, a Buffalo Soldier who fought with the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment and several members of the 26th United States Colored Infantry Regiment.
Event Details:
Buffalo Soldiers of Rockland County and Friends of Mount Moor Cemetery
Present :
A Veterans Day Service
Monday, November 11th, 2024
12Noon
Mt. Moor Cemetery
1000 Palisades Center Drive
West Nyack, New York 10994
(Palisades Mall)
For information contact: 845-362-6227
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Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, starts streaming new episodes on the third Monday of each month at 10am. From October 2010 to May 2025, the program aired after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com.
Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms and at our website.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 9:30 am, on WRCR Radio 1700AM
We turned our attention to two notable September events relating to the American Revolution. First, September 2024 marks the 244th anniversary of the capture, imprisonment and trial of British Major John André for conspiring with General Benedict Arnold. And it’s the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s triumphant farewell visit to America which included a stop here in Rockland County.
To commemorate these two events, we looked back to two interviews from past episodes of this program:
- AJ Schenkman, who spoke about his book Patriots and Spies in Revolutionary New York, which includes the André–Arnold Affair (2021).
- Seline Castrovilla who discussed her books Revolutionary Rogues: John André and Benedict Arnold and Revolutionary Friends: Washington and Lafayette (2018).
Then, host Clare Sheridan read an excerpt from the terrific book, Life Along the Hudson,” by Allan Keller. This excerptbeautifully describes Lafayette's important and historic trip up the Hudson.
AJ Schenkman is the author of several books about local and regional history. He has written for many magazines, blogs and academic journal including numerous articles about Hudson Valley History in Ulster Magazine, the Time Herald Record, Chronogram, and on his website, Ulster County History Journal. He is a teacher in Ulster County and the Historian for the Town of Gardiner.
Selene Castrovilla is an award-winning nonfiction and fiction author who is dedicated to uncovering hidden truths about both our nation's history and about ourselves. Through reflection, we can be our own change.
Lafayette Historical Marker: We are pleased to announce the recent unveiling of a Lafayette Trail marker. The marker was installed in Haverstraw, NY, on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at 10 am ET to commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette's stop in the Haverstraw Bay on September 15, 1824.
200 years ago (09/15/1824), General Lafayette was forced to spend time in Haverstraw Bay due to the grounding of the steamboat "James Kent" on the Oyster Bank.
This unfortunate turn of events marked the beginning of the North (Hudson) River segment of Lafayette's Tour and had a significant impact on the rest of Lafayette's day, September 15, 1824. Indeed, originally scheduled to be welcomed at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, around 10 AM, Lafayette would only arrive there early in the afternoon because of the delay accumulated near Haverstraw.
The Lafayette Trail, Inc. commemorated this historic occasion with the Village of Haverstraw, the Haverstraw Brick Museum, The County of Rockland, and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. T
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, starts streaming new episodes on the third Monday of each month at 10am. From October 2010 to May 2025, the program aired after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com.
Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms and at our website.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
An excerpt of this interview aired on August 19, 2024 at 9:30am on WRCR Radio 1700AM.
Miriam Hoffman, Trustee of the Historical Society of the Nyacks (HSN) joined host Clare Sheridan to discuss the new exhibition at the HSN entitled “Nyack Jazz – The Golden Years of ‘The Office’ and its Forerunners.”
This exhibition focuses on the rich history of jazz in Nyack, beginning in the early 1900s, through the golden years of the bar called The Office in the 1970s, up to the vibrant revival of jazz today. This exhibition is fun for all jazz enthusiasts, jazz newcomers, and all those who find it fascinating that preschoolers discover their passion and are “hooked.”
Topics included musicians, their accomplishments, and Nyack’s music environment, which continues to nurture young talent. Some of the musicians discussed in this interview included: William Williams, Jack DePietro, Bill Evans, Arnie Lawrence, Eric Lawrence, Hildred Humphries, Bert Hughes, Sonny Oliver, Big Chief Russell Moore, Buddy Christian, Eddie Sauter, and others.
“NYACK JAZZ” is open every Saturday from 1 to 4 pm through September 28, 2024. Enter the HSN at 50 Piermont Avenue, Nyack, from the Nyack Library parking lot.
To learn more about the exhibition, visit: https://nyackhistory.org/nyackjazz
The Nyack Jazz Tribute Benefit Concert will take place on September 6, 2024 at the Nyack Center. Learn more and buy tickets here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6376046
Steve Bernstein, Erik Lawrence, Mark Patterson, David Budway, Don Falzone, Ben Perowsky and Jack DePietro will give a concert that includes jazz standards and jazz greats highlighted at our current Jazz exhibit.
Jack DePietro’s memoire is entitled: “My Life Behind Bars.” https://www.amazon.com/Life-Behind-Bars-memoir-DePietro/dp/B08XN7HXPK?dplnkId=963e9f59-8b59-46f3-a400-a5c5c4aa601e&nodl=1
Michael Houghton’s essay about Jazz in Nyack is entitled: “The Office: A Nyack Nightclub, 1975-1987.” It is available for purchase at the Historical Society of the Nyacks.
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Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and pr
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, starts streaming new episodes on the third Monday of each month at 10am. From October 2010 to May 2025, the program aired after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com.
Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms and at our website.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
An Excerpt from this interview aired originally on Monday, July 15, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700AM
We turned our attention to the hamlet of Sparkill. Larry Vail of the Sparkill History Project joined host Clare Sheridan to discuss the rich history of this community.
Some topics that were discussed were:
- Skunk Hollow
- Roads and Railroads
- Rockland Cemetery
- The Convent and Churches
- Hotels
- Early Environmental Movement
- Oswald Bauer
- and others
Crossroads of Rockland History airs every third Monday of the month on WRCR 1700AM. Afterward, the broadcasts are saved and archived as Podcasts. They can be streamed from RocklandHistory.org or from any major podcast platform.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www. RocklandHistory.org.
Episode originally aired Monday, June 17, 2024 at 9:30 am, on WRCR AM1700
Did you ever wonder about the origins of place names in Rockland County? Joe Barbieri of the New City Library joined host Clare Sheridan to explore names such as Bulsontown, Stagg’s Corners, Hyenga Lake, Mosestown, Woodburn, Warren, and more.
Joe Barbieri is the Adult Services and Local History Librarian at the New City Library. He specializes in local history, assisting patrons in research using electronic and print sources. He is also a member of the Genealogical Society of Rockland County.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Books:
- Cole , David, editor. History of Rockland County. The Historical Society of Rockland County, 1884.
- Green, Frank Bertangue MD, editor The History of Rockland County. The Historical Society of Rockland County, 1886
- Tompkins, Arthur S., editor. Historical record to the close of the nineteenth century of Rockland County, New York, Van Deusen & Joyce, 1902
- Zimmermann, Linda, author. Rockland County Scrap Book. Eagle Press, 2004
- Zimmermann, Linda, editor. Rockland County 1900-2000: Century of History. The Historical Society of Rockland County, 2002
Articles:
- Alpert, Norman W., A Treasury of Information in Place Names. South of the Mountains 1980-07, Vol. 24, No. 3, pp 17-22.
Maps:
- Landmarks of Rockland County, 1975, Claire K. Tholl, The Historical Society of Rockland County
- Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division, The New York Public Library. "Map of Rockland County, New York" The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1854. (AKA the O’Connor Map)
For more about the New City Library, visit https://newcitylibrary.org/rockland-room-local-history For more about the Genealogical Society of Rockland County, visit https://rocklandgenealogy.org
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, May 20, 2024 at 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700AM Radio.
Mike Hays joined host Clare Sheridan to discuss his weekly history column (Nyack People and Places) inNyack News and Views. Nyack News and Views has been sharing community news and storytelling for sixteen years, and Mike Hays has worked diligently to bring Nyack’s rich history to its readers.
A thirty-five-year resident of the Nyacks, Mike Hays grew up the son of a professor and nurse in Champaign, Illinois. He has recently retired from a long career in educational publishing with Prentice-Hall and McGraw-Hill. He is an avid cyclist, amateur historian and photographer, gardener, and dog walker. He has enjoyed more years than he cares to count with his beautiful companion, Bernie Richey. You can follow him on Instagram asUpperNyackMike.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Episode originally aired on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 AM Radio
We learned all about two new local history exhibitions opening in April 2024.
First, we explored “When This You See, Remember Me: Inscribed Quilts from Rockland County” at the Historical Society of Rockland County. The exhibition's guest curator, Peggy Norris, a member of the American Quilt Study Group, Ridgewood (NJ) Historical Society, and Genealogical Society of Bergen County, discussed how, through the quilts, we can learn about local women, the times in which they lived, and their textile artistry. Peggy will also give a presentation on the quilts on Sunday, May 5, at the HSRC.
“When This You See, Remember Me” runs from April 21 to October 27, 2024, and is open to the public on Wednesdays–Fridays and Sundays, 1–4 pm, and by appointment. Admission is $5 per person and benefits the Society’s education and preservation missions.
For information, visit https://www.rocklandhistory.org/program.cfm?page=1114
Then we focused on “Creating Community 1950,” the new exhibition at the Orangetown Historical Museum & Archives. Museum Director Mary Cardenas and Curator Elizabeth Skrabonja shared how a building, baby, and business boom exploded in Orangetown in the 1950s.
“Creating Community 1950” can be seen at the historic DePew House, 196 Chief Bill Harris Way, Orangeburg. It opens on April 21 and extends through November 2024. Exhibition hours are Tuesdays & Fridays 10 am–2 pm, and Sundays, 1–4 pm. Admission is free.
For information, visit https://www.orangetownmuseum.com
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 9:30am on WRCR 1700AM. Host Clare Sheridan welcomed members of the Piermont Historical Society (PHS) to discuss their recent efforts to preserve and share the history of Piermont with the public.
The Piermont Historical Society is a dynamic organization ensuring that the unique history of the Village is passed down through generations of residents and shared with all of those who have an interest in this beautiful Hudson Valley.
The mission of the PHS is to preserve and protect the integrity of Piermont’s architecture, history and cultural heritage and to celebrate the history of Piermont. The vision of the Society is to make the history of Piermont a common narrative in the Village and beyond. Visit their website here: https://piermonthistoricalsociety.org/
The PHS's new film entitled "ALL ABOARD! Next Stop Piermont" will premiere at the Nyack International Film Festival on April 7, 2024.
To watch a sneak preview of the film click here: https://youtu.be/X8u9nCKSy-E?si=4gDZ9qx1OpLTxS-v
Crossroads of Rockland History is a program of the The Historical Society of Rockland County. The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, February 19, 2024 at 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 AM
Did you know that the Lafayette Theater in Suffern, NY is Rockland County's only single-screen movie palace? In operation since 1924, it marks its100th anniversary this year!
With special guests Ari Benmosche and Craig Long we turned our attention to the history of the Lafayette Theater and learned about the ongoing festivities celebrating this landmark anniversary. The festivities—"100 Years of Film," showcasing classic movies from the 1910s to the 2010s—will run until March 3, 2024.
The centennial celebration will culminate with three events:
1) Metropolis - Friday, March 1, 2024, 7:30 PM
2) Neil Berg's 100 Years of Hollywood - Saturday, March 2, 2024, 7:30 PM
3) 100th Birthday - Sunday, March 3, 2024, 1:00 PM
Learn more about these events and purchase tickets at https://lafayettetheatersuffern.com.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Episode originally aired Monday, January 15, 2024 at 9:30 am on WRCR radio 1700AM.
Host Clare Sheridan welcomed Winston Perry, President of the John Green Preservation Coalition who updated us on the progress of the preservation and restoration of the John Green House in Nyack, NY.
The John Green House (JGH) is the oldest remaining Dutch Colonial Sandstone structure in the Village of Nyack NY, built by John Edward Green (1772-1842) in the year 1819. It is listed on both the New York and National Registers of Historic Places, and is a Village of Nyack Historic Landmark. In our (multi-phase, multi-year project) vision, we will return the building to its beautiful appearance from the early 1800s during which it served as business home for John Green, sloop captain, lumber dealer, steamboat entrepreneur, church founder and turnpike trustee. As the house is restored and made safe, it will be architected - both inside and out - to serve the community in exciting ways.
Winston C. Perry (Jr.), President - After a 50-year career as an architect, Mr. Perry is devoting his time in retirement to local history and historic preservation. A lifetime resident of Nyack, he is a Trustee of the Historical Society of the Nyacks, a former member of the Rockland County Historic Preservation Board, and former Village Historian of Upper Nyack. A life-long small boat sailor on the Hudson, he is especially interested in Hudson River history.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Episode originally aired on Monday, December 18, 2023 at 9:30 AM, on WRCR Radio 1700AM
Jennifer Rothschild, the HSRC's director of programming, joined host Clare Sheridan to talk about “Winter Wonderland: The 47th Annual Holiday Exhibition.” The exhibition celebrates winter and its gift-giving holidays by showcasing items from the HSRC collections that include children’s toys, books, and games; holiday cards and décor; snow-themed works of art; and more. They also discussed the holiday candlelight tours of the historic Jacob Blauvelt House.
To learn more about “Winter Wonderland” exhibition, click here.
To learn more about the Candlelight Tours, click here.
If you can’t listen live, locally, on WRCR 1700AM, another great way to hear our program is to to download the TuneIn Radio app (Apple Store or the Google Android store) and then search for WRCR 1700. Using this app, one can listen on a handheld device, a smart speaker or a computer. And as always, the broadcast will be available as a podcast, on the HSRC Website, or on all major podcast platforms.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, November 20, 2023 at 9:30 AM, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM
We turned our attention to the Soap Box Derby. James Cassetta (History Librarian at the Pearl River Public Library) joined host Clare Sheridan to chronicle the derby's rollercoaster history—from its national origins to Pearl River’s thrilling ride; from its post–World War II arrival to a glorious rebirth and a second farewell in the 2000s.
Many of Mr. Cassetta's history presentations can be found at the Pearl River Library's Facebook Page. His recent presentation about the Soap Box Derby can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/100009042950014/videos/1358503054803533/
Many of the HSRC's radio broadcasts have been archived and are available as podcasts on the HSRC website, and on all major podcast platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 9:30am on WRCR 1700AM.
Frank Eberling and his brother Ray Eberling, New City natives, joined host Clare Sheridan for a discussion about the early days of New City and the wagon that their grand father used to carry mail on New City’s Rural Free Delivery routes at the turn of the 20th century.
Since the 1970s, when it was donated to our collection by the late Dr. Anthony Pavia, D.C., of New City, the HSRC has had in our possession this horse-drawn wagon. Ray and Frank are now working with the HSRC to restore it for display at the History Center in New City.
About the guests: Ray Eberling is a retired US Air Force lieutenant-colonel who holds a master’s in American studies from the University of Heidelberg (Germany) and has volunteered for many years with the University of Florida’s Samuel Proctor Oral History Program. Frank Eberling has been a filmmaker in South Florida for fifty years, producing more than 3,000 film and television broadcast projects as producer, writer, director, or cinematographer. He is also the author of the New City-based mystery novels Low Tor, Demarest Kill, and Jimmy Van Meter's Last Refrain.Ray and Frank Eberling will be visiting the HSRC with a presentation on this project: "The Eberling Mail Wagon: Rural Free Delivery in New City in the Early 20th Century," on Thursday, October 26, 2023, 7 pm, at the Historical Society of Rockland County. Admission is $FREE, but reservations are required. Donations toward restoration of the mail wagon are gratefully accepted.
For details and the ticket link, go to: https://www.rocklandhistory.org/event.cfm?page=1065
Frank Eberling will also be appearing at the New City Library on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 7 pm, to speak about New City-inspired fiction. This is an in-person and virtual presentation. Reserve your spot for that event at https://newcity.librarycalendar.com.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast aired Monday, September 18, 2023 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 AM Radio
We explored one of the most significant historical events in Rockland History: the Treason of the Revolution.
On September 22, 1780, American General Benedict Arnold and British Major John André met in the woods along the Hudson shoreline in Rockland County, and there began an act of treason that would become a pivotal point in the Revolutionary War.
We revisited an earlier episode during which host Clare Sheridan explored the history of the André-Arnold affair and discussed the people and places involved in this fascinating story of betrayal, secrecy, and deception with local historian Thano Schoppel of Tappan.
For more about Arnold and André, check out:
- Tappantown Historical Society Colonial Day on Saturday, September 30, 2023, 12–4 pm. Great for families. Admissions is $FREE. For information, visit www.tappantown.org.
- “A Spy in Our Midst—Major John André,” permanent exhibition on the Arnold-André Affair at the Salyer House, Orangetown Historical Museum & Archives. For information, visit www.orangetownmuseum.com
- Culper Spy Ring, independent study project by Andrea Meyer. For information, visit https://wp.nyu.edu/archivesandpublichistory/2009/10/05/congrats-to-andrea-meyer.
- Revolutionary Rogues: John André and Benedict Arnold, Hardcover—Picture Book, published September 19, 2017, by Selene Castrovilla (author) and John O'Brien (illustrator). For information, visit https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3007015936
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
A portion of this interview aired on Monday, August 21, 2023 at 9:30 am, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM
Special guest TG Jamroz spoke about his new documentary, The Murals, which delves into the art of Henry Varnum Poor, formerly of New City. The film features the New Deal–era Uptown Post Office Murals in Chicago and explores how and why they were made by Poor; why they feature Carl Sandburg and Louis Sullivan; and how they inspire people today.
“Through this filmmaking journey, I came to understand the outsized influence Poor had on the 20th century,” Jamroz says. “He might be the most unknown influential artist of the 20th century. He was involved everywhere with everything.
About the filmmaker: TG Jamroz is a filmmaker/performer who has written and directed many independent films, stage plays, and music videos. His projects have been screened at the prestigious Gene Siskel Film Center and around the world. He also has appeared as an actor in the film The Dark Knight and onstage in Chicago; written a one-act play that is being produced in New York City and Chicago; directed a six DVD volume of lectures by the world-famous theologian James Alison; and written and produced four albums of original music that can be streamed online under the name The Platinum Tears.
Learn more about The Murals at https://www.instagram.com/themuralsdocumentary or https://www.facebook.com/themuralsdoc
We are pleased to announce Rockland County screenings of this new film on September 30, 2023, at the Historical Society of Rockland County (2 pm) and Rockland Center for the Arts (7 pm).
Both events are $FREE of charge, but RSVPs are required.
To register for the 2 pm screening at the HSRC (20 Zukor Road, New City), click here.
To register for the 7 pm screening at RoCA (27 South Greenbush Road, West Nyack), click here.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, July 17, 2023 at 9:30 AM, on WRCR 1700 AM Radio
Dr. Vincent Cookingham joined host Clare Sheridan to discuss his new book, The Germond Family Murders: A Forensic Conclusion to a Cold Case. His recent appearance at the HSRC was sold out, so this show offered listeners another chance to hear about Cookingham's forensic investigation into this ninety-year-old cold case.
Despite contemporary attention from Franklin D. Roosevelt and from Pinkerton Detectives, and more recently from amateur sleuths and the press, the Germond murders went unsolved until Dr. Cookingham’s investigation. The multiple murders of James (Husted) Germond; his wife, Mabel; and their two children, Bernice and Raymond, at their Dutchess County farm in November 1930 is one of the most famous crimes ever committed in the Hudson Valley.
About the author: Dr. Vincent Cookingham has more than fifty years of investigative and forensic science experience as a law enforcement officer, corporate executive, consultant, and university professor in forensic science. He has numerous peer-reviewed professional publications and books. He holds a PhD, with a doctoral dissertation in the forensic applications in white-collar crime. In addition, he holds an MBA and an MA from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice; a BS in forensic science; and three professional board certifications. Dr. Cookingham is a veteran of the US Marine Corps, as well as a native New Yorker who currently resides in Florida.
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 9:30 am on WRCR Radio 1700 AM
We learned about a new documentary film titled What Happened to Jackson Avenue: A Story of Urban Renewal. Clare Sheridan spoke with the filmmakers, Hakima Alem and Rudi Gohl. We also heard from members of the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, Craig Smith and Elise Stone, who are producing this powerful film.
What Happened to Jackson Avenue: A Story of Urban Renewal covers an urban renewal program in Nyack in the 1960s and ’70s that removed 125 families (79% Black). These families lost their homes, families, and community, as well as generational wealth valued at $30 million-$40 million. The film includes personal and emotional stories from individuals who were present and saw the destruction of their community. Now in their eighties and nineties, they want to be heard.
