The Historical Society of

Rockland County

THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC FROM OCTOBER 26 THROUGH THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER AS WE INSTALL OUR 50TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY EXHIBITION.

THE RESEARCH LIBRARY AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES ARE OPEN
BY APPOINTMENT. CALL US AT (845) 634-9629.

A Brief History of Rockland County

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

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

More About Rockland County

Congratulations to Our 2026 Honorees!

Rockland Revolution 250 Luncheon

November 1, 2026

Streaming Now...

Crossroads of Rockland History

Eberling Mail Wagon Update

Ray and Frank Eberling, grandsons of early twenetieth-century New City Postman Frank Eberling, join host Clare Sheridan to provide an update on the wagon’s restoration and how HSRC members and the wider community have helped in the process.

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Make a Donation!

Click the button above to donate online or scan the QR code below to transfer funds with Zelle

Upcoming Events

St. Nicholas Day

Saturday and Sunday, December 5-6

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Candlelight Tours

Saturday, December 12; Sunday, December 13; Saturday, December 19

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Rockland County Local History Event Calendar

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat

1

1pm O'town Museum: Exhibition Opening: "1776/1976: From Democracy to Disco: Orangetown and the Bicentennial"

1pm HSRC: Annual Luncheon

1pm Haverstraw Brick Museum: Mary Mowbray-Clarke Exhibition

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2

3

10am O'town Museum Exhibition: "1776/1976: From Democracy to Disco: Orangetown and the Bicentennial"

4

10am HSRC CLOSED (Except by appointment)

5

10am HSRC CLOSED (Except by appointment)

6

10am HSRC CLOSED (Except by appointment)

10am O'town Museum Exhibition: "1776/1976: From Democracy to Disco: Orangetown and the Bicentennial"

7

1pm Haverstraw Brick Museum: Mary Mowbray-Clarke Exhibition

8

1pm O'town Museum: Exhibition Opening: "1776/1976: From Democracy to Disco: Orangetown and the Bicentennial"

1pm Haverstraw Brick Museum: Mary Mowbray-Clarke Exhibition

9

10

10am O'town Museum Exhibition: "1776/1976: From Democracy to Disco: Orangetown and the Bicentennial"

11

10am HSRC CLOSED (Except by appointment)

12

10am HSRC CLOSED (Except by appointment)

13

10am HSRC CLOSED (Except by appointment)

10am O'town Museum Exhibition: "1776/1976: From Democracy to Disco: Orangetown and the Bicentennial"

14

8:45am HSRC: The Traitor and the Spy Bus Daytrip

1pm Haverstraw Brick Museum: Mary Mowbray-Clarke Exhibition

15

1pm O'town Museum: Exhibition Opening: "1776/1976: From Democracy to Disco: Orangetown and the Bicentennial"

1pm Haverstraw Brick Museum: Mary Mowbray-Clarke Exhibition

16

17

10am O'town Museum Exhibition: "1776/1976: From Democracy to Disco: Orangetown and the Bicentennial"

18

10am HSRC CLOSED (Except by appointment)

19

10am HSRC CLOSED (Except by appointment)

20

10am HSRC CLOSED (Except by appointment)

10am O'town Museum Exhibition: "1776/1976: From Democracy to Disco: Orangetown and the Bicentennial"

21

1pm Haverstraw Brick Museum: Mary Mowbray-Clarke Exhibition

22

1pm O'town Museum: Exhibition Opening: "1776/1976: From Democracy to Disco: Orangetown and the Bicentennial"

1pm Haverstraw Brick Museum: Mary Mowbray-Clarke Exhibition

23

24

10am O'town Museum Exhibition: "1776/1976: From Democracy to Disco: Orangetown and the Bicentennial"

7pm Genealogical Society of RC: Monthly Meeting

25

10am HSRC CLOSED (Except by appointment)

26

10am HSRC CLOSED (Except by appointment)

27

10am HSRC CLOSED (Except by appointment)

10am O'town Museum Exhibition: "1776/1976: From Democracy to Disco: Orangetown and the Bicentennial"

28

1pm Haverstraw Brick Museum: Mary Mowbray-Clarke Exhibition

29

1pm O'town Museum: Exhibition Opening: "1776/1976: From Democracy to Disco: Orangetown and the Bicentennial"

1pm Haverstraw Brick Museum: Mary Mowbray-Clarke Exhibition

30

1

2

10am HSRC CLOSED (Except by appointment)

3

10am HSRC CLOSED (Except by appointment)

4

10am HSRC CLOSED (Except by appointment)

5

Collections

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

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Press Room


South of the Mountains

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

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Issues of South of the Mountains from 1957 to 2013 are available in fully searchable PDF form online via the New York Heritage portal.

Access the Collection

NEW ISSUE!

PFC Peter John
Sbordone


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January-March 2026

George Washington in
Rockland County

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October-December 2025

Our Priceless
Volunteers

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Podcasts


Crossroads of

Rockland History

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

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September 2026

Historic Homes & Landmarks Tour
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August 2026

Seven Revolutionary
War Taverns
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July 2026

Ramaop Mountain Ironworks
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