Crossroads of Rockland History:
Memories of John Zehner

10/20/2025

The October episode of "Crossroads of Rockland History" starts streaming on Monday, October 20, at 10 am, on all major podcast platforms and here on the HSRC website.

In 2025, we mark 50 years since the cornerstone was laid for the HSRC’s History Center Museum, following years of work led by John Zehner, president of the HSRC from 1954 to 1978. Zehner is widely recognized as the driving force behind the Historical Society’s success in the mid-twetieth century. On this episode, Russell Woolley will share memories of working with Zehner in the early 1970s in the historic Anglo-Dutch Barn.

Russell Woolley is the president and broker-owner of Wright Bros. Real Estate. He is a lifelong resident of Rockland County and is currently based in Upper Nyack. He has worked with clients over an extended period and has participated in community activities through service and philanthropy. 

John Zehner was a civil engineer by profession. He played a pivotal role in the establishment and leadership of the Historical Society of Rockland County. His contributions significantly expanded the Society's membership and led to the establishment of a permanent museum building, thereby preserving local history for future generations.

Mr. Zehner became affiliated with the Historical Society in the 1960s when he was appointed as the librarian responsible for managing its book collection. He had a deep knowledge of, and an enduring interest in, local and American history, which led him to the most important and longest-standing volunteer commitment of his life. Under Mr. Zehner's leadership, the Society purchased the Jacob Blauvelt Homestead in 1970 as a permanent headquarters. He then led the Dociety in planning and building a fireproof museum in 1977. During his 24 years as president, the Society's membership grew to more than 1,850, making it one of the most successful in the tristate rural area.

Mr. Zehner wrote texts on local history, including a 1995 book on Benedict Arnold's attempted betrayal, and supported numerous publications and historical markers. Even after retiring as president, he remained active as a trustee and committee member, continuing to contribute ideas and support until shortly before his death in 1996.

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.