Screening dates in collaboration with Rivertown Film have been set: Saturday, June 24, 2023, 8 pm, and Friday, July 7, 2023, 8 pm, at The Nyack Center, 58 Depew Avenue (at intersection of Broadway and Depew), Nyack. To reserve tickets for a screening, click here: https://phoenixtheatreensembleorg.thundertix.com/events/213870
To watch a trailer for the documentary, click here: https://www.phoenixtheatreensemble.org/what-happened-to-jackson-ave.
To learn more about the film or the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, visit https://www.phoenixtheatreensemble.org.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, NY.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, May 15, 2023, 9:30 am, on WRCR AM1700
We explored the new book by local author Tom Stratford titled Along Came Zita.
The book has been described as “a story of one man's journey with Hollywood Gold”: Zita Johann (1904–1993), who lived for many years in Rockland County. A stage and screen actress, Johann is best known for her role opposite Boris Karloff in the film The Mummy. She debuted on Broadway in 1924 and made her first film appearance in D. W. Griffith's 1931 film The Struggle. After seven films, she quit movie acting to work in the theater, collaborating with John Houseman, to whom she was married from 1929 to 1933.
About the author: Tom Stratford is an actor and author who resides in the Hudson Valley. He has appeared in more than forty film and television productions. Along Came Zita is his first book. It follows the life of a famous classic movie star and the enthusiastic young man that came to know Zita Johann and whose teachings impacted him to this day. This is a story that involves Hollywood history, spiritualism, trust, theft, drama, and an ongoing pursuit for justice.
Along Came Zita is available now at BOOKBABY. After May 29, 2023, it will be available wherever books are sold.
Tom Stratford will be giving a virtual author talk on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 7 pm. The event is free and open to all. Details and registration info are here: https://www.suffrageforward.org/upcoming-events.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Episode originally aired on Monday, April 17, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700AM
We explore “Getting There: Rivers, Roads, Rails,“ the new exhibition opening at the Orangetown Historical Museum & Archives.
Mary Cardenas, Orangetown Historian and museum director; Elizabeth Skrabonja, exhibition curator; and Steve Schwinn, member of the Board of the Friends of the Orangetown Museum, jjoined host Clare Sheridan. We’ll find out why transportation matters in a place where the journey is a part of the adventure.
The exhibition, which features models, paintings, maps, a film and more, will open at the DePew House, 196 Chief Bill Harris Way, Orangeburg, on Sunday, April 23. It will be open to the public on Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 am–2 pm and Sundays, 1–4 pm, through November 2023.
Learn more about the exhibition and auxiliary programs here: https://www.orangetownmuseum.com/events
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, March 20, 2023 at 9:30 am, on WRCR AM 1700
In recognition of March as Women's History Month, we delved into the history of Avon. Beginning as the California Perfume Company, it called Suffern, NY home for more than a century, making it one of the longest continuously running businesses in Rockland County.
Host Clare Sheridan welcomed Rockland County Historian Craig Long back to the program for a lively discussion about the history of Avon, its impact on Rockland County, and the role women played in its success.
After more than a century in the western Ramapo village of Suffern, NY, the international cosmetics conglomerate Avon Products plans to close up shop and move its research and development operations to Brazil and Poland.
To learn more about Avon's history in Rockland County, visit the HSRC's archived issue of "South of the Mountains" (South of the Mountains 1997-10, Vol. 41, No. 4)
Read it on NYHeritage here: https://nyheritage.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/hsrc/id/3818/rec/1
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Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast aired Monday, February 20, 2023, 9:30 am, on WRCR AM1700
Crossroads of Rockland History recognized February as Black History Month. Host Clare Sheridan revisited the 2011 interview with Dr. Travis Jackson (1934–2021) about his personal memories and his extensive research related to the desegregation of the Hillburn schools and the role that Thurgood Marshall played in this important piece of Rockland history.
To read Dr. Jackson’s article "Mr. Marshall Comes to Hillburn," visit the HSRC's archived issue of South of the Mountains (vol.47, no. 1, 2003) at https://nyheritage.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/hsrc/id/4450/rec/1.
About Dr. Travis Jackson: Dr. Travis Jackson was born and raised in Hillburn. He was entering the fourth grade in 1943 when Hillburn families of color and the NAACP worked together to desegregate the Hillburn schools. The experience shaped young Travis. "I had an early understanding of what segregation does to people," he said in a 2004 interview. "I knew what it felt like, and that's why I became an educator." As an educator, Dr. Jackson was the first African American to teach at Suffern High School. He later became an administrator in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Dr. Jackson was a critical contributor to the quadracentennial celebrations in the county with key leadership roles in both the Tappan Zee Bridge with the Historical Society of Rockland County and the Mighty River Project with the African-American Historical Society of Rockland County, Rockland Community College, and the CEJJES Institute. Other awards he received included the Distinguished Alumnus at SUNY Cortland, Suffern High School Alumnus of the Year, the Ashby Award, which is the highest award that a Ridgewood teacher or administrator can receive. He was a member of the Rockland County Civil Rights Hall of Fame, and the recipient of the Margaret and John Zehner Award for historic preservation at the County Executive Historic Preservation Merit Awards.
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Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com*. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. If you are not local and you want to listen to the broadcast, simply download the TuneIn Radio App and search for WRCR. After the broadcast, the program will be available as a podcast on all major podcast platforms. Check out many of our recorded broadcasts on all major podcast platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.*www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, January 16, at 9:30 am, on WRCR AM 1700
Did you know that the Pearl River Public library is celebrating its 60th anniversary?
Host Clare Sheridan welcomed James Cassetta of the Pearl River Public Library to the program. In honor of its 60th anniversary, the library is inviting the public to share personal recollections in videotaped interviews. Memories including moving to Pearl River and living and raising families there will be compiled and edited to create a film for posterity.
We’ll learn all about the library’s anniversary and this interesting oral history project.
If you lived or live in Pearl River, and would like to share your personal memories, reach out to James (Jim) Cassetta at the Library at: (845)735-4084 extention 139.
Pearl River Public Library
80 Franklin Avenue, Pearl River, NY 10965
(845) 735-4084
jcassetta@pearlriverlibrary.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, December 19, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700AM
Jennifer Brooks, Public Education and Outreach Coordinator at the HSRC, joined host Clare Sheridan to discuss Dutch Holiday Traditions. We traced the line between the traditions of early Dutch settlers in Rockland County and surrounding areas to the growth of our modern American Christmas. We explored the history behind our holiday traditions. Where did they come from? Who is Saint Nicholas, and how did he become Santa Claus? Why is the December season known for gift-giving and charity? What’s with the tree and the chimney? And what does any of this have to do with religion? We’ll cover this fascinating history and share some Dutch recipes and festive crafts to bring Rockland’s Dutch heritage to your home for the holidays.
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Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a non-profit educational institution and principle repository for documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House located at 20 Zukor road in New City, NY. www.RocklandHistory.org.
A 30-minute version of this interview aired on Monday, November 21, 2022 at 9:30AM on WRCR Radio 1700AM.
2022 marks the 140th birthday of Edward Hopper. On this episode, we learned about about the events celebrating this extraordinary artist, who was born in Nyack, NY.
Kathie Bennewitz, executive director of the Edward Hopper House, joined host Clare Sheridan to discuss the new exhibition at Hopper House, Edward Hopper‘s Boyhood on the Hudson River and Emerging Artistic Vision, on view now through March 26, 2023; a new documentary about Hopper, "Hopper, An American Love Story" that was screened on November 16, 2022, at Rivertown Film; and the Whitney Museum’s new exhibition Edward Hopper’s New York.
About our guest: Kathleen Motes Bennewitz, executive director of the Edward Hopper House, has extensive experience with Connecticut museums and nonprofits and has won several awards, including the Connecticut League of History Organizations Award of Merit in 2019 and 2020 and the Leadership in History Award, the most prestigious national award given by the American Association of State and Local History (AASLH), in 2017. She holds degrees in art history from Princeton University and the University of Delaware. After curatorial positions at the Amon Carter Museum and Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota, and in education at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, she served as director of exhibitions and programs at the Greenwich Historical Society (the historic site of the Cos Cob art colony) and Fairfield Museum and History Center. She has curated exhibits on American art and artists over her career and in Connecticut at the Lockwood-Matthews Mansion Museum, Norwalk Historical Society, Westport Historical Society, Westport Library, and Westport Public Art Collections. She and her husband, Scott, have twin adult daughters.
About the Hopper House exhibition: Curated by Carole Perry and Kathleen Motes Bennewitz, with Lynne Z. Bassett, this new exhibition, on view through March 26, 2023, showcases childhood drawings by the artist on loan from the Whitney Museum of American Art and works from private collections, including the Arthayer R. Sanborn Hopper Collection Trust, alongside Hopper’s school notebooks and artmaking materials and artworks by family members from the Museum’s Sanborn-Hopper Family Archive. Together, these objects provide a glimpse into Hopper’s early years, the influence of his boyhood proximity to the busy waterfront and commercial district of his hometown, and insights into his life at home and his family’s support of his developing talent and ambitions.
About the documentary screening: Phil Grabsky’s new documentary, Hopper: An American Love Story, was released in October 2022 to coincide with the Whitney Museum of American Art’s exhibition Edward Hopper’s New York and the Edward Hopper House Museum’s Edward Hopper’s Hudson River Boyhood and Emerging Artistic Vision. The acclaimed film explores the enigmatic personality behind the brush, taking a deep look into Hopper’s art, his life, and his relationships, and prominently features Nyack in its opening chapter.
Broadcast originally aired Monday, October 17, 9:30 am, on WRCR Radio.We explored the Haunted History of Rockland County. First, host Clare Sheridan read the mysterious story of Lavender, and afterward we revisited a 2014 episode of "Crossroads" featuring an interview with the author, historian, and ghost hunter Linda Zimmermann.
Whether it’s the house on LaVeta Place in Nyack; Bosco; Clarkstown's Jane “Naut” Kanniff, and the last witch trial in New York; or the Goblin of the Dunderberg, Linda knows them all and will share them with us.
Linda Zimmermann, the author of more than twenty books, is a popular speaker and has made numerous appearances on television and radio. Her topics include history and science, and she has been investigating and writing about haunted sites for fifteen years.
The story of Lavender appears in Zimmermann's book entitled "Ghosts of Rockland County", a Spirited Books publication, 1998.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. If you want to listen to the live broadcast and you aren't local, simply download the TuneIn Radio App on your smartphone or tablet and search for WRCR. If you can’t listen live, the recorded broadcast will be available as a podcast on the www.RocklandHistory.org website (under the "Podcasts" tab), as well as of the major podcast platforms, including Apple, Stitcher, Google, and Spotify.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, September 19, at 9:30 am on WRCR Radio
We turned our attention to the life and legacy of the actor Burgess Meredith, who lived in Pomona, NY for thirty years. Meredith’s son, Jonathan Meredith, joined Clare Sheridan to share his memories of his father, growing up in Rockland County, and his father’s eclectic group of creative friends and neighbors, including Maxwell Anderson, Alan Jay Lerner, and more.
Jonathan is a professional musician living in Grass Valley, California. As a teen, he collaborated with Tony and Hunt Sales (sons of the comedian Soupy Sales) and fellow Rocklander Jon Pousette-Dart to form the group Tony and the Tigers, which opened for the Animals at Steel Pier in Atlantic City and performed twice on the popular television program Hullabaloo.
Burgess Meredith, the raspy-voiced character actor with unruly hair and a grimacing yet humorous nature, displayed versatile acting skills that kept him before cameras and on-stage for more than seventy years. He began life as George Burgess, the son of a Cleveland doctor. The family dissolved early on, and Meredith said he took solace in acting in school plays. He was accepted at Amherst College on a scholarship in 1926, but finances forced him to leave school. He worked as a merchant seaman, tie salesman, and peddler of vacuum cleaners before drifting to New York City and Eva Le Gallienne’s Student Repertory Group. “I had no money,” Meredith said in a 1976 interview, “but Eva took me in.”
He left the group in the early 1930s for roles in The Threepenny Opera, Little Ol’ Boy, The Barretts of Wimpole Street, and many other Broadway and off-Broadway productions. The playwright Maxwell Anderson, who was living in Rockland County at the time, became aware of Meredith’s talents and wrote the play Winterset with him in mind. A melodrama of a son out to avenge his father’s death, Winterset became not only a Broadway hit in 1935 but also a motion picture a year later, with Meredith re-creating his role as the son, Mio. It was the first of three stage portrayals that established Burgess Meredith as a significant actor. The other two were Van Van Dorn, who escapes civilization for a single evening in Anderson's play High Tor (1937), and Stephen Minch, who is permitted to return to the years of his youth in The Star-Wagon (also 1937). The critic Wolcott Gibbs praised him in the New Yorker as “brilliant, impressive, heartbreaking, vibrant and eloquent.”
If the phrase “actor’s actor” has any validity, Meredith was its prototype: His early credits also include Shakespeare's Hamlet and Macbeth. He found an entire new career late in life as a scheming villain on television and as Rocky Balboa’s crusty manager in films. The image on this page is his portrayal of Van Van Dorn in High Tor.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Episode originally aired on Monday, August 15, 2022, 9:30 am, on WRCR
The August, 2022 episode focused on the new exhibitions at the Historical Society of the Nyacks and at the Historical Society of Rockland County.
Miriam Hoffman was on hand to discuss “Storytellers from Nyack & Nearby,” the current exhibition at the Historical Society of the Nyacks. The exhibit features the work of 14 authors and illustrators of children’s books, including the local authors Berta and Elmer Hader, who wrote the first children’s book by Americans. The exhibit includes fascinating stories about the authors and illustrators, reviews of some of their noteworthy books, and many stunning illustrations. Several of the books are set in Nyack, with scenes from decades ago that are still recognizable. In addition to the Haders, the authors and Illustrators featured in the exhibition are Jon Agee, Barbara Brenner, Carson McCullers, Beth Goff, Helen Hayes, Ben Hecht, Yaroslava Mills, Toni Morrison, Paul Peabody, Elizabeth Sayles, Mindy Warshaw Skolsky, and Michael Witte.
“Storytellers from Nyack & Nearby” will appeal to anyone who loves children’s literature (who doesn’t?) and anyone who is interested in Nyack history. The exhibition will be welcoming visitors through mid-September. The museum is in the Depew House, 50 Piermont Avenue (enter from the Nyack Library parking lot). It is open Saturdays, 1-4 pm. Donations are encouraged.
Auxiliary programming has also taken place in conjunction with “Storytellers from Nyack & Nearby.” On May 28, 2022, Nick Norwood, director of the Carson McCullers Center in Columbus, Georgia, shared how McCuller’s book Sweet as a Pickle and Clean as a Pig came about. The recorded webinar is available for viewing at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zjflXSqgF4. For information about future auxiliary programming, visit NyackHistory.org.
Susan Deeks spoke about “Uniquely Rockland: Important, Iconic & Oddball Objects” from the HSRC Collection. The collection of the Historical Society of Rockland County comprises thousands of objects that date from the early 18th century to the present. It includes important collections of furnishings original to the family of Jacob Blauvelt, who lived in the historic sandstone and brick farmhouse next door from about 1832 to 1970, as well as objects original to the early farms, industries, and people of Rockland County have donated for more than a century. Each item chosen for this exhibition tells a story about a person or group of people, place, or thing that existed (and may still exist) in Rockland. Text panels in the exhibition are based on the essay “A Brief History of Rockland,” by Thomas F. X. Casey, past County Historian and HSRC President. The exhibition will be open through October 30 at the History Center, 20 Zukor Road, New City. Admission: $5 per person (children 6 and under admitted free).
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Episode originally aired Monday, July 18, 2022, 9:30 am, on WRCR AM1700
We learned about “The Orangetown Memory Project,” the new exhibition at the Orangetown Historical Museum and Archives. Members of the museum staff (Mary Cardenas, Elizabeth Skrabonja and Stefanie D'Erasmo) joined Clare Sheridan to discuss the exhibition, which uses artifacts and archives from the Orangetown Museum's permanent collection to discover how finding out about our past adds immeasurable value to our daily lives.
About the exhibition:Preserving the Past informs the future; it takes more than words, architecture and objects. It requires a type of literary imagination. History is about the continuity of place that occurs within the context of change. Living with landmarks can anchor a community and celebrate daily creative reciprocity. Period photographs present a type of magic mirror, and handwritten documents shift us into a slower, more formal gear. As we question who we are, finding out who we were adds immeasurable value to our daily lives. In this place that was settled by colonists from The Netherlands in the 17th century, the mysterious Dutch Merchant Wearing a Falling Lace Collar centers our exhibition. The story of how he got here is as serendipitous and colorful as our Blauvelt descendants. It is a celebration of now through the precious, the incommunicable past. It is a key to the future. Let’s consider what is old in a new way.
The Orangetown Memory Project is on view now:
Where: DePew House, 196 Chief Bill Harris Way, Orangeburg, NY
When: Now through November 22, 2022. Exhibition hours are Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 am-2 pm, and Sundays, 1 pm- 4 pm.
Learn more at the Orangetown Historical Museum's website: https://www.orangetownmuseum.com.
Special auxiliary programming is scheduled:
8/5 at 10:30am - Orangeburg Library Children’s K-6 Program Story and Craft
9/24 Time TBD - Yoga with Debbie at the Museum
10/10 Time TBD - “Bridgerton” High Tea Fundraiser
11/3 5pm - Annual Dinner at 76 House Fundraiser
12/4, 11, 18 Time TBD - Holiday Open House at the Salyer House
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. If you want to listen to the live broadcast, and you aren't local, simply download the TuneIn Radio App on your smartphone or tablet and search for WRCR. We are pleased to announce that we have begun loading our archived podcasts to all major Podcast platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Episode originally aired on Monday, June 20, 2022, at 9:30am, on WRCR 1700AM
We turned our attention to the life and legacy of Millia Davenport.
David Bisaha, Assistant Professor of Theater at SUNY Binghamton joined host Clare Sheridan to discuss this remarkable and trailblazing woman who lived most of her life in Rockland County. Among her many contributions include writing the definitive book of theatrical costume history, The Book of Costume. Published in 1948, it remains the gold standard. (Royalties from the book were donated to the New City Library.)
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on March 31, 1895, to Charles B. and Gertrude Crotty Davenport, Millia Davenport lived in New City for more than 70 years. Her father and mother were biology teachers at Harvard and Radcliffe, respectively. They were genetic researchers and helped establish the Station for Experimental Evolution of the Carnegie Institute of Washington in Cold Spring Harbor, NY.
After attending Barnard and Parsons, Millia Davenport created artwork for and edited The Quill, a literary magazine. Later, she became one of the first female scenic design painters in America. She worked as a costume designer for a number of Broadway theater companies, including Maxwell Anderson's Playwrights Company and Orson Welles's Mercury Theater.
In 1981, she received an honorary doctorate in fine arts from the Parsons School of Design in Manhattan the same year that she received the highest honor given by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology for a lifetime of distinguished contribution to the performing arts. In 1991 the Costume Society of America established the Millia Davenport Publication Award recognizing excellence in costume scholarship.
Davenport died in 1992.
David Bisaha is a scholar and practitioner who studies performance design, theatrical space and architecture, and the history of theatrical creativity. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Theater at SUNY Binghamton. He specializes in the history of scenic design in the United States, mostly in the first half of the twentieth century, and in the more recent history of immersive and participatory performance. His other research interests include theatre historiography, cognitive sciences and performance, directing theory, and memory studies.
Bisaha’s current book project, American Scenic Design and Freelance Professionalism, is a cultural labor history of scenic designers and designing in the United States. At Binghamton, Bisaha teaches theater and performance history, dramaturgy, and theater theory in the MA and BA programs. He is the Curator of the Theatre Collection of the Department of Theatre, and is affiliate faculty and a steering committee member of the Material and Visual Worlds Transdisciplinary Area of Excellence (TAE). The Millia Davenport papers are housed there.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. We are pleased to announce that we have begun loading our archived podcasts to all major Podcast platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, May 16, at 9:30am on WRCR Radio 1700AM
Kathleen Meehan Do visited the program to discuss the new book she edited entitled "Confessions of a Hayseed D.A." written by her father Robert R. Meehan.
