Past Events
RevWar250 Lecture
Ramapo Mountain Iron and the Revolutionary War
July 26, 2026
Susan Deeks will discuss the ironmaking villages that existed on Rockland’s western border during the 1770s; the challenges they faced to protect their facilities, operations, and laborers; and their role in helping George Washington prevail over the British in the Hudson Valley.
RevWar250 Lecture
Protecting the Ramapo Pass with Craig Long
June 28, 2026
General Washington believed it was of vital importance that the Ramapo Pass remain in American possession during the Revolutionary War. Rockland County Historian
Craig Long reprises his sold-out 2025 History Luncheon talk about protecting teh pass at Sidman's Bridge.
Member Appreciation Day
Flag-Raising & Exhibition Open House
June 14, 2026
Join us at the History Center to view our special exhibition, “Rockland and the Revolution.”
At 2 pm, we’ll hold a special flag-raising ceremony in honor of Flag Day, the Revolution’s anniversary, and the HSRC membership!
RevWar250 Lecture
"On His Majesty's Secret Service," with Todd Braisted
May 31, 2026
Todd Braisted returns to the HSRC with a look at Britain’s less well-known figures and their secret efforts to gather intelligence in the strategic Hudson Valley
Local History Meetup
"Treason of the Blackest Dye" at the Irvington Historical Society
May 30, 2026
Gather with fellow local history enthusiasts at the Irvington Historical Society before the museum’s open hours for an exclusive tour of the Revolutionary War-themed exhibition “Treason of the Blackest Dye.”
Country Supper and 33rd Historic Preservation Merit Awards
May 17, 2026
We cordially invite you to a Country Supper to celebrate the 33rd
Rockland County Executive's Historic Preservation Awards.
Bus Daytrip
Mount Gulian and Washington's HQ State Park
May 7, 2026
We’ll don white cotton curatorial gloves during our a special tour of Mount Gulian Historic Site in Beacon, historic home of the Verplanck family, followed by a visit to Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh.
Rev250 Lecture
The Week That Won the War, with Char Weigel
April 26, 2026
Char Weigel of Westchester 250 shared the true story of the week that the British ship HMS Vulture was in Haverstraw Bay and the cannonade that ended up stranding John André and forcing him to travel overland through Westchester.
2026 Annual Meeting
April 13, 2026
Monday evening, 6:30 pm
The order of business will include reports of the committees and Elections of Trustees. All are welcome!
Rockland Lake's Icy Past and Future, with Tim Englert
January 11, 2026, 1 pm
Timothy Englert, founder of Rockland County's Knickerbocker Ice Festival, shared stories about Rockland Lake's illustrious past as the ice box of New York City and how it became world famous a century before it became a state park.
Candlelight Tours at the Jacob Blauvelt House
December 20 & 21, 2025; January 4, 2026
Spend an enchanting evening at the historic 1832 Jacob Blauvelt farmhouse, illuminated with candlelight and lanterns, fragrant with traditional sweets, and decorated with festive greenery. Experience Dutch American holiday traditions of the 1830s with nineteenth century music and song and seasonal refreshments.
St. Nicholas Day
December 6-7, 2025
Visit the Historical Society of Rockland County for an unforgettable experience of wonder and fun! We're opening our 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House to welcome children of all ages to celebrate Saint Nicholas as we've done since 1961.
Revolutionary War 250th Anniversary Lecture: "They Absolutely Did Not Murmur"
November 9, 2025
Join us for this special Revolutionary War 250th Anniversary kickoff lecture with Todd W. Braisted. He will examine the role New York’s Hudson Valley played in supporting British efforts in the war, their leaders, and the corps in which they served. Their numbers and services and where they fought may surprise you.
Annual History Luncheon: "Protecting the Ramapo Pass," with Craig Long
October 30, 2025
When we drive up Route 287 or Route 17, we are passing a piece of history that George Washington knew well: the Ramapo Pass. He wrote in his logbook that it was of vital importance that the pass remain in American possession. Rockland County Historian Craig H. Long will share with us this important piece of Revolutionary War history.