In this page turner, former Rockland District Attorney Robert R. Meehan takes the reader through his journey from naive do-gooder to seasoned prosecutor, investigating and solving heinous crimes and surviving an attempt on his life that upended his family’s world.
Kathleen Meehan Do discovered her father’s manuscript years after his passing. She has edited the text, researched cases cited by her father, and interviewed some of the key players whose names appear within book, creating a compelling narrative perfect for Rockland history enthusiasts.
About Robert Meehan: Robert R. Meehan was born in 1930 and died in 2004. He was District Attorney of Rockland County from 1965 to 1974. He would later go on to become NYS Special Assistant Attorney General for Medicaid Fraud and a Rockland County and New York State Supreme Court Judge until his retirement in 2000.
About Kathleen Meehan Do: Kathleen Meehan Do is a communications specialist who has served in the administration of New York Governor Mario M. Cuomo, Pennsylvania Congressman Joseph Sesak, and Rockland County Legislature Chairwoman Harriet Cornell, as well as college presidents in New York and New Jersey.
Kathleen Meehan Do will appear at Barnes and Noble in Nanuet, NY on June 17, 2022 at 7pm to sign copies of her book.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. If you want to listen to the live broadcast, and you aren't local, simply download the TuneIn Radio App on your smartphone or tablet and search for WRCR. We are pleased to announce that we have begun loading our archived podcasts to all major Podcast platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, April 18, at 9:30 am, on 1700AM WRCR
The life and artistic legacy of the late Sidney Simon (1917–1997). On the occasion of an exhibition of Simon's works at the Blue Hill Art and Cultural Center (Pearl River, NY), two of Simon's children, Teru Simon and Mark Simon, joined Clare Sheridan to share memories of their father, his art, his life and their own recollections of growing up in Rockland County.
About the artists: Sidney Simon was an American painter, sculptor, muralist, art school cofounder (Skowhegan), and American Official War Artist. One of his sculptures, the Four Seasons Fountain Sculpture, is located at One Worldwide Plaza in New York City. A small maquette of this monument will be on display, along with other works by Simon, through Fall 2022 at the Blue Hill Art and Cultural Center.
Teru Simon is an artist working in the mediums of ceramics sculpture, pottery, painting, and prints. She attended Bennington College and received her undergraduate degree from UWW at Skidmore College and her masters in fine arts through Vermont Studio Center and Johnson State College. She spent more than thirty years teaching art to all ages in public and private schools and colleges and retired from teaching in 2011.
Mark Simon is a graduate of Brandeis University and the Yale School of Architecture. He worked in several architecture offices before being hired by Charles Moore, his former teacher and dean at Yale. They collaborated on a number of homes, and in 1978 Simon was named a partner at Moore Grover Harper, which eventually became Centerbrook Architects. Mark is a pioneer in the practice of “green” architecture, beginning with his design in 1973 of an Earth House that was built into a hillside and decades later continues to take advantage of the clean heating and cooling energy of terra firma. Today Mark’s practice ranges from private houses and highly crafted furniture to commercial, institutional, academic, and religious projects. His innovative design has been noted by Time Magazine and the New York Times, among others, and he is the recipient of 112 architectural awards, including the prestigious American Institute of Architects Architecture Firm Award received by Centerbrook received in 1998.
Learn more about Sidney Simon here: https://www.sidneysimon.com Learn more about the Blue Hill Art and Cultural Center here: http://www.bluehillartandculturalcenter.com
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Will and Jeff morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. If you want to listen to the broadcast, and you aren't local, simply download the TuneIn Radio App on your smartphone or tablet and search for WRCR. After the show, the broadcast will be available for streaming anytime on all major podcast platforms. We are pleased to announce that many of our archived podcasts are also available on all major podcast platforms (Apple Podcasts; Stitcher, Google Alexa, etc.).
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Episode originally aired on Monday, March 28, 2022 at 9:30am on WRCR Radio 1700AM.
To celebrate Women's History Month, we turned our attention to the women of South Mountain Road (Rockland County) who, like their male counterparts, were gifted artists and intellectuals.
HSRC Executive Director Susan Deeks joined Clare Sheridan to discuss some of these notable women and why they deserve a prominent place in the history of American arts and letters. Lita Hornick, Martha Ryther, Lotte Lenya, Eva Zeisel, Bessie Breuer and Mary Mowbray Clarke were discussed.
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During the program, research suggestions were made:
South of the Mountains is the quarterly history journal of the Historical Society that has been published continuously since 1957. It is one of the tangible benefits of membership in the Historical Society of Rockland County.
South of the Mountains 1988-07, Vol. 32, No. 3This entire issue was devoted to Maxwell Anderson and includes excellent articles written by Alan Anderson; Quentin Anderson and an fine piece by Isabell Savell about High Tor and how it became incorporated into the Palisades interstate park system.
South of the Mountains 1996-04, Vol. 40, No. 2
This issue includes an article written by Alan Anderson entitled “The Artists Find South Mountain Road.” Anderson introduces his essay as a “ inkling of how a quiet farming area in lower New York State was invaded by artists right after the end of the Great War.”
Hesper Anderson's "South Mountain Road: A Daughter's Journey of Discovery"
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. If you want to listen to the live broadcast, and you aren't local, simply download the TuneIn Radio App on your smartphone or tablet and search for WRCR. We are pleased to announce that our archived podcasts are available for streaming on the www.RocklandHistory.org website and all of the major podcast platforms, including Apple, Stitcher, Google, and others.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast aired Monday, February 21, 2022 at 9:30 am, on WRCR AM 1700.
We revisited the interview with historical archeologist Joan Geismar and the fascinating and little-known area known as Skunk Hollow. Dr. Geismar has been a practicing urban archaeologist since 1981 and wrote her dissertation on Skunk Hollow. She shares how she uncovered the history of this place through archeological research and discoveries.
Skunk Hollow or, “the mountain,” was a free black community from 1806-1905. The first known deed dated 1806 belonged to Jack Earnest from Palisades. In 1841, William Thompson, an African Methodist Episcopal itinerant preacher bought Jack’s house, built a church on his land, and became resident preacher. Over one hundred families lived in Skunk Hollow including Brown, Oliver, Sisco, Thompson, Williams and others.
Learn more about Skunk Hollow here: aahsmuseum.org/dt_portfolios/skunk-hollow/
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Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com.
Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York. www.RocklandHistory.org
Clare Sheridan interviewed Blauvelt, NY native Roger Peltzman. Since his appearance on "Crossroads" in 2014, Peltzman has continued to explore his family’s harrowing story that took place in the wake of Hitler’s rise to power, with his primary focus on his uncle, the piano prodigy Norbert Stern, who perished in Auschwitz at 21 years old.
Sheridan and Peltzman discussed the new developments surrounding Peltzman's new one-person show entitled DEDICATION which explores his family’s history, its impact the world of music and on his own personal journey.
Watch a short trailer of Peltzman's performance here: https://vimeo.com/660428184
www.RogerPeltzman.com
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. If you want to listen to the live broadcast, and you aren't local, simply download the TuneIn Radio App on your smartphone or tablet and search for WRCR. We are pleased to announce that our archived podcasts are available for streaming on the www.RocklandHistory.org website and all of the major podcast platforms, including Apple, Stitcher, Google, and Spotify.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired December 20, 2021 at 9:30am on WRCR Radio
Did you know that we can discover the future by studying the past? The Haverstraw Brick Museum is doing just that!
Clare Sheridan’s guest was Rachel Whitlow, acting director of the Haverstraw Brick Museum. We discussed the Museum’s new innovation series of exhibitions; interesting collaborations with organizations, including the Pratt School of Architecture; and the museum's goal to engage the community through history, STEAM education, and hands-on living history experiences.
Learn more at: www.haverstrawbrickmuseum.org
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. If you want to listen to the live broadcast, and you aren't local, simply download the TuneIn Radio App on your smartphone or tablet and search for WRCR. We are pleased to announce that we have begun loading our archived podcasts to Apple Podcasts; Stitcher, and Spotify platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York. www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, November 15, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700AM
Spies! Loyalists! Tories! Conspiracy! Strange messages? Codes in invisible ink?
We turned our attention to Patriots and Spies in Revolutionary New York, the new book by A. J. Schenkman. The author was interviewed by host Clare Sheridan.
The American Revolution was first and foremost a civil war that tore at the very fabric of families, as well as society. Patriots were determined to separate from England, while Loyalists were just as determined to defeat what they saw as a rebellion.
Many do not know that during several critical periods, the war was almost fatally undermined by English sympathizers or, in some cases, opportunistic Patriots. Patriots and Spies in Revolutionary New York is a compilation of twelve stories regarding important moments in New York State's history during the American Revolution.
About the Author: A.J. Schenkman teaches history in the Lower Hudson Valley and writes about the history of Ulster and Orange counties. He is the Town of Gardiner Historian. Since his start writing for local newspapers, Schenkman has branched out into writing for magazines, blogs, and academic journals in history and other subjects. In addition to his current book, he has written others, including Unexpected Bravery: Women and Children of the Civil War, which is now out in paperback. Learn more at the author's website:
https://www.ajschenkman.com/
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. If you want to listen to the live broadcast, and you aren't local, simply download the TuneIn Radio App on your smartphone or tablet and search for WRCR. We are pleased to announce that we have begun loading our archived podcasts to Apple Podcasts; Stitcher, and Spotify platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
Broadcast originally aired Monday, October 18, 2021, at 9:30 am, on WRCR AM1700
Ralph Blauvelt joined Clare Sheridan to speak about his new book, "Four Hundred Years in America: 17th Century Immigrant Ancestors." This is the story of the first immigrant settlers in New Netherland, some of whom are Blauvelt’s own ancestors. Their lives are reconstructed from the documents they left behind, and their stories are those of strangers in a strange land trying to build a new life.
Read more about the new book here: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/four-hundre…lt/1140167170
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. If you want to listen to the live broadcast, and you aren't local, simply download the TuneIn Radio App on your smartphone or tablet and search for WRCR. We are pleased to announce that we have begun loading our archived podcasts to Apple Podcasts; Stitcher, and Spotify platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
New Netherland
New Amsterdam
Blauvelt Descendants
New York City
Genealogy
Bergen County
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, September 20, 2021 at 9:30am on WRCR Radio 1700AM
In this two-part episode, Clare Sheridan read “The True Story of Major André’s Toe,” as written by Palisades Historian Alice Gerard. (The story appeared in the HSRC's South of the Mountains history quarterly). This story is relevant right now, because one hundred years ago, Major John André’s remains were exhumed by order of the Duke of York and moved from Tappan (the site of André’s hanging) to Westminster Abbey. In terms of legends and lore, the truth about this story is one of the most frequently asked questions of our staff at the HSRC.
Just as a reminder, André was the British major who entered into the treason of the American Revolution with the notorious traitor Benedict Arnold.
Part 2 revisits Clare’s interview with author Mary Beth Keane about her book FEVER, the historical fiction exploration of Mary Mallon, a.k.a. Typhoid Mary—a story of that is more relevant today than ever!
Learn more about Mary Beth Keane here: marybethkeane.com/
SOUTH OF THE MOUNTAINS (ISSN 0489-9563) is published quarterly by The Historical Society of Rockland County. Receiving this quarterly is one of the tangible benefits of membership in the HSRC. Single copy price of South of the Mountains is $5, including postage and handling. Learn more here: www.rocklandhistory.org/page.cfm?page=838
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. If you want to listen to the live broadcast and you aren't local, simply download the TuneIn Radio App on your smartphone or tablet and search for WRCR. After the broadcast, you can find the program on all major podcast apps.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Monday, August 16, 2021, 9:30 am, on WRCR AM 1700
We learned all about the history scavenger hunt happening now in Tappan, NY. That’s right: If you love a history challenge, now’s your chance to take part! Carol LaValle, from the Tappantown Historical Society, joined Clare Sheridan to discuss the details surrounding this fun, educational and family-friendly event, co-sponsored by the Tappan Library.
The scavenger hunt is ongoing throughout the month of August, 2021 .
For more information, visit the Tappan Library here: www.tappanlibrary.org/localinfo.asp
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30am, right after the morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
If you don’t live locally, you can still listen to WRCR by downloading the TuneIn Radio App on your smart phone, smart device or tablet and searching for WRCR Radio. If you can’t listen live, we offer the broadcast on demand on all of the major Podcast Apps, as well as on our website at www.RocklandHistory.org.
To view an index of past programs and listen to sound recordings, click www.rocklandhistory.org/page.cfm?category=22.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, July 19, 2021, 9:30 am, on WRCR Radio 1700AM
We turned our attention to the life and career of Steve Possell, who's retiring after a fifty-year career in local Rockland County radio.
First at WRKL and now at WRCR, Possell has had an impact on local radio and our community that can only be called significant. We learned about how he got started in radio, his favorite moments over the past decades on the air and his plans for retirement.
Read more about Steve Possell here: rcbizjournal.com/2021/06/18/wrcrs…retire-in-august
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30am on WRCR Radio 1700 AM. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. If you don’t live locally, you can still listen to WRCR by downloading the TuneIn Radio App on your smart phone, smart device or tablet and searching for WRCR Radio. If you can’t listen live, we offer the broadcast on demand on all of the major Podcast Apps, as well as on our website at www.RocklandHistory.org.
To view an index of past programs and listen to sound recordings, click www.rocklandhistory.org/page.cfm?category=22.
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, June 21, 2021, 9:30 am, on WRCR Radio 1700AM
Clare Sheridan welcomed author Brenda Ross, curator of the new exhibition at the Historical Society of the Nyacks on the life of the local celebrity and Nobel Prize–winning author Toni Morrison. The exhibit covers a refreshing set of Morrison’s life lessons and offers a glimpse of her that has not been well explored before, including her insights on the creative process, Black women and feminism, and capturing “the Black voice.”
Learn how Morrison usually began her novels at their end; her opinion about writer’s block; how writing is similar to acting as the writer becomes the character; and much more. This is the first exhibit to open in the Historical Society of the Nyacks’ new museum space on the first floor of the DePew Building at 50 Piermont Avenue. It is open to the public on Saturdays, 1–4 pm.
About Brenda Ross: Brenda Ross has honed her craft through years of writing workshops. She holds a bachelor of arts in creative writing from SUNY Empire State College. Her acclaimed novel, Bibsy, was completed in the Novel Writing course at Sarah Lawrence College.
To learn more about the Toni Morrison exhibition, visit nyackhistory.org/2021/05/21/current-exhibit.
To learn more about Brenda Ross and her book visit: www.authorbrendaross.com.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30am on WRCR Radio 1700 AM. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. If you don’t live locally, you can still listen to WRCR by downloading the TuneIn Radio App on your smart phone, smart device or tablet and searching for WRCR Radio. If you can’t listen live, we offer the broadcast on demand on all of the major Podcast Apps, as well as on our website at www.RocklandHistory.org.
To view an index of past programs and listen to sound recordings, click www.rocklandhistory.org/page.cfm?category=22.
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, May 17, 9:30 am, on WRCR Radio 1700AM
We turned our attention to the first lady of the American Theater, Helen Hayes.
Joyce Bulifant, Hayes’s daughter-in-law, shared her fond memories of the stage and screen star Helen Hayes; of her father-in-law, the playwright Charles MacArthur; and of their famous house in Nyack, Pretty Penny. We reminisced with Bulifant and then learned about an effort to establish Pretty Penny as a literary landmark from Joel Vig, who, through the Literary Landmark program, has been working to create lasting legacies from some of our best-known authors.
Known as “The First lady of the American Theater,” Helen Hayes had a legendary career on stage and in films and television that spanned more than eighty years. The accomplished entertainer acted from age five to eight-five. She appeared on Broadway at age eight, and over the next several years received much acclaim for her performances. With the expansion of movies in Hollywood, Hayes moved to California to pursue films. In 1931, she won a Academy Award as Best Actress for The Sin of Madelon Claudet. Hayes also received accolades for her Broadway performances in Mary of Scotland (1933) and Victoria Regina (1935). She is the first woman to receive all four entertainment awards: an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony. One of her final triumphs came in 1990 with the publication her autobiography, My Life in Three Acts. The memoir became a best seller. Hayes died on March 17, 1993, in Nyack.
A star in her own right, Joyce Bulifant is perhaps best known for playing recurring supporting roles and doing guest spots on television series such as Perry Mason, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and Dr. Kildare. Beginning in 1971, one year into the eight-season run of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Bulifant landed an assignment as a regular on that program; she played Marie Slaughter, the wife of the amiable newswriter Murray Slaughter (Gavin MacLeod), which carried her through the final season of the series. During the 1970s she also appeared as a regular contestant/participant on the game show Match Game alongside such “Me Decade” stars as McLean Stevenson and Mary Tyler Moore Show co-star Betty White. Bulifant's small-screen work continued unabated for several decades; in time, she also moved into occasional bit parts and supporting roles in feature flms. More recently, she has written two one-woman shows—My Life upon the Wicked Stage and Remembering Helen Hayes with Love—which she has performed in various theaters. She is also the executive vice president of the Dyslexia Foundation. Joyce's book "My Four Hollywood Husbands" is available wherever books are sold and the audio book is coming soon!
Joel Vig created touring productions for the Arkansas Art Center and the Nebraska Arts Council, is a contributor to the textbook Creating a Sense of Occasion (Holt), and is a guest lecturer at college theatre departments. He has worked as a director, stage manager, performer and designer, on Broadway, off Broadway, at Theatre at Sea and regional theatres. He originated the title role in the Off-Broadway "Best Musical," Ruthless, and appeared in the original Broadway cast of the Tony-winning musical Hairspray.
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Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, April 19, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700AM
Virginia "Ginny" Norfleet of the Haverstraw African-American Connection appeared to tell us about how the 2,400-pound bronze statue entitled Harriet Tubman: Journey to Freedom by Wesley Woffard will make its way to Rockland County. The nationally-touring sculpture will be unveiled in Haverstraw on April 20 and will stay through the Juneteenth holiday. Ginny spoke about all of the interesting programs surrounding this special visit and how the public can see the sculpture and be part of this series of history-making events.
Virginia Norfleet is the founder of the Haverstraw African-American Connection, whose mission is to research, recover, preserve, and teach the rich culture and contributions of African Americans, with an emphasis on the African American people of Haverstraw. Learn more about the sculpture and the associated events at https://www.thehaac.com/
The sculpture Harriet Tubman: Journey to Freedom depicts Tubman confidently leading a young girl on the Underground Railroad to freedom from bondage. “There is a lot of embedded symbolism within the narrative of the piece,” says Wesley Wofford, the creator of the statue. “The contours of the base represent the Maryland/Delaware Peninsula, where Harriet was enslaved, eventually escaped, and continued to return for her freedom raids. The dramatic step up/cut is the Pennsylvania state line, and they are stepping out of the slave states to an elevated freedom. The dress is enveloping the young girl, billowing protectively like a flag, and is meant to represent all the legal protections afforded every United States citizen-a symbol of the future equality to come. Each hand on the sculpture signifies an attribute: Determination, Protection, Fear, and Trust. The young girl is leaning out to get a better look at where Harriet is taking her with a look of trepidation on her face. She is gripping Harriet’s right arm tightly, but her delicate finger grasp is cautiously hopeful. The girl is off balance and tentatively taking a step forward-her left foot precariously hanging off a cliff, illustrating the danger and peril of the journey. The shackles are broken, and the atrocities of slavery are left forever behind.”
About the Artist: Wesley Wofford, an Emmy- and Academy Award-winning sculptor, works from his private studio in the National Forest of North Carolina. His studio is filled with sculptures at various stages of completion, the large commissions occupying the same space as portraits, gallery pieces, and maquette studies. He was awarded Signature Status with the Portrait Society of America in March 2015 and is an elected member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Portrait Sculptors Society of the Americas. Wofford’s sculpture is recognized on a national and international level, with various awards and publications celebrating and featuring his work.
Learn more about the Haverstraw African-American Connection at www.thehaac.com
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, March 15, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 AM
Miriam Cordwell, the trailblazing and award-winning hair stylist known as the first lady of hair dressing was the topic of the March (women's history month) episode. Judith Brodil, Cordwell’s niece, joined Clare Sheridan to discuss the life and legacy of her aunt, who for decades was the preeminent style sophisticate working out of her salon in New City. Cordwell was an innovator and left a legacy of important books about her field.
A Rockland County native and an artist in her own right, Judith Brodil is retired from a career as an executive in the graphic arts industry; like her aunt, she was frequently on a plane while raising two children. She lives in New City in a house designed and built circa 1952 by her father, Miriam’s brother John R. Bradley. Judy tells us, “One thing that was truly great about my aunt is that she recognized all types of women and men regardless of their race or religion. My father was the same way. … Miriam was such a force, but she did it nicely, which is why I think she was so beloved.”
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. If you want to listen to the live broadcast, and you aren't local, simply download the TuneIn Radio App on your smartphone or tablet and search for WRCR. We are pleased to announce that we have begun loading our archived podcasts to Apple Podcasts; Stitcher, and Spotify platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, February 15, 2021, 9:30 am, on WRCR Radio 1700AM
During the middle of the 20th century, New York City's suburbs, including Nyack, were the site of massive urban renewal projects. Joining Clare Sheridan were Owen Voutsinas-Klose, author of Race, Power and Urban Renewal on the Hudson, and Bill Batson, whose family was directly impacted when their home was seized by eminent domain to make way for urban renewal in Nyack.
Owen Voutsinas-Klose is a recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in politics, philosophy, and economics. A lifelong Nyack resident, he currently serves as on the staff of New York State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick.
Bill Batson is an artist, writer, and activist who lives in Nyack. He has worked for nonprofits, labor unions, and government in New York State as an organizer, writer, and public relations specialist. For more information about his work, visit https://billbatsonarts.com.
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Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. We are pleased to announce that we have begun loading our archived podcasts to Apple Podcasts; Stitcher, and Spotify platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, January 18, 9:30am on WRCR Radio (1700AM )
Rockland County Historian Craig Long stopped by to discuss the history of the Smith House, the Ramapo Pass, The Clove Road and the new historical markers that relate to these historic sites in the Town of Ramapo.
This episode of Crossroads of Rockland History has been made possible by a generous contribution from the Town of Ramapo. The HSRC is grateful for their support of our efforts to share local history with the people of Rockland County.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio 1700 AM. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. To listen live, tune in to 1700 on your AM dial, or download the TUNEIN Radio APP on your smartphone or tablet and search for WRCR. After the live broadcast, listeners can listen to a recording of the show as a podcast. These podcasts can be found at our website www.RocklandHistory.org, SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York. www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, December 21, at 9:30 am, on WRCR Radio 1700AM (Rockland County, NY)Clare Sheridan welcomed Muriel Fox to Crossroads of Rockland History. While living in Tappan, Muriel Fox made history with Betty Friedan when they, and other prominent feminists, founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966. A powerhouse herself, Muriel Fox is a world traveler, feminist, wife, mother, and a retired public relations executive who was once included in Business Week magazine's list of "100 Top Corporate Women.”
Fox spoke about her career and her work with NOW, as well as her contributions to other organizations, including those which are right here in Rockland County. Fox shared exciting news about 2021—when she and other feminists around the globe will celebrate the 100th birthday of Betty Friedan. This event will take place on February 4, 2021 at 7pm. For more information visit: http://www.veteranfeministsofamerica.org/
Or visit their FACEBOOK page here: https://www.facebook.com/VeteranFeminists
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio 1700 AM. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
During 2020, our focus is Women’s History in celebration of the Suffrage Centennial. To listen live, tune your AM dial to 1700 or listen online by downloading the TuneIn Radio APP and search for WRCR. After the program, we will load the show into our archive as a Podcast. *We are pleased to announce that we have begun loading our archived podcasts to the Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify platforms. Please subscribe!
www. RocklandHistory.org*
Broadcast originally ared Monday, November 16, 2020, 9:30 AM, on WRCR 1700 AM and WRCR.com
Please note that this eposide includes discussion around topics including sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, physical violence, and harassment. We acknowledge that this content may be difficult. We also encourage you to care for your safety and well-being. If you or someone you know needs help please contact the Center for Safety and Change: https://www.centerforsafetyandchange.org/
Clare Sheridan welcomed author and Rockland County native Tess McCormack to discuss her book "Shopping List for Murder." It is the true story of a young girl’s horrific experiences long before the “Me Too” movement would usher in intolerance of abuse, and the courageous lawyer who fought for her future.
Tess talked about her connection to the story and what inspired her to write the book. Then we opened up the phone lines for listeners' questions and comments.
Get Shopping List for Murder from Amazon.
It is also available at Books & Greetings in Northvale, NJ
About the Author: Tess McCormack is a native of Rockland County and spent most of her life in the area. She began her career in the U.S. Air Force as a communication specialist at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. She then returned to Rockland County and became an active volunteer and supporter of numerous charitable and community organizations, including Nyack Hospital and United Hospice of Rockland, among many others. The list of awards and commendations she has received is long and include "Woman of the Year” from Helen Hayes Hospital and the Medal of Honor from Good Samaritan Hospital. McCormack received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from St.Thomas Aquinas College in 2016. Now living in Florida, she remains active and visits Rockland as often as she can.
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Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. During 2020, our focus is Women’s History in celebration of the Suffrage Centennial. We are pleased to announce that we have begun loading our archived podcasts to the Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York. www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on October 19, 2020 at 9:30am (eastern) on WRCR Radio 1700AM and WRCR.com
Crossroads of Rockland History continued our year of Women’s History in celebration of the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment with two guests!
First, the Hon. Nita Lowey joined Clare Sheridan to discuss her distinguished career in the U.S. House of Representatives. Lowey shared her reflections on the importance of women’s voices in the political process and memories of her historic career. Congresswoman Lowey has served as a U.S. Representative from New York since 1989. In 2018, she became the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee. She will retire at the end of this term.
Then we turned our attention to the preeminent historian Isabelle Savell, whose comprehensive research documented the history of the women from Rockland County who spent seven decades fighting for the vote. Savell wrote Ladies Lib: How Women Got the Vote, the go-to text for those interested in suffrage history in Rockland County. Savell’s granddaughter, Becky Savell, phoned in to discuss all of the important research that her grandmother did as Senior Historian at the Historical Society of Rockland County; she’ll share fond memories of her grandmother, as well.
"Isabelle Savell was a lovely, brilliant, beautiful lady, “said Gene Setzer of South Nyack. "She was one of the stalwarts, and one of the finest history researchers we’ve ever had around here—a beautiful writer so useful to the community.”
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Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. During 2020, our focus is Women’s History in celebration of the Suffrage Centennial. We are pleased to announce that we have begun loading our archived podcasts to the Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired September 21, 2020 at 9:30am on WRCR radio (www.WRCR.com)
We explored the two new exhibitions on view now at the Historical Society.
Mariel Farlow and her daughter Michele Lehtis appeared to discuss the monumental sculpture "Being of Light - Image of the Human Soul." This sculpture is the subject of this year's mini-exhibition within our semi-permanent "Rockland Voices." We explored the true meaning of what may be the most controversial piece of public art in Rockland County with the artist herself and heard part of a poignant reaction to the controversy from the artist's daughter.
Jennifer Brooks, curator of "Inside Out: Women, Fashion & The Fight for Suffrage," spoke about the use of highlights from HSRC's permanent collection to address questions about how the fight for women’s suffrage changed fashion, and how women’s fashion—and lives—changed in response to suffrage.
The exhibitions are on view now at the HSRC. Please visit www.RocklandHistory.org for details about how you can visit.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. During 2020, our focus is Women’s History in celebration of the Suffrage Centennial.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast orginally aired Monday August 17, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700AM
Did you know that the League of Women Voters is celebrating its 100th year?
Marilyn Cohen VP of the Rockland County Chapter of the League of Women Voters (LWV) was interviewed. She spoke about the League of Women Voters which is a national, nonpartisan group. They have been doing active grassroots organizing for 100 years with the belief that voters should play a critical role in democracy. We discussed the history of the LWV nationally and here in our community. We also discussed what the LWV is doing now to prepare for the upcoming election.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. During 2020, our focus is Women’s History in celebration of the Suffrage Centennial.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, July 20, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 and WRCR.com
Our topic: Summer Reading: Woman Suffrage Centennial
Joining Clare Sheridan were Anya Berg of the Palisades Free Library and Katie Karkheck of the Valley Cottage Library.
The librarians shared their recommendations for books that celebrate the Suffrage Centennial. We will also opened up the phone lines for listeners' suggestions and questions.
Anya Berg recommended:
1. The Woman's Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote by Elaine Weiss
2. Why They Marched: Untold Stories of the Women Who Fought for the Right to Vote by Susan Ware
3. Women Will Vote: Winning Suffrage in New York State by Susan Goodier and Karen Pastorello
4. Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women's Anger by Rebecca Traister
5. Activism Into Art Into Activism Into Art: A Personal History of Feminist Art
by Cristina Biaggi (founding member of www.SuffrageForward.org)
There is also a forthcoming book : Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All by Martha S. Jones (publication date: September 2020).
Katie Karkheck recommended:
1. Suffrage: Women's Long Battle for the Vote by Ellen Carol DuBois
2. Why The Marched Untold Stories of the Women Who Fought for the Right to Vote by Susan Ware
3. The Scarlet Sisters: Sex Suffrage and Scandal in the Gilded Age by Myra MacPherson
4. Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activist : A Graphic History of Women's Fight for Their Rights by Mikki Kendall and illustrated by A. D'Amico (a graphic history of the various struggles and fights for rights from ancient times to today, intended for teens)
For kids: Miss Paul and the President: The Creative Campaign for Women's Right to Vote by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Nancy Zhang
Clare Sheridan recommended:
• Shout: Poetry for Suffrage by Susanna Rich
• Remembering the Ladies: From Patriots in Petticoats to Presidential Candidates (Telling Her Stories) by Carol Simon Levin – This is a coloring book – could be for kids or adults – perfect for the Pandemic!
• The Woman's Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote Paperback by Elaine Weiss (Author)
• Mr. President, How Long Must We Wait? Alice Paul, Woodrow Wilson, and the Fight for the Right to Vote Hardcover – March 5, 2019 by Tina Cassidy (Author)
and Ladies Lib - How Rockland Women Got the Vote by Isabelle Savell
www.valleycottagelibrary.org/
www.palisadeslibrary.org/
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. During 2020, our focus is Women’s History in celebration of the Suffrage Centennial.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York. www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, June 15, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 and WRCR.com
We turned our attention to the life and work of Mary Horgan Mowbray-Clarke. As a young woman, Nyack’s Mary Horgan met and mingled with some of the most influential artists and intellectuals of the day. Later, as co-owner of the Sunwise Turn Bookshop, a hotbed of artistic activity and anarchist political thought in New York City during the 1910s and '20s, she convinced many of her friends and colleagues to move to Rockland County, resulting in an artist colony like no other. She would eventually make her mark as an art critic, writer, publisher, and then architect of New City’s Dutch Garden. Justin Duerr, who is researching the fascinating life of Mary Horgan Mowbray-Clarke, joined Clare Sheridan to share some of what he has uncovered about this unique Rockland County woman.
About Justin Duerr: Justin Duerr is a self-taught artist, musician, and art-history researcher whose artwork has been featured in gallery and museum exhibits across the country. He has also toured as a musician throughout most of the continental United States. His research work can be seen in the documentary film Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles, which won the award for best director at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and has had a wide release in art-house theaters and on online streaming platforms. His first book, The Temple of Silence: Forgotten Works and Worlds of Herbert Crowley, was published by Beehive Books. Justin is currently researching and writing a biography/art book centered on the multifaceted artist and counter-culture maven Mary Mowbray-Clarke.
justinduerr.com/
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. During 2020, our focus is Women’s History in celebration of the Suffrage Centennial.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York. www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, May 18 at 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 AM and WRCR.com
We turned our attention to the life and work of the artist Josephine Nivison Hopper.
Josephine Nivison was an accomplished artist by the time she started dating Edward Hopper in 1923, but the world knows very little about her. Jennifer Patton, executive director of the Edward Hopper House in Nyack, joined Clare Sheridan to discuss Josephine Nivison Hopper’s career before she met Edward Hopper, how she helped launch his career, and what happened to her life and work after they married in 1924.
About Jennifer Patton, EdD: Jennifer Patton was hired as the Edward Hopper House’s first full-time Executive Director through a workforce development grant in January 2016 and has overseen the expansion of the museum’s educational partnerships, public programming, and community outreach. Not only was the Edward Hopper House able to maintain her position, but the budget has grown by 25 percent since she was hired. Jennifer has worked as a museum educator in the field for twenty-five years; during that time, she received her doctorate in education from Teachers College, Columbia University, researching how museums can transform communities.
About the Edward Hopper House: Edward Hopper House gives new understanding and depth to an iconic American artist by preserving his family home and boyhood memorabilia and illuminating his sources of inspiration in Nyack through our collections, exhibition and programs. To learn more, go to www.edwardhopperhouse.org.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio 1700AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired April 20, 2020 at 9:30 am, on WRCR AM1700 (www.WRCR.com)
We learned about the women of Orangetown who were engaged in the seven-decade fight for a woman’s right to vote and the legacy they have left us. Caroline Lexow Babcock was among the women discussed in the interview. The book "Ladies Lib" by Isabelle Savell was also discussed.
Orangetown Historian Mary Cardenas and Orangetown Museum Curator Elizabeth Skrabonja joined Clare Sheridan to discuss this timely topic as we celebrate 2020 as the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
The Orangetown Historical Museum and Archives had planned to open it new exhibition, “Orangetown Suffragist,” on April 19. Although the opening has been postponed, we will be able to talk about their efforts to research the fight American women undertook to win the right to vote here in Orangetown. The radio interview focused on the fascinating movement within the context of how women lived and were perceived at the time as we celebrate 100 years of women's suffrage.
Learn more about the Orangetown Historical Museum and Archive here: www.orangetownmuseum.com
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio 1700AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast Originally Aired on Monday, March 16, 9:30am, on WRCR 1700AM / WRCR.com
Crossroads of Rockland History Episode 113. March is Women's History Month, the episode focused on Monumental Women, the exciting Women’s History project that will be realized with a women’s monument in New York City's Central Park.
Pam Elam (President, Monumental Women) and Meredith Bergmann (Sculptor), appeared to speak about the all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization, created in 2014 with the initial goal of breaking the bronze ceiling and creating the first statue of real women in Central Park’s 166-year history.
Bergmann's sculpture of the Women’s Rights Pioneers Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton will be unveiled on August 26, 2020, the centennial anniversary of the ratification of the 19th “Votes For Women” amendment to the constitution. 2020 is also the 200th anniversary of the birth of Susan B. Anthony. All three women were not only Women’s Rights Pioneers, but New Yorkers as well.
Monumental Women has the further goals of increasing awareness and appreciation of Women’s History through a nationwide education campaign and challenging municipalities across the country to rethink the past and reshape the future by including tributes in their public spaces to the diverse women who helped create and inspire those cities.
For more information about Monumental Women, visit monumentalwomen.org/
For more information about an upcoming panel discussion featuring this important milestone, visit the website of the event sponsor, SuffrageForward, at www.suffrageforward.org/upcoming-events
"Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff Morning Show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM, with live streaming at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired February 17, 2020 at 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700AM and www.WRCR.com
In celebration of Black History Month, the show focused on "Just Call Me Lucky", the new book about Hezekiah Easter. Based on extensive personal interviews and written in the "as told to" style by Elizabeth Vallone, the book highlights Easter's many contributions to our community, including his work as the first African American to hold elected office in Rockland County, his tireless efforts to preserve Mount Moor Cemetery, and much more.
About the Author: Elizabeth Palombella Vallone holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Montclair State University and Long Island University. She is a teacher and freelance writer, as well as a contributing author to the anthologies Imprints on Rockland County History (1983) and Curragia: Writings of Italian American Women (1998). Mrs. Vallone published Stone Perpendicular to Stone—A Tribute to the Land of My Ancestors in 1997. In 2005, she tried her hand at historical fiction with Beyond Bagheria, a novel set in the early twentieth century, and Barbarossa’s Princess, set in twelfth-century Sicily. Her newest work, Heaven, Hell and Hoboken, was released in 2015. Originally from Hoboken, New Jersey, Mrs. Vallone lives in Rockland County.
"Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff Morning Show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM, with live streaming at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, January 20, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700AM
Show focused on "SuffrageForward–100 Years and Onward," a yearlong effort to celebrate the centennial of Women’s Suffrage. Paulette Ross and Harriet Cornell, members of the group's steering committee, explained the mission of the non-profit as well as discussing some of the exciting events planned for 2020 to commemorate this important milestone.
Organized under the name and tagline "SuffrageForward . . .100 Years & Onward," the nonprofit SuffrageForward's mission is not only to celebrate a woman's right to vote, but to empower women now and in the future and create awareness among all people of the strength and resilience of girls and women. Through a series of events, SuffrageForward will take a leadership role in celebrating the one-hundredth anniversary of the 19th Amendment, highlighting the activism and courage of people in Rockland County who supported and fought for women's right to vote. These events will take place throughout 2020, calling attention to the suffrage amendment's centennial and spanning genres of expression such as street theater, visual and literary art, dramatic readings; and lectures on women's health, education, government, history, music, and so on. Collaboration with other organizations is welcome to mark this momentous occasion and the strength of women past, present,and into the future.
The organization's website is www.SuffrageForward.org. The website includes all upcoming events and programs.
Information about SuffrageForward's kickoff event, "Walk the Carpet," honoring stage and screen icons, to be held on Saturday, January 25, at 6:30 pm, is available online at www.SuffrageForward.org
"Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff Morning Show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM, with live streaming at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Episode aired Monday, December 16, 2019, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 AM
Art Gunther, a lifelong Rocklander, spoke about what it was like growing up in Spring Valley: how it has changed and his fond memories of the old days of Rockland. Grade School, High School, shopping downtown, and Spring Valley's history as a resort commuity. Gunther also spoke about his 42-year career as a journalist for the Journal-News as well as his very popular column: The Column Rule. Read new columns at Gunther's online blog: www.thecolumnrule.com/
To purchase the collection of Column Rule columns, visit our publications page here: www.rocklandhistory.org/product.cfm?page=70
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The December episode of Crossroads of Rockland History was sponsored by the Town of Ramapo, Supervisor Michael Specht and the Ramapo Town Board. History is important in Rockland. That’s why the Town of Ramapo supports "Crossroads of Rockland History" and the Historical Society of Rockland County.
"Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff Morning Show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM, with live streaming at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, November 19, 2019, 9:30 am
On this episode of our monthly radio show, we explored how the Volstead Act changed Rockland County. Rockland County Historian Craig Long joined host Clare Sheridan in the WRCR studios for a discussion about the impact of the Volstead Act, formally the National Prohibition Act, had on Rockland County. This U.S. law, enacted in 1919 (and taking effect in 1920), provided enforcement for the Eighteenth Amendment, which prohibited the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages.
Topics included bootlegging, saloons, law enforcement and the connection between religious revivalism, women's suffrage and prohibition.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff Morning Show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM, with live streaming at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on October 21, 2019.
Clare Sheridan welcomed Arlene Clinkscale, who made New York State education history when she became the first African American woman in the state to lead a school district: Nyack.
Dr. Clinkscale has distinguished herself in the field of education since 1950. She came to Rockland County in 1960 after ten years of teaching elementary school in Virginia. She taught in Pearl River and Spring Valley for six years before assuming a series of senior administrative positions in the East Ramapo and Nyack Central school districts, rising to the rank of district superintendent in Nyack in 1981. She also served as principal for Englewood Public Schools in addition to assistant superintendent and acting superintendent. Her most recent position in the public school system was in Roslyn, NY, on Long Island, where she served as educational consultant for Minority Affairs. In addition to her public school service, Dr. Clinkscale taught as an adjunct faculty member of the City University of New York. She is a past chair of the Board of Trustees of Rockland Community College and the recipient of many awards, including the Women Pioneers of Education Award from the CEJJES institute in 2013.
When she was interviewed by Ebony Magazine in 1983 for a feature artcle titled “Superwomen of Public Education,” Dr. Clinkscale said that the problems she encountered because of her sex and race came not while she was in Nyack but as she journeyed throughout the State of New York. “The first superintendent’s meeting I attended, I was the only Black woman there,” she said. “It’s hard to distinguish whether problems are the result of being Black or being female … and some people expect you not to be able to do the job.”
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff Morning Show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM, with live streaming at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, September 16, 2019 at 9:30am, on WRCR 1700AM
Clare Sheridan interviewed George Hoehmann, Supervisor of the Town of Clarkstown to speak about the current state of historic preservation in Clarkstown. They discussed municipally owned open space, parkland and historic sites. Further discussion included updates on the two major historic preservation projects in Clarkstownt: The Traphagen Historic Site including the Talman-Budke House (18th C. Sandstone Dwelling) and the Vanderbilt-Trapahgen House (c. 1820); and the Cropsey Barn which is part of the Cropsey Community Farm.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff Morning Show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM, with live streaming at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, August 19, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 AM
Our topic was summer history reading -- fiction and nonfiction. Joining Clare Sheridan are Brian Jennings and Joe Barbieri from the New City Library. We shared all the new great titles and opened up the phone lines for listeners' suggestions.
Recommendations from the “Summer Reading 2019” episode of “Crossroads of Rockland History”:
- Gringos and Other Stories by Michael Rumaker
- Instructions for a Funeral: Stories by David Means
- Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe
- Kids Lost in History: Rambling on the Hudson’s West Shore by Shannon Fuller and Megan O’Prey, with guidance from editor Richard O’Prey.
- The Forgotten Hilltop by Dylan Frawley
- Low Tor by Frank Eberling
- Demarest Kill by Frank Eberling
- Theater of the World: The Maps that Made History by Thomas Reinertsen Berg
- Woodstock Live: 50 Years Hardcover by Julien Bitoun (Author), Michael Lang (Foreword)
- D-Day Girls: The Spies Who Armed the Resistance, Sabotaged the Nazis, and Helped Win World War II by Sarah Rose
- Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
- Fever by Mary Beth Keane
- Toni Morrison – ANYTHING and EVERYTHING!
For Kids:
- Revolutionary Rogues by Seline Castrovilla
- Big Snow by Berta and Elmer Hader
- The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge by Hildegarde H. Swift (Author), Lynd Ward (Illustrator)
Book Clubs at New City Library: newcitylibrary.org/book-groups
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Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff Morning Show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM, with live streaming at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, July 15, 2019 9:30am, on WRCR AM1700
Did you know that 2019 marks the 240th anniversary of the storming of Stony Point?
Michael Sheehan, historian at the Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site, joined Clare Sheridan to discuss the history (and some misconceptions) surrounding this important victory for the Continental Army and recap the weekend’s 240th Anniversary commemorative events.
To learn more about the Stony Point Battlefield and Lighthouse, visit their facebook page here: www.facebook.com/StonyPointBattle…dNAB_vcPR-WsjMFg
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff Morning Show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM, with live streaming at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, June 17, 2019 at 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700AM and www.WRCR.com
Did you know that Rockland County is rich in historical places located within the area’s woodlands and parklands? Gordon Wren joined Clare Sheridan to discuss some of the interesting local history that can be explored through historical hikes.
Hikes such as
- Claudius Smith's Den
- Northwest Airlines Crash Site
- Sterling Forest Mines
- Ramsay Conklin Site
Organizations in our area that cater to history enthusiasts who love to explore the outdoors were also discussed (NY/NJ Trail Conference and the Historical Society of the Palisades Interstate Park Region).
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio 1700AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, May 20, 2019 9:30 am, WRCR.com and WRCR 1700AM
The show focused on the exhibition at the Historical Society of Rockland County (HSRC) entitled “Influencers: Art and History on South Mountain Road.”
Susan Deeks, the HSRC’s executive director, discussed this important artist colony where modernism flourished. South Mountain Road in New City was the home of artists, writers, and musicians who influenced one another and future artists, as well. "Influencers" was produced in collaboration with the Rockland Center for the Arts and was on view at the Historical Society of Rockland County.
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Exhibition Information:
Influencers: Art and History on South Mountain Road
A Joint Exhibition by the HSRC and Rockland Center for the Arts
When: April 24-October 27, 2019
Where: HSRC History Center, 20 Zukor Road, New City
Price: $FREE
Details here: www.rocklandhistory.org/program.cfm?page=669
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
Broadcast originally aired Monday, April 15, 2019 at 9:30 am, on WRCR.com
We discussed the new exhibition at the Orangetown Historical Museum and Archives entitled Shanks Legacy. The U.S. Army's largest port of embarkation on the East Coast in World War II, Camp Shanks saw some 1.3 million troops pass through on their way to England and North Africa. Elizabeth Skrabonja (curator) and Mary Cardenas (Museum Director and Orangetown Historian) were interviewed.
They spoke about how the camp looked and operated and how it transitioned into the residential Shanks Village. They also discussed the meaning of Shanks to the development of the Town of Orangetown.
Shanks Legacy opened on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at the DePew House and will run through November. Admission is free (donations accepted).
For more information, visit the website at www.orangetownmuseum.com
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff Morning Show, on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
Orangetown Historical Museum and Archives
196 Chief Bill Harris Way, Orangeburg, NY 10962
(196 Blaisdel Road in GPS)
(845) 398-1302
otownmuseum@optonline.net
Broadcast orginally aired Monday, March 18, 2019, on WRCR.com
We learned all about the newly renovated Haverstraw Brick Museum. Jared Rodriguez shared news about efforts to expand the organization to become a catalyst for preservation while continuing to share the rich history of the river town of Haverstraw. Rodriguez’s passion for Hudson Valley history stems from his family’s lineage in Haverstraw, which dates to the mid-19th century.
The website for the Haverstraw Brick Museum is haverstrawbrickmuseum.org
The link to the museum's Facebook page is www.facebook.com/HaverstrawBrickMuseum
Upcoming Events for Haverstraw History include:
--June 2, 1-5 pm, rain or shine. Haverstraw Food Crawl. Haverstraw Riverwide Arts and the Village of Haverstraw, NY are celebrating the diverse culinary options Downtown with "The Flavors of Haverstraw" – a small plates or tapas-focused "food crawl" or food sampling walking tour. The Comprehensive Plan Team will be at the Beer Garden to Share, Listen and Learn. The Food Crawl map will be available in May. Learn more at haverstrawriverwidearts.org/taste-haverstraw.
--June 8. Day-long "Secret History of Haverstraw" Guided Walk with Jared Rodriguez
--June 15-16. Juneteenth Celebration. Visit Haverstraw African American Connection Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/HaverstrawAfrica…ericanConnection
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am,right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
Episode originally aired on Monday, February 18, 2019, 9:30am, on WRCR.com
We celebrated our 100th Episode of Crossroads of Rockland History discussing the most popular programs that we've aired since we went on the air in October 2010.
Excerpts from past programs include: The Brinks Robbery with Bob Baird, Haunted History with Linda Zimmermann, Two Schools in Hillburn Documentary with Joe Allen, Aviation History with Adam Raines, Blauvelt's Roger Peltzman (pianist) and Pearl River Author Mary Beth Keane.
We also learned about an interesting piece of Haverstraw History that includes Babe Ruth from Steve Possell.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am,right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
For an sound file archive of past programs, visit www.rocklandhistory.org/page.cfm?category=22.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally ared Monday, January 21, 2019, 9:30 am, on WRCR.com.
Author Frank Eberling dicussed his new novel: "Low Tor."
This follow-up to Eberling’s earlier novel "Demarest Kill" is another exciting murder mystery set among the richly historical places of Rockland County. "Low Tor" will be available wherever fine books are sold in mid-February, 2019.
About the author: Frank Eberling is a fifth-generation New City resident who moved to Florida upon graduation from Clarkstown High School in 1964 and became a documentary filmmaker for more than forty years.
To learn more about Eberling’s Demarest Kill, click here: www.amazon.com/Demarest-Kill-Fra…ds=frank+eberling.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am,right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, December 17, 2018, 9:30 am, on WRCR.com
South Nyack Village Trustee and Trail Sign Committee member Andrew Goodwillie shared fascinating facts and anecdotes about the impact of the railroad and Thruway on Nyack and South Nyack.
Goodwillie and a team of volunteers from Nyack, South Nyack and Piermont have been researching this history to create wayside historical signage along the Esposito Rail Trail. The signs are finished and will soon be in the ground in a number of locations along this busy walking trail in Nyack, South Nyack, Piermont and Sparkill, NY.
Goodwillie covered a number of themes, including the arrival of the railroad; the industrial and commercial development of the surrounding areas and the growth and fate of those businesses in its vicinity; the eventual railroad closure in the 1960s and transformation of the former railroad land to parkland; and the devastation of South Nyack's commercial and residential areas with the arrival of the Tappan Zee Bridge and I-287 State Thruway. The text and images span over 150 years of local history and will help visitors to the Rail Trail and Shared Use Path understand the history of our area.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am,right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York. www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, November 19, 2018, at 9:30 am on WRCR.com
We turned our attention to the award-winning documentary Piermont's Papermill: Stories from the Factory. Betsy Franco Feeney (Trustee) from the Piermont Historical Society (PHS) joined Clare Sheridan to discuss life in Piermont before the Condominiums.
The film was produced for the Piermont Historical Society by Anthony Bellov Video Productions. Credits include:
Betsy Franco Feeney: Script, Editing, Interviews
Patti Panayotidis: Research, Script, Interviews
Tom Chapin: Narrator
John Guth: Sound Engineer
In 1901, Martin R. Williams erected the first paper mill in Piermont. The railyards on the pier, built in 1840 by the Erie Railroad, provided transportation for supplies in and out of the village. Fresh water, needed to produce paper, was supplied from the nearby Sparkill Creek. The Piermont Paper Company began production in 1902, and for 18 years the plant produced cardboard. Its principal customer was the Robert Gair Company.
In 1920, Robert Gair purchased the mill. He had become a leader in the paper industry in Manhattan and Brooklyn after the Civil War. Gair's discovery revolutionized modern society with cardboard boxes and paper fiber containers that replaced bulky wooden crates and barrels. Manufacturers saw the sides of boxes as valuable ad space to sell their brand.
The Piermont Historical Society is grateful to those whose memories are cherished: Phillip Delorenzo, Kevin Fagan, Lawrence Goswick, James Koza, Alfred Lacker, Laura Montesano.
To learn more about the Piermont Historical Society or to purchase a copy of the film, visit their website: www.piermonthistorysociety.org/
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, October 15, 2018, 9:30 am, on WRCR.com
Lisa Levart joined Clare Sheridan spoke about her current exhibition at the HSRC. This exhibition, representing the culmination of eighteen months of creative collaboration between Levart and women of the Ramapough Lenape Nation (Rockland and Bergen counties), uses collaged portrait photography as a basis for contemporary reinterpretations of Lenape mythology. Levart uses a technique of layering images with other materials to achieve results that blend "contemporary and ancient portraiture across the expanse of time." A selection of her photographs - some being exhibited for the first time - are displayed alongside prehistoric and historical Lenape objects in the HSRC galleries.
Lisa Levart spoke about the creative collaboration with women of the Ramapough Lenape tribe to uncover and embody long-forgotten myths, as well as to learn about Levart’s technique of collaging image layers into photographic portraits and hand-painting them with an encaustic medium.
About the artist: Lisa Levart specializes in creating portraits of women who are part of the Earth-centered spirituality movement. Using photographic imagery and immersive multimedia installations, she explores the interconnectivity between humans and nature; modern womanhood and ancient mythology; and the sanctity of the Mother Earth. She is the author of "Goddess on Earth: Portraits of the Divine Feminine," which won the GOLD Nautilus Book Award in 2012. Lisa and her husband, Myles Aronowitz, also work as a photography team specializing in New York weddings, life-style portraits and celebrity images.
Learn more at goddessonearth.com/
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the morning show on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, September 17 at 9:30am on www.WRCR.com
The program focused on the forgotten painter, inventor, couturier, textile designer and ceramist Edith Varian Cockcroft (1881-1962). Eve M. Kahn (Art Historian and New York Times contributor) appeared on the broadcast to tell us about what she has uncovered, including interviews with Cockcroft and reminiscences from people who knew her.
Cockcroft, a Brooklyn native, studied art with William Merritt Chase and traveled widely in Europe before World War I. Critics lauded her atmospheric views of French and British coastal villages and portraits of nudes against vibrant fabric backdrops. Le Figaro observed that she succeeded at depicting peasant life with "ardor or roughness," and the New York Times praised the "character and vigor" of her work. (And many reviewers mistook her for a man, since she invariably left her first name off her signatures on canvas.) She exhibited at venues such as the Paris Salon, the National Academy of Design, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Collectors as elite as Moscow's Ivan Morosov acquired her work.
In the 1920s, Cockcroft ran a Manhattan couture studio and patented methods for printing silk, in patterns partly based on Javanese batiks. Her blouse-making kits were marketed nationwide as a "silk sensation," and her clothes were worn by the performers Irene Castle and Jeanette MacDonald. In the 1930s, she moved to Sloatsburg, where she kept painting--from Europe to Haiti--and designing textiles while also producing dinnerware sets in metallic glazes.
Kahn gave a lecture during a small exhibition of Edith’s artworks at Harmony Hall on October 14, 2018.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am,right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Program originally aired on Monday, August 20, 2018.
The Friends of Harmony Hall is the nonprofit group working closely with the Town of Ramapo to support the restoration and preservation of Harmony Hall (a.k.a. the Jacob Sloat House) in Sloatsburg. Peter Bush appeared on the program with news about the restoration progress of this grand house, and spoke about all of the upcoming events that the Friends of Harmony Hall have planned for the coming months.
To learn more about Friends of Harmony Hall, visit their website at www.friendsofharmonyhall.org/home.
Or check out the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Harmo…85716/?ref=br_rs
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Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, July 16, 2018, 9:30 am, on WRCR.com
Program focused on the Suffern Village Museum and the Suffern Railroad Museum with a very special guest: Craig Long. Before being appointed Ramapo Town Historian and Rockland County Historian, Craig Long began his history career in the 1980s as a charter member of the Suffern Village Museum. This museum and the Suffern Railroad Museum tell the rich history of this important village at the crossroads of the Ramapo region.
The Suffern Village Museum is dedicated to the preservation and accurate presentation of the rich history of Suffern and the surrounding area. It is located at 61 Washington Avenue (top floor of Village Hall) in Suffern. For information, call (845) 357-2600
The Suffern Railroad Museum is located on Orange Avenue in Suffern. For information, call (845) 369-7076
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The July episode of Crossroads of Rockland History is sponsored by the Town of Ramapo, Supervisor Michael Specht and the Ramapo Town Board. We thank them for their support of our program.
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Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, June 18, 9:30 am, on WRCR.com
Virginia Norfleet, the founder of the Haverstraw African American Memorial Park and the Annual Rockland Juneteenth Celebration, was interviewed. She spoke about the research she has done to uncover the rich culture and contributions of African Americans of Haverstraw, New York.
Norfleet's organization, the Haverstraw African American Connection (HAAC), sponsors the annual Juneteenth Celebration in Haverstraw. The mission of the HAAC is to research, recover, preserve and teach the rich culture and contributions of African Americans, with an emphasis on African American people from Haverstraw.
To learn more about the Haverstraw African American
Connection, visit their Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/Haverstraw-Afric…1493433047563916
To learn more about the 2018 Juneteenth
Celebration, click here:
www.facebook.com/events/2248838235133912
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Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, May 21, 2018, 9:30 am, on WRCR.com
Michael Bruno was on hand to discuss his ongoing rehabilitation of the Sloatsburg-Tuxedo section of Route 17. Bruno is responsible for the Valley Rock Inn vacation complex, which incorporates historic preservation in an innovative and transformative economic development project. Bruno, a native of Larchmont who now lives in Tuxedo Park, is working on a master plan for the Tuxedo-Sloatsburg Corridor Revitalization project. His Tuxedo Hudson Company has been awarded $1,750,000 in grants from New York State to create the new "Gateway to the Hudson Valley."
Bruno has recently been honored with an award from the Preservation League of New York for this project.
The May episode of Crossroads of Rockland History was sponsored by the Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht and the Ramapo Town Board.
About Michael Bruno: Michael Bruno is an Internet and real estate entrepreneur. He is the founder of 1stdibs, the world's premier online luxury marketplace in twenty-two countries around the world. He is launching a new, transformative real estate venture, Valley Rock Inn, this summer in Rockland County. A passionate collector of historic homes and a steward of land preservation, He sits on the boards of the Orange County Land Trust and the Museum of the City of New York. He says, "Have big ideas but be OK with starting small without hesitation and see where it goes. . . . For example, there is much more to our current Rockland County real estate venture than meets the eye."
To learn more about the Valley Rock Inn Vacation Complex, visit valleyrockinn.com
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Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, April 16, 2018 at 9:30 am, on www.WRCR.com
Diana Hess appeared with Clare Sheridan to discuss the new HSRC exhibition: "Jawonio: Moving Forward, Looking Back--Changing Lives of People with Special Needs for 70 Years."
Founded in Rockland County in 1947 as the Rockland County Center for the Physically Handicapped & United Cerebral Palsy, Jawonio today is in the forefront of providing services that help people of all ages with special needs reach their potential and achieve independence.
With the agency poised for new growth, this special exhibition highlights Jawonio's seven decades of history advocating for and advancing equal rights for people with disabilities and special needs both within the Rockland community and throughout the Hudson Valley region.
Diana Hess is Chief Development Officer at Jawonio and helped prepare the exhibition.
To learn more about the exhibition visit: www.rocklandhistory.org/program.cfm?page=597
To learn more about Jawonio visit www.jawonio.org/
"Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, March 19, 2018 at 9:30am, on www.WRCR.com
Clare Sheridan interviewed Daniel Czitrom, author of "New York Exposed: The Gilded Age Police Scandal That Launched the Progressive Era." The book reveals the architects of what became known as the Lexow Committee, the state task force that -- after a couple of rough starts -- blew the lid off New York's most corrupt practices and sent Tammany Hall, once again, into decline. The committee is named for New York State Senator and Rockland County resident Clarence Lexow. The author did some of the research for this intriguing book using the archives at the Historical Society of Rockland County.
About the author: Daniel Czitrom is a Professor of History at Mount Holyoke College and the author of Media and the American Mind: From Morse to McLuhan (North Carolina, 1982). He was the history adviser on BBC America's production of Coppers.
"[Professor Czitrom's book] resonates today in echoes of police brutality and corruption, income inequality, restricted immigration, vote suppression, links between evangelicals
and politics and, as Professor Czitrom writes, 'the nation's profound fear and distrust of New York City.'" --Sam Roberts, New York Times Bookshelf
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the morning show, on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired February 19, 2018 at 9:30 am, on www.WRCR.com
The Nyack Record Shop Project is an exciting and important oral history project directed by Bill Batson. At Kiam Records, a tiny shop on Main Street in downtown Nyack, oral histories were gathered during one-on-one interviews in this ambitious effort to give a voice to a group whose history is often overlooked: the African American community.
In cooperation with the churches and families of the black community, the Nyack Record Shop Project was planned in conjunction with the Edward Hopper House exhibition, "Carrie Mae Weems: Beacon" and pays homage to Carrie Mae Weems' "Record Shop" (commissioned by David Ross and the Beacon Cultural Foundation).
The HSRC was a proud sponsor of this project.
For more information about the Nyack Record Shop Project, go to www.facebook.com/events/207196049838275,
or visit the Edward Hopper House website at www.edwardhopperhouse.org/nyackrecordshop.html.
To learn more about Bill Batson, visit sketchflashmob.wordpress.com/bio/
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the morning show, on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, January 15, 2018, 9:30 am, on www.WRCR.com
We explored the 42nd Annual Holiday Exhibition at the Historical Society of Rockland, entitled "Peace & Joy." In addition to miniatures and dollhouses, the exhibition features the charming marionettes made by hand by Paul Peabody. Clare Sheridan's guest was Jeanne Peabody Walsh, Paul Peabody's daughter, who will speak about her father's life, work and art.
Peabody's performance career spanned forty years, including shows throughout Rockland and the tristate area. In addition to schools, churches and community centers, Peabody performed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Morgan Library, and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, as well as at England's Stratford-on-Avon festival.
Adults and children were enchanted by his unique characters, which he created using traditional woodworking methods. With a concurrent career in social justice and conflict resolution, Peabody used his marionettes, and the beautiful shows he created for them, to extend his life's work of promoting peace in our world.
Additional information about the exhibition is here: www.rocklandhistory.org/program.cfm?page=584
Fellowship of Reconciliation: www.forusa.org/
Article by Jim Leiner: rocklandhistoryblog.tumblr.com/post/1697…-from-the
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Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the morning show, on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
Broadcast originally aired Monday, December 18, 2017, 9:30 am
Topic: "Marydell-Over 90 Years-Serving-Mentoring-Caring!" the new exhibition at the Historical Society of the Nyacks. Suzanne Belisle, assistant exhibition curator, and Sister Veronica Mendez, President of the Sisters of Our Lady of Christian Doctrine spoke about the retrospective, which traces the work of the Marydell Sisters of Upper Nyack for more than 90 years, from the restoration of a derelict farm, to establishing a summer camp for immigrants, to creating the Marydell Faith and Life Center and transferring 30 acres to the Palisades Park Commission, and everything in between.
In addition to a remarkable collection of photographs, newspaper articles, and similar memorabilia, the exhibition includes a replica of the Sisters' Peace Pole, a gnome from the famous "Gnomes of Marydell," memorialized in song by the former Nyacker John Babcock and a tribute to Remy, the 9-year-old pit bull the sisters adopted from Hi-Tor shelter.
The exhibition is open on Saturdays, 1-4 pm, through February 2018. The museum of the Historical Society of the Nyacks is located in the historic Depew House, at 50 Piermont Avenue, Nyack, behind Nyack Library and across from Memorial Park. (Enter below the front porch). Additional exhibition materials will be on view in the display cases in the Carnegie-Farian Room of the Nyack Library during library hours. The Nyack Library is at 59 South Broadway.
For more information about the Historical Society of the Nyacks, visit www.nyackhistory.org.
My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts by Laura T. Coffey (Author), Neko Case (Foreword), Lori Fusaro (Photographer): www.amazon.com/My-Old-Dog-Rescue…ywords=my+old+dog
John Babcock - The Gnomes of Marydell (YouTube video) www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgzJ3swjYZM
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am ,right after the morning show, on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
Broadcast originally aired Monday, November 20, 2017 at 9:30am
on www.WRCR.com
Selene Castrovilla discussed her new children’s book, Revolutionary Rogues: John Andre and Benedict Arnold. It's a riveting nonfiction picture book that unfolds like a play, telling a story from American history.
Gravely injured and with little chance for more military honors, Major-General Benedict Arnold seeks reward and recognition another way. He contacts Major John André, the new head of British intelligence and another man determined to prove himself. Arnold and André strike a deal and use Arnold’s intelligence to take over West Point, the strategic American fort. The plan ultimately fails, leading to André’s capture and death and Arnold’s loss of reward and glory. Ms. Castrovilla and the book's illustrator, John O’Brien, brilliantly capture the tensions and high drama of these two revolutionary rogues by highlighting their similarities and differences and demonstrating how they brought about their own tragic ends. The book also includes an afterword, timelines of the lives of both men, an extensive bibliography, and a list of key places to visit.
About the author: Selene Castrovilla is an award-winning young adult (YA) novelist and nonfiction author. Her third YA novel, Melt, Book One of the Rough Romance Trilogy, was the recipient of six honors, including the SCBWI Spark Award. Revolutionary Friends, her third nonfiction picture book, was the recipient of four awards, including Booklist Top Ten Biography for Youth. Ms. Castrovilla holds a masters in fine arts in creative writing from the New School and a bachelor's degree in English from New York University. She is a member of the Bank Street College Writers Lab and PEN American Children’s Book Committee. She is the Long Island Liaison for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Metro-NY Chapter and a former chair of the Long Island Children’s Writers and Illustrators, Jacqueline Woodson, a teacher at the New School, calls Ms. Castrovilla “a writer worth watching.”
www.selenecastrovilla.com/
Revolutionary Rogues: John Andre and Benedict Arnold
Age Range: 9 - 12 years
Grade Level: 4 - 7
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Calkins Creek (September 19, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1629793418
ISBN-13: 978-1629793412
"Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
Broadcast originally aired Monday, October 16, 2017, 9:30 am
Mary Cardenas, director of the Orangetown Historical Museum and Archives, spoke about their new exhibition "Loyal to the Crown," which opened there on Saturday, October 14. Cardenas discussed what it was like for Loyalists during the Revolution. We also welcomed special guest George Way, whose collection of fine English antiques will be on view throughout the exhibition to help tell the story of the eighteenth-century Loyalist in colonial America.
Mr. Way's collection is a magnificent group of original art, objects and artifacts from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, including an important portrait of Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I, attributed to Sir Anthony van Dyck. The exhibition will allow visitors to experience the culture and contrast that brought many to proclaim "God Save the King."
To learn more about the Orangetown Historical Museum and Archives, visit www.orangetownmuseum.com.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the morning show, on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, September 18, 2017 at 9:30am
We explored the life and legacy of Carson McCullers.
With a collection of work including five novels, two plays, twenty short stories, more than two dozen nonfiction pieces, a book of children's verse, a small number of poems, and an unfinished autobiography, Carson McCullers is considered to be among the most significant American writers of the twentieth century. At least four of her works have been made into films.
After two rocky marriages to Reeves McCullers, and the death of her father, Carson McCullers moved to Nyack with with her mother and sister and lived there until her death in 1967. In the Nyack house she completed The Member of the Wedding 1946, The Ballad of the Sad Café 1951, Clock Without Hands 1961, and other plays, short stories, poetry and autobiographical works.
We looked back at the life of this important author as we marked 100 years since her birth and 50 years since her death with Dr. Nick Norwood. Norwood is the director of the Columbus State University's Carson McCullers Center for Writers and Musicians. In addition to leading the McCullers Center, Norwood is an award-winning poet and Professor of English at CSU.
To learn more about Dr. Nick Norwood and/or the McCullers Center for Writers and Musicians visit : www.mccullerscenter.org/
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
Broadcast originally aired Monday August 21, 2017, 9:30 am
We turned our attention to Haverstraw, an engaging historical novel set at the turn of the 20th century. The author, Margaret Williams, was on hand to discuss her debut novel, which has been described as a finely tuned, aching tale of time, place and the constants of human nature.
In this beautifully realized story, a young French-Canadian woman, unexpectedly trapped in farm drudgery, escapes into a loveless marriage to an Irish brick worker in the riverside village of Haverstraw, NY. In a town on the brink of disaster, she discovers her own inner strength and creates her own destiny.
About the Author: Margaret Williams holds a bachelor's degree from St. Johns University and a masters in social work from Fordham University. She has worked as a social worker and planner for the elderly and taught college classes in gerontology. She was awarded the Maxwell Anderson Prize for her short story “Cat’s Cradle.”
For more information about the Haverstraw Brick Museum visit: www.haverstrawbrickmuseum.org/
"Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, July 17, 2017, at 9:30 am
Nyack Village Historian John Patrick Schutz visited the program. The son of a librarian (Irene is still found behind the desk at Blauvelt Library), Schutz was taught researching skills from an early age. He has always been fascinated by local history and frequently writes about it in his blog, "At Home in Nyack." Clare Sheridan talked to Schutz about his lifelong interest in local history, his blog, and a new project he's spearheading to curate, edit, and research a LGBTQ history project for the Rockland County Pride Center.
To learn more about John Patrick Schutz, click here: nyack-ny.gov/people/john-patrick-schutz
To read the blog, click here: athomeinnyack.wordpress.com/author/john…trickschutz
To learn about the Rockland County Pride Center, visit here: www.rocklandpridecenter.org
"Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR Radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired June 19, 2017
Topic: Richard Donegan described two new exhibitions on view through November 5, 2017 at the Historical Society:
"Rockland Recollections: The Art of Robert Burghardt": Each of the 55 works on display demonstrates how this talented artist soaked up Rockland's history and documented it in a unique way. To learn more about this exhibition, click here: www.rocklandhistory.org/program.cfm?page=562.
"Rockland Voices: Highlights from the HSRC Permanent Collection": Our semi-permanent exhibition has an added feature for 2017 marking the centennial of women's right to vote. Learn how three generations of Rocklanders worked in the women's suffrage movement in New York, culminating in success in 1917. To learn more about this exhibition, click here: www.rocklandhistory.org/program.cfm?page=422.
"Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR Radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. To view an index of past programs and listen to sound recordings visit our archive here: @cbsheridan
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, May 15, 2017, at 9:30 am
Under the dynamic leadership of founding Artistic Director Joe Brancato and Executive Director Andrew M. Horn, Penguin Rep has grown from a summer theater in a converted 1880s hay barn to become one of the Hudson Valley's most influential nonprofit cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1977, Penguin Rep has entertained more than 400,000 people with outstanding productions by established and emerging writers and starring great professional actors.
The New York Times dubbed Penguin "the gutsiest little theatre. . . . Guided by the skilled hand of Penguin's artistic director, Joe Brancato, the splendid performers get first-rate support, as always at Penguin, by an excellent design team."
Penguin Rep has earned a 2017 Rockland County Executive Historic Preservation Merit Award for the rehabilitation of the Playhouse Barn (formerly the hay barn on the grounds of the Gilmor-Sloane Estate - Stony Point Conference Center).
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
Learn more about Penguin Rep Theatre: www.penguinrep.org.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, April 17, 2017, at 9:30 am on WRCR 1700AM and www.WRCR.com
Clare Sheridan welcomed Joe Allen, who is making an hour-long documentary about the compelling 1943 story of how Thurgood Marshall and the Hillburn, NY community achieved the historic desegregation of the Brook School in Rockland County, NY.
They discussed the film and the upcoming premiere, hosted by Rockland Community College, which will take place on May 20. For tickets visit twoschools.bpt.me/
Visit the film's facebook page here www.facebook.com/twoschoolsfilm/.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The April episode of “Crossroads of Rockland History” was sponsored by The Town of Ramapo, Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence and the Ramapo Town Board. We thank them for their support of our program.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired March 20, 2017, 9:30am
Clare Sheridan interviewed Liz McEnaney, Executive Director of the SS Columbia Project. The landmark SS Columbia is currently being restored; once it is, the steamboat will become a floating platform for arts, education, and entertainment that connects New York City and the Hudson Valley.
To learn more about the SS Columbia Project, visit sscolumbia.org
About Liz McEnaney, Executive Director the of SS Columbia Project: Liz is an architectural historian and preservationist. She has curated museum exhibitions, developed site interpretation plans, and advocated for the waterfront issues in both New York City and the Hudson Valley. Before finding her sea legs, Liz was Executive Director of the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation and worked for the artist Maya Lin’s What Is Missing? Foundation. She has also been involved in initiatives focused on the Hudson Valley. She produced the documentary film Hudson Rising and worked with the Commissioner of the New York State Quadricentennial Commission.
Liz is an adjunct professor in the Urban Design and the Historic Preservation program at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. She also teaches in the Sustainable Urban Design Program at NYU Tandon Engineering.
The March episode of “Crossroads of Rockland History” is sponsored by The Town of Ramapo, Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence and the Ramapo Town Board. We thank them for their support of our program.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, streams live on the third Monday of each month, 9:30 am, at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast orginally aired Monday, February 20, 2017, 9:30 am
Clare Sheridan welcomed Rich Donegan, Education Coordinator at the Historical Society of Rockland County. Topic: the 5th Annual John T. and Mary A. Grant High School Local History conference, held at SUNY-Rockland Community College on February 14.
A program unique to Rockland County, the annual conference brings together students from public and private high schools throughout the county for a day of teaching one another and learning about the county in which we live. Addressing the students, teachers and social studies advisers at this year's gathering were County Executive Edwin Day; Legislative Chair Toney Earl; Legislator Alden Wolfe; and County Clerk Paul Piperato. Johanna Yaun, Orange County Historian, delivered the keynote address.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, streams live on the third Monday of each month, 9:30 am, at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, January 16, 2017, 9:30 am on www.WRCR.com
The urban anthropologist Sherrill Wilson, faculty member of SUNY RCC and Manhattan College, visited the program. In addition to teaching, Dr. Wilson lectures and writes on the subjects of the African presence in colonial and early New York and the enslaved African presence in the North. We spoke to her about her recent work at the African Burial Ground National Monument in NYC, how the African Presence in New York fits in to school curriculum and more.
For more information on the African Burial Ground National Monument visit: https://www.nps.gov/afbg/index.htm
To learn about the book In Defiance, visit https://www.amazon.com/Defiance-Runaways-Slavery-Hudson-1735-1831/dp/1883789834
To learn more about Dr. Sherrill Wilson visit her website here: http://www.sherrilldwilsonphd.com/About_1.html
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired December 19, 2016.
Terri Thal visited the program. She discussed her role as Bob Dylan’s first manager when he arrived on the folk music scene in New York in the early 1960's. She also discussed the history of the Lake Lucille community in New City where whe lives today.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jordan morning show, on WRCR radio exclusively at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, November 21, 9:30 am,
Frank Eberling, who recently published a new novel titled Demarest Kill, was interviewed by Clare Sheridan. Demarest Kill is a murder mystery and coming-of-age/loss-of-innocence novel unlike any you have read before. In the novel, the Demarest Kill, a stream that threads its way through New City, behind Dutch Garden and the Rockland County Courthouse, serves as a metaphor for events that unfold over a fifty-year period.
Richly described with period detail and local color, Demarest Kill is the story of a generation of baby boomers who, like Mr. Eberling, grew up in the post-World War II years in New City. We will speak to Mr. Eberling about his experiences and the process of writing his new book.
The November broadcast is sponsored by the Town of Ramapo, Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence and the Ramapo Town Board. We are grateful for their financial support of our radio show.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month, 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jordan morning show on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
Past programs are archived at SoundCloud. To see a list or to listen, visit https://soundcloud.com/cbsheridan.
Please note that, due to changes at WRCR, live programming is now available only via the www.WRCR.com website. We hope you will tune in to listen there!
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on October 17, 2016
The topic was Local History on Social Media. Clare Sheridan interviewed Kato Hatch, a Rockland County native who moderates the incredibly popular Facebook group/page "Rockland County, Back in the Day." The page has more than 13,000 fans and is full of vintage images, rare film footage and shared memories from its followers.
They discussed how social media connects people, how and when he founded the group, the kinds of submissions that are most popular and callers spoke about their own collections of local history.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jordan morning show, on WRCR radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, September 19, 2016, 9:30 am
Our program was devoted to the 1956 movie musical High Tor.
Based on a play of the same name, Maxwell Anderson's High Tor, the first "made-for-TV" movie in history, was originally broadcast on CBS in 1956. The play, produced in 1937, led to the preservation of High Tor Mountain by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. The TV version stars Bing Crosby and Julie Andrews in her film and television debut.
Joe Yranski, film historian, shared his insights into the film's history, the performances by Bing Crosby, Nancy Olson and Julie Andrews and Yranski's friendship with the Crosby family. In addition, Art Gunther, retired journalist and columnist appeared to discuss the real events in Rockland County that inspired Maxwell Anderson to write the play on which the film is based.
The HSRC thanks the family of Bing Crosby; HLC Properties; and particularly Bing Crosby's widow, Kathryn Crosby, who is delighted that the film will be shown at the Lafayette Theatre in conjunction with Rockland County History Month (October) and that the screening is part of the Haverstraw 400th anniversary celebration.
Your chance to see the Rockland County premiere of High Tor is Saturday, October 1, 2016. Advance tickets are available at www.Fandango.com. Tickets will be available at the Lafayette Theatre box office on October 1.
VIP tickets (screening, luncheon at Marcello's and panel discussion) are available at http://www.rocklandhistory.org/event.cfm?page=522.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month, right after the Steve and Jordan morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired August 15, 2016.
914 Sound Recording Studios is where some of the most iconic rock anthems of the 1970s were made, including Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" and Janis Ian's "At Seventeen." Clare Sheridan welcomes special guests: Robert Brum (The Journal News), Michael Magnone and musicians Joe Delia and Joe D'Urso to discuss the history of this Blauvelt recording studio and learn more about the upcoming Historical Marker dedication at the site on scheduled for August 18.
To read articles from the Journal News about the 914 Sound Recording Studios, click here:
http://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/rockland/2015/05/13/sound-studio-story-blauvelt/27254605
http://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/rockland/2015/05/13/bruces-born-run-born-rockland/27233177/
To learn about the historical marker dedication at the 914 Sound Recording Studio site,
click here: http://www.rocklandhistory.org/page.cfm?page=513
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR live streaming at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired July 18, 2016
Our topic was summer reading (history and nonfiction). Joining Clare Sheridan were Brian Jennings, history librarian from the New City Library, and Joe Barbieri, history librarian from the Nyack Library. We shared our favorite books and opened up the phone lines to welcome caller recommendations.
For a list of books that were discussed, visit our blog here: http://claresheridan.tumblr.com/post/147588714665/thanks-to-brian-jennings-history-librarian-from
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month
right after the Steve and Jordan morning show on WRCR Radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
To view the Historical Society's publications, visit http://www.rocklandhistory.org/product.cfm?category=16
*** Programming change: Please note that beginning on July 18, 2016, Crossroads of Rockland History will air at 9:10 am instead of 10:10 am on the third Monday of every month!
Broadcast orginally aired on Monday, June 20, 2016, 10:10 am
The Garner Arts Center is a 19th century textile mill that has been transformed into a vibrant cultural art center in Garnerville, NY.
Robin Rosenberg, president of the Garnerville Arts Project Inc. (GAP), also known as Garner Arts Center since its founding in 2003, will be in the studio to shed light on this dynamic place that continues to grow and change.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
To learn more about the Garner Arts Center, visit the website at http://garnerartscenter.org
Broadcast orginally aired on Monday, May 16, 2016, 10:10 AM
Topic: The fascinating and little-known area known as Skunk Hollow. The archeologist Joan Geismar, who wrote her doctoral dissertation on Skunk Hollow, shared how she uncovered the history of this place through archeological research and discoveries.
"Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am, right after the Steve and Jordan Morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
About Joan Geismar: Joan H. Geismar, Ph.D., has been a practicing urban archaeologist since 1981. Dr. Geismar, who received her doctorate in anthropology from Columbia University, has extensive experience documenting the history of sites in the New York metropolitan area, assessing their archeological potential, and implementing and carrying out fieldwork. Many of her projects have fulfilled the cultural resources requirement for environmental assessments and impact statements or permitting. Among her clients are private developers and institutions, municipal agencies in New York and New Jersey, federal agencies, architects, the New York City Parks Department, and historical societies and museums, as well as engineering and environmental assessment firms. Her projects are varied, ranging from numerous New Jersey Transit projects to the restoration of the Hunterfly Road Houses in Historic Weeksville (Brooklyn). She has been the archaeological consultant at Manhattan's Lower East Side Tenement Museum since its inception.
Dr. Geismar is a founding member of Professional Archaeologists of New York City (PANYC), its president for four non-consecutive terms, and a member of the Executive Board since 1984. She also serves on the Preservation Committee of the Municipal Art Society and is the recipient of several preservation awards. In 1999, she was designated a Centennial Historian of the City of New York by Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Her research interests include, but are not limited to, community studies and the development of the urban condition, such as landfill, transportation, housing, and sanitation issues.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House located at 20 Zukor Road, New City, New York which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a newly designated New York State Path through History site.Part of our broad and challenging mission is to share the history of Rockland County with the public. We rely on financial support from membership and donations from people just like you. To learn how you can become a member, or to volunteer, please visit our website at www.RocklandHistory.org.
Broadcast orignally aired on April 18, 2016
Clare Sheridan interviews Palisades Historian Alice Gerard, published author. Ms. Gerard shares the history of this interesting part of Rockland County including the private enclave of Snedens Landing. She also shares information about her recent project of completing the transcription of the diaries of Nicholas Gesner.
The Gesner diaries, comprising more than 1,600 pages of handwritten text, are an extraordinary primary source of the history of nineteenth-century Rockland County.
The following books and/or texts were discussed in the interview:
1.Winthrop Gilman – The Story of the Ferry OUT OF PRINT
2.The Tonetti years at Snedens Landing Paperback – 1977by Isabelle Keating Savell (Author) OUT OF PRINT
3.Carl Nordstrom – Nyack in Black & White: Race Relations Over Three Centuries Paperback – 2005
http://www.amazon.com/Nyack-Black-White-Relations-Centuries/dp/0971072515
4.Alice Munro Haagensen – Palisades and Snedens Landing
http://www.hudsonrivervalley.org/library/pdfs/articles_books_essays/palisades_and_snedens_landing.pdf
and
5.Books by Alice Gerard
a.Adventures from the Past - True Stories of Children Who Lived Long Ago in Orangetown http://www.rocklandhistory.org/product.cfm?page=61
b.Palisades and Snedens Landing: The Twentieth Century – 2007 http://palisadesny.com/history/way-it-was-palisades-190-2000/
c.The Diaries of Nicholas Gesner - http://www.hudsonrivervalley.org/library/pdfs/facts_about_the_gesner_diary.pdf and http://www.hudsonrivervalley.org/library/pdfs/gesner_journal_vol_1.pdf
"Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR Radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, March 21, 2016, 10:10 am
In conjunction with the Quadricentennial celebration of Haverstraw, Clare Sheridan spoke to Supervisor Howard Phillips and exhibition curator Corinne McGeorge.
Included in the conversation is information about the recent discovery of a map from 1616 on which Haverstraw appears and the year-long celebration that this 400th anniversary will bring.
Supervisor Howard Phillips of the Town of Haverstraw, described the upcoming events and programs planned for the Quadricentennial year, and Corinne McGeorge spoke about the exhibition that she curated entitled, "Dutchtown and Major Andre: Highlights of Haverstraw History," which is a big part of the celebration.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs at 10:10 am, right after the Steve and Jordan morning show, on the third Monday of each month on WRCR Radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore,celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. To view an index of past programs and listen to sound recordings, go to http://www.rocklandhistory.org/page.cfm?page=323.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast orginally aired February 15, 2016
Clare Sheridaninterviewed Scott Kaplan, history educator from Suffern High School and Richard Donegan, History Coordinator from The Historical Society of Rockland County.
Guests discussed how local history is taught in our schools, and described the John T. and Mary A. Grant Rockland County High School Local History Conference (a daylong gathering that brings together high school history students, their advisers, and social studies department chairs from Rockland County high schools. The students will prepare presentations for their peers on themes related to Rockland County history of the past 50 years. In addition, historians and dignitaries will address the students. This year's conference keynote speaker is the Hon. C. Scott Vanderhoef).
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month, right after the Steve and Meredyth morning show, at 10:10 am on WRCR Radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. To view an index of past programs and listen to sound recordings, go to http://www.rocklandhistory.org/page.cfm?page=323.
To learn more about the 2016 High School Local History Conference, go to http://www.rocklandhistory.org/event.cfm?page=411.
Broadcast originally aired on Monday, January 18, 2016, 10:10 am
Clare Sheridan welcomed Orange County Historian Johanna Yaun, whose recent address on the state of local history in 2015 has piqued the interest of many people in the local history community.
Ms. Yaun spoke about the unique mandate in New York State that every municipality must have a historian; the role the municipal historian plays; and the challenges and rewards of the role. The Historic Tavern Tour, "SKILLSHARE," and Heritage Tourism were also discussed.
Many of the issues facing the history community in Orange County also exist in Rockland County.
Born and raised in the city of Newburgh, Johanna Yaun began her career in historic preservation as a tour guide in the East End Historic District, New York State's largest contiguous historic district, with 445 acres of structures that span four centuries of architectural history. From 2004 to 2010, she was a historic interpreter at Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site, the nation's first historic house museum, which has been open to the public and caring for a museum collection since 1850. She holds degrees in European history and anthropology, with a focus in 18th-century military history and archaeology. She earned a certificate in museum studies from Smith College in 2007; a certificate in archaeology from the University of Virginia; and a master's of public administration from Marist College in 2010. During her time at Marist, she focused on the institutional history of the New York State Historic Bureau and traveled to the Mediterranean to make worldwide comparisons about how modern communities care for their historic resources. In 2011, she returned to Newburgh, where she applied her many skills to restoring a home in the Colonial Terraces architectural district. Before becoming the Orange County Historian, she serve as director of the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands and the Crawford House Museum and Archives, where she received recognition for her efforts from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR Radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. To view an index of past programs and listen to sound recordings, click here: http://www.rocklandhistory.org/page.cfm?page=323
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired December 21, 2015
The Antrim Playhouse in Wesley Hills, also known as the Little Theater in the Woods, has been providing entertainment to our community since since its first season in 1936. Thanks to four young history enthusiasts, the varied and interesting history of eight decades of performances at this theatre is now on display.
Clare Sheridan interviews local Girl Scouts, who describe how they spent their summer preparing an exhibition of entertainment history at the Antrim Playhouse. In addition to creating wonderful displays that had previously been out of public view, their efforts earned them each a Silver Award from the Girl Scouts. We'll learn about their project and hear about what they uncovered.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR Radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. To view an index of past programs and listen to sound recordings, click here.
To learn more about Antrim Playhouse, visit www.antrimplayhouse.com
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired November 16, 2015.
Clare Sheridan interviews Brenda Ross, the author of a new historical novel, Bibsy. The story takes a peek into a corner of Rockland history that has been little explored: "Up the Beach" in Haverstraw. Set in the 1950s, Bibsy captures a community being impacted by suburbanization and the importance and fragility of family.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR Radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. To view an index of past programs and listen to sound recordings, click here.
To learn more about Brenda Ross and her new book visit: www.authorbrendaross.com
www.RocklandHistory.org
history #Rockland #haverstraw
Broadcast originally aired Monday, October 19, 2015 10:10 am
The 1914 murder of Eugene Newman by William V. Cleary and the subsequent murder trial is one of the most intriguing murder cases in Rockland History. Clare Sheridan interviews the grand-nephew of the murder victim Eugene Newman. Now living in Chicago, IL, Gene Newman shared the story of what’s been called a major scandal involving political and legal corruption in New York State.
To read an outstanding article by Cheryl Slavin, published by the Rockland County Times in 2014, visit: http://www.rocklandtimes.com/2014/07/24/haverstraw-political-boss-shoots-newspaper-publishers-son/
To see related photos and news clippings, visit our flickr album here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/100479933@N04/albums/72157658442917045
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR Radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired September 21, 2015
Clare Sheridan interviews Elizabeth Skrabonja, curator of the exhibition on view at the Orangetown Historical Museum and Archives "From Holland to Here." The exhibition examines the Dutch heritage of the Town of Orangetown through the collection of George Way, America's premier collector of 17th century Dutch art. We’ll discuss this, the Tappan Patent, the Blauvelt family legacy, and much more.
To learn about George Way and his collection, visit http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/05/arts/design/a-collection-of-dutch-artifacts-50-years-in-the-making.html?_r=0.
To learn more about the Orangetown Historical Museum and Archives visit http://www.orangetownmuseum.com.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR Radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
To view an index of past programs and listen to sound recordings, click here: https://www.rocklandhistory.org/page.cfm?category=22
Broadcast originally aired Monday, August 17, 2015 at 10:10 am.
The preservation of the John Green House in Nyack, NY
This unique 2 1/2 -story sandstone structure is the oldest house in Nyack, and a group of grassroots volunteers called the John Green Preservation Coalition is working to preserve it.
Clare Sheridan interviewed Winston Perry, historian for the Village of Upper Nyack and president of the Historical Society of the Nyacks, shed light on the importance of John Green to Rockland history, as well as the architectural importance of this building.
Rick Tannenbaum was also interviewed. He represents the John Green Preservation Coalition and spoke about the group's efforts and how we as a community can help with this valuable historic preservation project.
Tina Traster, film maker was also interviewed about her documentary about Historic Preservation which will include the John Green House.
To learn more about the John Green Coalition, visit http://www.johngreencoalition.org.
To learn more about the Historical Society of the Nyacks, visit http://nyackhistory.org/welcome.html.
To learn more about Traster's documentary film "This House Matters" visit: http://thishousematters.com/
"Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1700 AM (live streaming atwww.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, July 20, 2015.
Topic: Early Space Program and the Challenger Learning Center. Clare Sheridan interviews John Huibregtse, director of the Town of Ramapo's Challenger Learning Center. Mr. Huibregtse speaks about the early days of the space program, as well as the efforts of our local community to bring a Challenger Center to Rockland County.
The July 2014 episode of Crossroads of Rockland History is sponsored by the Town of Ramapo, Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence, and the Ramapo Town Board. We are grateful for their support.
The Challenger Learning Center in Airmont is living testimony to the dream of the Challenger astronauts. On January 28, 1986, the seven crew members of the Space Shuttle Challenger/STS-51L “Teacher in Space” mission set out to broaden educational horizons and advance scientific knowledge. Their mission exemplified humans' noblest and most wondrous qualities: to explore, discover and teach.
To the nation’s shock and sorrow, the shuttle exploded seventy-three seconds after liftoff. In the aftermath of the accident, the families of the crew members came together and made a firm commitment to honor the spirit of their loved ones by continuing their educational mission. In April 1986, they created the Challenger Center for Space Science Education (Challenger Center) as a place where children, teachers and citizens can touch the future by manipulating equipment, conducting experiments, solving problems, and immersing themselves in space-like surroundings. The goal of the program is to spark interest and joy in science and engineering and change young people's lives.
In June 1994, Kristina Rodriquez, then a senior at Suffern High School, led a project that proposed turning a vacant school building into a Challenger Learning Center. The concept lit a fire in the community, and the result was the creation of the second Challenger Center in New York State. Today, there are more than forty Challenger Learning Centers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR Radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. To view an index of past programs and listen to sound recordings: click here: https://www.rocklandhistory.org/page.cfm?category=22
Broadcast originally aired Monday, June 15, 2015, at 10:10 a.m.,
"One Person, One Vote." Although this powerful sentiment rings with the same distinctively American call for equality and individual empowerment as "All men are created equal," it did not become a core principle of local government until the 1960s, when the U.S. Supreme Court ordered Rockland to reapportion and reorganize the structure of its county government based on the landmark decision in Abate v. Mundt.
The Hon. Veronica DeMeo Boesch, former mayor of Airmont and a lifelong history teacher, was interviewed by Clare Sheridan about how "one person, one vote" affected government in Rockland County, NY in the second half of the 20th century. As a direct result of Abate v. Mundt, the county changed from a five-member Board of Supervisors, in which each town supervisor had one vote, to a County Legislature comprising legislators elected by the voters based on town population. Under the new system, the Town of Ramapo, with the largest population, would have the most legislators, and Stony Point would have the fewest.
Since retiring from teaching social studies at North Rockland High School, Ms. Boesch has been an active member of the HSRC. She has also served as an elected trustee and, most recently, as mayor of the Village of Airmont. Since she rejoined the HSRC Board in 2014, she has chaired the Nominating Committee and Annual Dinner Committee and serves on the Personnel Committee.
"Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
To visit our archive of past radio programs, click here: https://www.rocklandhistory.org/page.cfm?category=22
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired May 18, 2015
The Effects of the Brink's Robbery on Rockland County. Clare Sheridan welcomes Bob Baird, who was managing editor of the Journal News on the day homegrown terrorists from the Weather Underground and Black Liberation Army attacked a Brink's truck in Nanuet, trying to finance their private revolution. Baird will discuss the circumstances that led up to the tragic event, in which one Brink's guard was killed, another was gravely wounded, and two Nyack police officers were slain in a hail of automatic gunfire.
The events of October 20, 1981, shook a county already reeling from a year of horrific crimes. It launched Rockland on a decade of dramatic change, with implications that are still unfolding nearly thirty-five years later. Baird makes a strong case that the transformation brought about by the Brink's robbery rivals the one that followed the opening of the Tappan Zee Bridge.
The Brink's Robbery is featured in our current Golden Anniversary exhibition, "A Half-Century of History, 1965-2015:Events that Shaped Our Community." We are grateful to the Rockland County Sheriff's Office for lending many interesting artifacts to the HSRC for the duration of the exhibition. To learn more about the exhibition, visit: http://www.rocklandhistory.org/program.cfm?page=423
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR Radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast Originally Aired April 20, 2015
Clare Sheridan interviews Bill Batson to learn about the Bench by the Road Project, a memorial history and community outreach initiative of the Toni Morrison Society. Bill Batson, artist, author and Trustee of the Historical Society of the Nyacks, will return to the radio program to discuss the exciting news that Nyack has been selected as a location for inclusion in this globally significant project commemorating African American history.
On May 18, 2015, the commemorative monument, in the form of a bench, will be installed in Memorial Park in Nyack honoring Underground Railroad conductor Cynthia Hesdra (1808–1879), a Nyack woman who became an entrepreneur and abolitionist. Toni Morrison, the Nobel Prize-winning author and resident of Grand View-on-Hudson, inspired the Bench by the Road Project and will be invited to the dedication ceremony in Nyack, which will become the fifteenth Bench by the Road location around the globe.
In conjunction with this important monument, the Historical Society of the Nyacks will mount an exhibition titled "An Underground Railroad Monument Comes to Nyack," inspired by Toni Morrison and honoring Cynthia Hesdra. The exhibition will be open on 1-4 pm on Saturdays from March 14 through May 30. The Historical Society of the Nyacks is located at 50 Piermont Avenue. The exhibition will be curated by Bill Batson and Jennifer Rothschild.
To learn more about the Nyack Bench by the Road Project, visit http://nyackbench.org.
To learn more about the Toni Morrison Society and the Bench by the Road Project, visit www.tonimorrisonsociety.org/bench.html.
To learn more about the Historical Society of the Nyacks, visit http://nyackhistory.org/welcome.html.
To learn more about Bill Batson, visit https://sketchflashmob.wordpress.com.
The April 2015 episode of "Crossroads of Rockland History" is sponsored by the Town of Ramapo, Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence, and the Ramapo Town Board.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR Radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired 3/16/15.
Clare Sheridan interviews Robert C. Maher, Jr. co-founder of the Friends of Rockland Lake and Hook Mountain, and the author of Rockland Lake, Hook Mountain and Nyack Beach (Arcadia, Images of America).
The commercial history of Rockland Lake dates back to the 18th century, when the area was known as Slaughter Landing because of the natural ravine in the Palisades just north of Verdriegete Hoek, the name the Dutch gave to Hook Mountain. The Hook was known as the "Troublesome Point," where a hotel and ferry landing to Tarrytown stood from the time of the Revolution until the 1900s. During the 19th century, ice was harvested from the pristine waters of Rockland Lake, and rock was quarried from the cliffs overlooking the Hudson River. Later, the lake became a popular resort area and amusement park, attracting people from New York City by steamboat and train. In the 20th century, with the invention of refrigeration, the ice industry collapsed,and preservation of the Palisades cliffs began. The state acquired most of the property andcreated Rockland Lake State Park as we know it today.
Special guest Robert Maher is the president and co-founder of the Friends of Rockland Lake and Hook Mountain, Inc., an organization established to support the preservation of the cultural, historical, and environmental resources of Rockland Lake, Hook Mountain, and Nyack Beach state parks. Maher is also the author of Rockland Lake, Hook Mountain and Nyack Beach (Arcadia, Images of America series). He lives in his family home at Rockland Lake.
To learn more about the book, Rockland Lake, visit
http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/9780738574813/Rockland-Lake-Hook-Mountain-and-Nyack-Beach
To learn more about Friends of Rockland Lake and Hook Mountain,
visit http://www.rocklandlakeandhookmt.org
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Originally aired February 16, 2015.
Clare Sheridan interviews Doug Carey, Spring Valley High School History Teacher and co-chair of the 3rd Annual High School Local History Conference. This conference includes history honors students from all of Rockland County’s high schools. Mr. Carey is this year's conference co-chair, with HSRC Trustee Judge William Sherwood.
To view a video of a past conference, click here: http://vimeo.com/85037975.
To learn more about this year's conference, click here: https://www.rocklandhistory.org/event.cfm?page=411.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired January 19, 2015. Clare Sheridan interviews James Cassetta about his new book "Pearl River" (Arcadia/Images of America).
Recently, the Images of America book series published a volume dedicated to Pearl River, the second-largest hamlet in New York State.
For the past eighteen years, James Cassetta, a member of the HSRC, has been the adult reference librarian and local history librarian at the Pearl River Public Library. In addition, he is a writer and tour guide. Topics will include the history of Pearl River businesses, notable people, important places, and much more.
The Images of America series, published by Arcadia Publishing, celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.
“Crossroads of Rockland History,” a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR Radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
For a list of archived episodes, click here: http://www.rocklandhistory.org/page.cfm?page=323.
To find out more about the Images of America series, click here: http://www.ArcadiaPublishing.com/series/Images-of-America
For more information about the Pearl River Public Library, click here: http://www.PearlRiverLibrary.org/pearlriver
www.RocklandHistory.org
Episode orginally aired Monday, December 15, 2014. Clare Sheridan spoke with special guest Bill Batson, artist and author of Nyack Sketchlog: An Artist and Writer Explores the History of a Hudson River Village.
Through essays and sketches, Nyack Sketchlog captures the history of Nyack like never before. The book includes fifty-five of Batson’s sketches and essays which have previously been published as Batson's weekly column in Nyack News and Views. The book includes a foreword by Art Gunther III. The book was published on December 4, 2014.
"Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
For more information about Bill Batson: www.nyackartcollective.com/bill-batson
For Nyack News and Views click here: www.nyacknewsandviews.com/
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired on November 17, 2014. Clare Sheridan interviewed Bob LeMoullec, author of The Newsroom Confessions (Page Publishing) and Steve Possell about Rockland County Radio. Among his many assignments during his long career, Bob LeMoullec was news director at WRKL in Rockland County, NY. The broadcast included reminiscing with Bob LeMoullec and Steve Possell about what it was like "back in the day" on Rockland radio.
"Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. For a list of archived episodes, click here: www.rocklandhistory.org/page.cfm?page=323.
The November 2014 episode of Crossroads of Rockland History was made possible by a generous contribution from the Town of Ramapo, Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence, and the Ramapo Town Board. We are grateful for their support of local history and the Historical Society of Rockland History.
To learn more about The Newsroom Confessions, click here: www.thenewsroomconfessions.com.
www.RocklandHistory.org
wrkl
Broadcast originally aired on October 20, 2014.
Clare Sheridan interviews Linda Zimmermann about the haunted history of Rockland County, NY. Topics include the Last Witch of Rockland (Jane "Naut" Kanniff), the Legend of Spook Rock, the Goblin of Donder Berg, Bosco and more.
"Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
For John Scott's article on Jane "Naut" Kanniff, click here: cbsheridan.tumblr.com/post/100465214…-nyack-by-john.
To learn more about Linda Zimmermann, click here: www.gotozim.com.
www.RocklandHistory.org
haunted history
ghosts
nautkanniff
spookrock
rocklandcounty
LindaZimmermann
Broadcast originally aired 9/15/2014.
Clare Sheridan interviews Thano Schoppel (former school teacher and teaching supervisor and past President of the Tappantown Historical Society) on the subject of the Treason of the Revolution.
On September 22, 1780, Benedict Arnold and Major John Andre met in the woods along the Hudson shoreline in Rockland County and there began an act of treason that would become a pivotal point in the Revolutionary War.
Thano describes the Andre-Arnold affair and discusses the people and places involved in this fascinating story of betrayal, secrecy, and deception.
Other resources: www.nysarchivestrust.org/new-york-arc…e-9-number-2
To read more about the Treason of the Revolution, visit our archived issue of South of the Mountains,1963, Vol. 7, No. 4 Here: cdm16694.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/col…src/id/940/
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast orginally aired August 18, 2014
Two hundred years ago, the Reverend Stephen Goetschius left his home in New Paltz, New York, to move to the Saddle River Valley to serve the Old Stone Church as minister. The families who worshiped there came from the Ramapo region of Rockland and northern Bergen counties.
The Shared History of the Saddle River Valley is the feature of the 2014 Historical House Tour, which is being prepared by the HSRC in collaboration with the Upper Saddle River Historical Society and the USR Historic Preservation Commission.
Join Clare Sheridan and special guest Kay Yeomans (Upper Saddle River Historical Society) as they discuss the self-guided historical house tour scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2014 and the Shared History of the Saddle River Valley that will be featured on the tour.
Tickets are on sale now for Shared History: 2014 Historical House Tour: Shared History scheduled for September 13. For more information on the tour or for ticket information, click here: www.rocklandhistory.org/event.cfm?page=381.
To learn more about the Upper Saddle River Historical Society visit www.usrhistoricalsociety.org/
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, (www.RocklandHistory.org) airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
bergen history
Program originally aired 07/21/14.
Kerry Potter (sitting in for Clare Sheridan) interviews Brian Jennings (History Librarian from the New City LIbrary) about books that include Rockland County History.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com).
www.RocklandHistory.org
This episode of Crossroads of Rockland History is made possible by a grant from the Town of Ramapo, Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence and the Ramapo Town Board.
Program originally aired Monday, June 16, 2014. Clare Sheridan interviewed Rockland County Legislator Harriet Cornell, and Allan Beers, (Rockland County’s Division of Environmental Resources). They discussed the past, present and future of the Dutch Garden in New City.
See a photo essay of the Dutch Garden here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C5KppgMimw
This little-known “secret” garden was a Works Progress Administration (WPA) park project designed by the renowned landscape architect Mary Mowbray Clarke, a native of West Nyack. It was executed by the master brick mason Biagio Gugliuzzo of Garnerville. A recipient of Better Homes and Gardens magazine's "Garden of the Year" designation in 1935, Dutch Garden is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at: www.WRCR.com).
www.RocklandHistory.org
Program originally aired 5/19/2014
Cathy Quinn and Clare Sheridan talk about all of the Historical Society of Rockland County’s upcoming 2014 historical day trips and an overnight excursion.
Discussion includes the following 2014 trips:
The “History in Your Own Backyard” series, which will focus on the Town of Ramapo, with outings to historic Houses of Worship, Cemeteries and Pipe Organs;
A revisit to historic sites in Orangetown;
A guided “Walk through History” tour of Ringwood Manor, which has just recently been reopened after a two-year hiatus; and
An overnight excursion planned for August that will focus on Revolutionary War history; entitled “Drums along the Mohawk,” this trip will visit sites in upstate New York and will be a wonderful two-day outing.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at: www.WRCR.com ).
For more information on Paths Through History visit: www.paththroughhistory.ny.gov/
For more information on Drums Along The Mohawk visit: newyorkhistoryblog.org/2012/02/06/dr…rama-planned/
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired Monday, April 21, 2014
Peter Dedel, joined Clare Sheridan to discuss the origins of the Rockland County Silk Industry. This fascinating piece of Rockland County History began with the John Dunlop family.
Peter Dedel is a direct descendant of John Dunlop. Mr. Dedel will share his insights about his family’s history with the silk industry and much more.
This episode of Crossroads of Rockland History was sponsored by the Town of Ramapo, Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence, and the Ramapo Town Board. We are grateful for their support of this episode of Crossroads of Rockland History.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at: www.WRCR.com ).
www.RocklandHistory.org
Original Broadcast Date: March 17, 2014
The HSRC will mount a new exhibition entitled “Lincoln and New York” opening April 6th. This panel exhibition on loan from the New-York Historical Society probes the myths and controversies surrounding Abraham Lincoln and explores New York’s influence on the Civil War. The panels will be displayed together with artifacts from the HSRC’s permanent collection and from other local history organizations to illustrate Rockland’s connection to President Lincoln and the Civil War. Clare Sheridan spoke to Marianne Leese, HSRC’s Senior Historian and historical researcher, Bill Doherty who shed light on the Rockland County connection including a preview of some of the artifacts that will be on view as well as details about the 95th volunteer infantry regiment and local Civil War soldier Lt. Daniel Keesler.
To learn more about the upcoming exhibition Lincoln and New York and the auxiliary programs planned, click here: www.rocklandhistory.org/program.cfm?page=353
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired 2/17/14.
To celebrate February as African American History Month, The African American Historical Society (AAHS) of Rockland County is teaming up with Rockland Community College to present the special program “A Glimpse of the Harlem Renaissance.” Clare Sheridan's special guest will be AAHS Trustee Dana Stilley, who will talk about this special theatrical experience highlighting the people, art, music, philosophy, and dances of a unique and influential era in American history.
Ms. Stilley also describes other events and programs the AAHS of Rockland County has been working on and what else is ahead for this dynamic organization.
Details about "A Glimpse of the Harlem Renaissance"
When: February 25, 2014 at 7pm. (Snow Date: March 5, 2014).
Where: Rockland Community College’s Cultural Arts Theater, 145 College Road, Suffern NY
FREE ADMISSION
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest
speakers every month.
To learn more about the African American Historical Society of Rockland County, visit http://www.aahsofrockland.org/
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired January 20, 2014.
Remembering a Unique Talent and a Life Cut Short. Norbert Stern, a Jew in Nazi-held Belgium, was a young pianist acclaimed in the press as brilliant and full of promise. In 1942, as conditions worsened for the Jews, Norbert was compelled to leave the Brussels Conservatory of Music where he had been a premier student winning a series of prestigious competitions. Soon thereafter he and his family were forced to go into hiding and hoped to wait out the war. But this was not to be. Two years later the Sterns were denounced and their hiding place discovered. The family was deported to Auschwitz concentration camp and it was there, not long after, that Norbert met his death at 21 years old. In this interview, Clare Sheridan speaks to Roger Peltzman, nephew of Norbert Stern. The interview explores Peltzman's tribute to a brilliant performer the world would never know. Peltzman has recorded a CD, which is an all-Chopin program, chosen to commemorate Norbert Stern's particular love, and was recorded in the Brussels Conservatory of Music on the same stage where Norbert himself had played. The Conservatory is a beautiful and acoustically rich concert hall and with its intimate connection to Norbert Stern was chosen as the most meaningful place to commemorate a young life lost and a talent tragically destroyed. Roger Peltzman is a pianist and teacher in New York City. He has performed six solo concerts at Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall during the last 12 years. Roger is also a faculty member at America s oldest music school, The Third Street Music School. rogerpeltzman.com/
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at: www.WRCR.com ). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
Listen locally on 1700AM or stream it on your computer at: www.WRCR.com
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired December, 2013
Clare Sheridan interviewed guests including Ned Kelly, guest curator of the holiday exhibition; Joy Hoerner Rich and Karen Tolley, co-authors of Berta and Elmer Hader: A Lifetime of Art and Jack Geist, son of Lucy Geist who was the creator of the popular LUCY doll.
This episode shed light on the HSRC's 38th annual holiday exhibition. For the first time, the Hudson Valley taste makers Ned Kelly & Co. collaborated with the Historical Society by curating a show of highlights of the Society’s permanent collection and by decorating the historic Jacob Blauvelt House with their “perfect pitch taste.” Kelly described what it was like to peruse the shelves of the HSRC collection and select items for display. Highlights of Kelly’s selections include original linocut prints created by Berta and Elmer Hader. As a special addition to this broadcast, Clare Sheridan welcomed Joy Hoerner Rich and Karen Tolley, two of the authors of the new book about Berta and Elmer Hader. Berta and Elmer Hader: A Lifetime of Art, published by Joyful Productions, which was released in October, 2013. The full-color book is a comprehensive look at these Caldecott Award-winning authors/illustrators. Finally, Jack Geist spoke with Clare about his mother, Lucy Geist, of Nyack, the creator of "Lucy" ragdolls popular with children in Rockland County in the 1970s. Both the Hader Prints and the Lucy Dolls were part of the exhibition.
To learn more about Berta and Elmer Hader, click here:haderconnection.com.
To learn more about Ned Kelly & Co., click here: www.nedkellyandco.com.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House located at 20 Zukor Road, New City, New York 10956.
Broadcast originally aired 11/16/13
Brian Jennings, Nyack Library’s local history librarian, and Joe Barbieri, project consultant, joined Clare Sheridan to discuss the Nyack Library’s long-term and comprehensive project to digitize images, newspapers, and sound recordings. Learn about the Nyack Library’s partnerships with area organizations to make this digitization happen, including its work with the Sound and Story Project of the Hudson Valley and more.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
To learn more about the Nyack Library’s Local History Room, visit nyacklibrary.org/localhistory.
To learn more about the Sound and Story Project of the Hudson Valley, visit www.soundandstory.org.
This episode of Crossroads of Rockland History has been made possible by a generous contribution from the The Town of Ramapo. The HSRC is grateful for this support of our efforts to share local history with the people of Rockland County.
Listen locally to Crossroads of Rockland History on 1300 AM or stream it on your computer or mobile device at www.WRCR.com .
www.RocklandHistory.org
Interview with Retired Justice Alfred Weiner to discuss the history of the Rockland County Courthouse and the history of the Judiciary.
Originally aired October 21, 2013.
Former Justice Alfred J. Weiner joins Clare Sheridan for an informative and interesting program on the history of the Rockland County Courthouse and the Rockland County Judiciary. Justice Weiner was a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, Ninth Judicial District, and served for more than forty years on the bench before retiring in 2011. Throughout his career, he has also volunteered extensively in the Rockland community. He is a founder and present member of the Board of Directors of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Rockland County; a past president of the Rockland Mental Health Association and of the Rockland Psychiatric Center Foundation; a past president and present member of the Board of Trustees of the Rockland Jewish Family Service; and a past president of the Historical Society of Rockland County. He is currently of-counsel to the law firm Mandel, Katz & Brosnan LLP in Valley Cottage, where he practices mediation/arbitration of divorce, family, estate, commercial and insurance disputes.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
To see a virtual tour of the Rockland County Courthouse visit: http://youtu.be/_ZcR0Z-H_ws
www.RocklandHistory.org
Interview originally aired on Monday, September 16th on www.WRCR.com and WRCR 1300AM.
Interview with Scott Elder, descendent of Private Joseph Elder about the Elder Family's efforts to document life and service of Private Elder. Private Elder was a Minute Man, he was in the Militia, a member of the Line Troops and also was a member of the Levies.
"Crossroads of Rockland History" airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300AM. Join us as we explore, celebrate and learn about our local history with different topics and guest speakers every month. Visit www.RocklandHistory.org
Interview of Mary Beth Keane author of "Fever" (Scribner). Keane is a Pearl River resident and author. Interview originally aired August 19, 2013 on www.WRCR.com.
Do you know who was described as one of the most dangerous women in America at the turn of the twentieth century? It was Mary Mallon, better known as “Typhoid Mary. ” This is one of the most fascinating in modern medical history. Clare Sheridan interviewed Mary Beth Keane of Pearl River. Keane is the author of Fever, an ambitious retelling of the forgotten life of a compelling, dramatic, vexing, sympathetic, uncompromising, and unforgettable heroine. The New York Times has called Fever "a fine novel" and a "tender, detailed portrayal.”
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired June, 2013.
Rockland County has a strong connection to the event that brought avant-garde art to New York in 1913 - The Armory Show. Clare Sheridan interviews Marilyn Kushner about the the importance of the Armory show and the roles that Rocklanders played in organizing the original Armory exhibition. Marilyn Kushner, PhD is co-curator of the exhibition at the New York Historical Society entitled: The Armory Show at 100.
In addition to being the co-curator of this exhibition, Dr. Marilyn Kushner is Curator and Head of the Department of Prints, Photographs and Architectural Collections at the New York Historical Society in Manhattan. Her Co-Curator for the Armory Show at 100 is Kimberly Orcutt, Curator of American Art at the Henry Luce Foundation.
The 1913 Armory Show, held in New York City, introduced the American public to European avant-garde painting and sculpture and the public sensation and the responses to the show represented a watershed in the history of American art. The 1913 Armory exhibition included works by such well-known European modernists as Paul Cezanne, Marcel Duchamp, Pablo Picasso and Paul Gauguin, as well as leaders of American art such as Davies, Childe Hassam, along with the early work by such budding modernists as Charles Sheeler, Marsden Hartley and Stuart Davis.
To learn more about the upcoming exhibition at the New York Historical Society which opens October 11, 2013 and will extend until February 23, 2014 visit nyhistory.org/exhibitions/armory-show-at-100
The interview originally aired 6/17/13.
Listen to Crossroads of Rockland History locally on the third Monday of every month on WRCR 1300AM or stream it on your computer at www.WRCR.com.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired May 20, 2013.
100th Anniversary of the Group Camps in Harriman State Park. Sue Scher joined Clare Sheridan to talk about the Historical Society of Rockland County's (HSRC) exhibition commemorating the centennial milestone. Sue Scher is professor emerita of Social Work, Ramapo College and has curated this exhibition at the HSRC. Ms. Scher's valuable insights and knowledge about these camps has come from her 10-year effort to collect information, photographs and memorabilia about the camps in Harriman State Park.
Program originally aired May 20, 2013
To learn more about this exhibition, click here: http://www.rocklandhistory.org/event.cfm?page=283
This edition of Crossroads of Rockland History has been made possible by a generous contribution from the Town of Ramapo, Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence and the Ramapo Town Board. We are grateful for their support.
"Crossroads of Rockland History" airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300AM.
Broadcast originally aired April, 2013.
Dr. Marion Jacobson, ethnomusicologist and author of Squeeze This, The Cultural History of the Accordion in America (University of Illinois Press, 2012) joins Clare Sheridan for a discussion about her new book and more (recorded April 15, 2013).
This radio program will be a prelude to The Historical Society’s special live musical presentation entitled: The Big Squeeze – An Accordion Summit, which will be held on April 28, 2013 at the Nyack Library at 3:00pm. This traditional musical summit, made possible by a grant from the NY State Council on the Arts, will showcase three of Rockland County’s traditional accordion styles: Irish, Ukrainian and Mexican Norteno.
For more information about this unique musical program click here: www.rocklandhistory.org/event.cfm?page=276
To learn more about Dr. Marion Jacobson's book visit: www.press.uillinois.edu/books/catalog/47bqd8bm9780252036750.html
Listen to Crossroads of Rockland History locally on WRCR 1300AM or stream it on your computer at www.WRCR.com. Program airs the 3rd Monday of every month and is prepared by The Historical Society of Rockland County - www.RocklandHistory.org
Original Interview aired 3/18/13.
Schack Industries settled on Pascack Road in the Clarkstown section of Spring Valley in 1899. This successful architectural, ornamental metal and glass business did not just happen, it was made through technical innovation, service and quality.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Howard Schack is former intelligence officer specializing in anti-terrorism and an award winning author. He has contributed to “South of the Mountains”, the HSRC quarterly history journal with an article about Schack Industries and Spring Valley.
To learn more about Howard Schack, visit his website: www.howardschack.com
“South of the Mountains” is published quarterly by The Historical Society of Rockland County. It is the only journal of Rockland History published since 1957. As a benefit of membership in the HSRC, members receive this journal each quarter. To become a member click here: www.rocklandhistory.org/product.cfm?category=17
"Crossroads of Rockland History" airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300AM. Join us as we explore, celebrate and learn about our local history with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The broadcast originally aired on January 21, 2013 on 1300AM WRCR Radio Rockland. www.WRCR.com
At one time, Rockland County was home to several different airports and numerous smaller airstrips. Clare Sheridan interviewed Adam Raines and Richard “Mac” MacVicar, two lifelong aviation enthusiasts, who recently wrote a book about the airports of Rockland County.
"Crossroads of Rockland History" airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300AM. Tune in as we explore, celebrate and learn about our local history with different topics and guest speakers every month. Visit the Historical Society of Rockland County at www.RocklandHistory.org
First aired 12/17/12
Episode featured the new graphic novel, Sailor Twain or The Mermaid in the Hudson by Mark Siegel. Set on a steamboat on the Hudson River in 1887, this new book uses painstakingly detailed drawings to tell a suspenseful and heartbreaking story.
Mark Siegel, the book's author and illustrator, joined Clare Sheridan for a lively discussion. Prior to publishing this NY Times Best Seller in book form, Mr. Siegel chose to serialize this story in installments, using the web -- a type of publishing that was popular in the 19th Century for authors such as Charles Dickens and Herman Melville. We learned from Mr. Siegel about his book, why and how he serialized it and much more.
For more information about Sailor Twain or The Mermaid in the Hudson, visit sailortwain.com/
"Crossroads of Rockland History" airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300AM.
Join us as we explore, celebrate and learn about our local history with different topics and guest speakers every month.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Originally aired October 15, 2012.
Did you know that October is Rockland History Month? To celebrate, the HSRC presented the self-guided Historic Homes & Landmark Tour in the Village of Haverstraw. Clare Sheridan's guests involved in this self-guided walking tour included Nelson Diaz, a local artist, historic preservationist, and the owner of one of the homes on the 2012 tour. Also interviewed was Nick Loucas, owner of Haverstraw's "Lucas Candies", one of the oldest chocolatiers in New York!
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
Broadcast originally aired September 17, 2012
Clare Sheridan's interview of Kerwin McCarthy, the curator of an exhibition about the Centennial of Letchworth Village which was on display at The Historical Society of Rockland County in 2012. The Exhibition presented the facility as seen through the eyes of noted photographer Margaret Bourke-White. The broadcast originally aired on September 17, 2012 on WRCR 1300am Radio Rockland.
Mr. McCarthy has been a public affairs official for the Hudson Valley Developmental Disabilities Services Office for over 30 years and it was from his archives that many of the photographs were culled. McCarthy notes that Bourke-White was a “pioneering figure in 20th century documentary photography and is famous for her scenes of modern industry, of the Great Depression, and of political and social movements in the 1920s through the 1950s.”
Letchworth Village opened its doors in 1911 and closed in 1996. Although much of Letchworth is now abandoned, its site still serves as the Hudson Valley regional office for the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and houses several municipal buildings for the Town of Stony Point. The OPWDD supports patients in Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and Westchester counties.
Listen to Crossroads of Rockland History live on www.WRCR.com. Visit The HSRC at www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast originally aired July 16, 2012.
The history of beer is a fascinating story. Nina Nazionale, co-curator of the exhibition "Beer Here: Brewing New York’s History" at the New-York Historical Society talked with Clare Sheridan about how brewing was affected by the opening of the Erie Canal, immigration, the invention of the bottle cap, and New York breweries' great need for ice harvested from freshwater sources such as Rockland Lake during the nineteenth century.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. www.RocklandHistory.org
Clare Sheridan interviewed Nelson Page, operator of The Lafayette Theater in Suffern, NY. Page is a film history enthusiast. Topic includes the restoration of this landmark theater and Rockland County’s role in the early days of motion pictures. Original Broadcast date: May 21, 2012.
May is National Preservation Month and The 2012 theme is "Discover America's Hidden Gems." One of Rockland’s most successful preservation efforts, and hidden gems is the Lafayette Theater, in Suffern.
This episode of Crossroads of Rockland History is made possible by a grant from the Town of Ramapo, Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence and the Ramapo Town Board.
visit www.RocklandHistory.org for more information.
Clare Sheridan interviews Winston Perry and Carol Weiss. Broadcast originally aired on 4/16/12. Winston C. Perry, Jr. is the historian for the village of Upper Nyack and the president of the Historical Society of the Nyacks. A lifetime resident of Rockland County, Mr. Perry is a descendant of the Blauvelts, Tallmans, Harings and other early European settlers as well as some more recent Irish immigrants. He is a graduate of Nyack High School and has degrees in American Studies from Yale and Architecture from the University of California. He served for 25 years on his village planning board and is a member of the Rockland County Board for Historic Preservation.
To learn more about The Historical Society of the Nyacks, visit nyackhistory.org/welcome.html
Crossroads of Rockland History" airs on the third Monday of each month on WRCR radio. www.RocklandHistory.org
Broadcast Originally aired February 20, 2012.
Mary Cardenas, historian of the Town of Orangetown, joined Clare Sheridan to talk about the newly released Arcadia book Images of America: Orangetown, to which she was a key contributor. Settled by Dutch farmers and entrepreneurs in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Orangetown was a site of key action during the Revolutionary War. British and Continental troops moved through the town, and Major John Andre, co-conspirator with Benedict Arnold, was tried and hanged and George Washington established headquarters and finalized terms for the end of the Revolution in the town.
For more information about Images of America: Orangetown, visit www.arcadiapublishing.com/9780738576473/Orangetown.
For more information about the Orangetown Historical Museum and Archives, visit www.orangetownmuseum.com.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org
Orangetown
Rockland History
MaryCardenas
ImagesofAmerica
Broadcast originally aired on January 16, 2012
Episode featured the new exhibition at the New York Historical Society in
Manhattan. This exhibition entitled REVOLUTION: The Atlantic World Reborn explores the enormous transformations in the world’s politics and culture between the 1763 triumph of the British Empire in the Seven Years War and the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Responding to growing public interest in the history of other cultures, Revolution! compares three globally influential revolutions in America, France and Haiti. But while these revolutions have usually been told exclusively as chapters within national histories, now for the first time, the story of the 18th-century Atlantic revolutions is explained as a global narrative.
Clare Sheridan welcomed Ms. Valerie Paley, the Historian for Special Projects at The N-Y Historical Society.
Learn more about the exhibition here: https://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/revolution-the-atlantic-world-reborn
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR radio at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.