Bus Daytrip: Rhinebeck, NY (Wilderstein Mansion & Beekman Arms)
October 24, 2025
After touring Wilderstein Mansion, once the home of Margaret Suckley, a cousin and confidante of Franklin Roosevelt, we headed to the scenic town of Rhinebeck for lunch at the historic Beekman Arms tavern.
12th Annual Fall Festival
October 19, 2025
Join the Revolution, the glorious cause! See how militia of the American Revolutionary War lived in the 1770s. Heard's Brigade of the New Jersey Militia seejs visitors to cheer on our encampment of 18th century tents, open-fire pit cooking, militia drills, musket firing and other living history demonstrations!
Historic Homes & Landmarks Tour: Tappan
October 4, 2025
During this self-guided walking tour a number of houses and other significant buildings within the Tappan Historic Area will be open to the public. The tour promotes this Orangetown community and its historic importance to Rockland County and announces events celebrating the 250th anniversary in 2026 of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Lecture: Riverside Moguls, Part 2 - Titans of Industry
September 28, 2025
Building on the theme of part 1 (presented in June), part 2 -- "Riverside Moguls: Titans of Industry" -- focused on industrialists tied to themes of the Gilded Age beyond railroads, including oil and real estate. Featured were John D. Rockefeller's Kykuit Estate, Pierre Lorillard IV's Tuxedo Park, and more.
Hike through History: Letchworth Village Reservoirs
Setpember 27, 2025
We started the day with a hike on paved and woods roads and trails to the mountain reservoirs that provided water supply to Letchworth Village. Leaders Gordon Wren and Tony Benedict talked about Letchworth and pointed out other historic and scenic spots along the Long Path and Woodtown Road. For those who chose to stay, we concluded at Oktoberfest at Krucker's Picnic Grounds.
Bartow-Pell Mansion
September 18, 2025
We toured the gracious Federal-style Bartow-Pell Mansion, with stunning views of the Long Island Sound, then enjoy conversation and light refreshments (tea, scones, and biscuits) in the historic mansion’s Orangerie, followed by free exploration of the gardens and grounds.
Cornerstone Jubilee Luncheon
September 7, 2025
In 1975, members of the Historical Society of Rockland County came together to lay the cornerstone for the History Center.
Now, 50 years later, we invite you to celebrate that milestone and pay tribute to our deserving honorees: Winston C. Perry Jr., Trudy Album, and The Friends of Mount Moor Cemetery.
Family Day: Barnyard Tails & Activities
August 24, 2025
Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk returned to the HSRC to present “Farm Fables of Old Rockland,” with a mix of riddles and stories kids can help act out. His performances were accompanied by old-time music performed by Steve Kelman. We also had crafts and games in the barnyard, including cornhole throw, 9 pin bowling, and colonial hoop rolling.
Lecture: Stories from Ellis Island, Part 2, with Fred Voss
August 17, 2025
In Part 2 of this popular lecture, Fred Voss explored the personal, sometimes heartbreaking, stories of those who came through the Ellis Island immigration facility; those whose visit to the United States ended there; and those whose stay on the island was unexpectedly lengthy.
Lecture: Riverside Moguls:
Wealth and Power in the Hudson Valley’s Gilded Age
June 29, 2025
Hudson Valley author, historian, musician, and preservationist Alex Prizgintas shared the stories of “riverside moguls” from the Hudson Valley and the transformation of their estates through time.
Fraunces Tavern Bus Daytrip
June 5, 2025
Leave the driving to us as we spend a day at New York’s oldest and most historic restaurant: Fraunces Tavern, once a watering hole for our nation’s Founders.
Preservation Celebration
32nd Rockland County Executive's Historic Preservation Merit Awards
May 18, 2025
Keynote Speaker: Tim Adriance, Historian and Historic Preservation Specialist ~ 3:30-4 pm, Tour the Blauvelt House, barn, and exhibitions ~ 4 pm, Awards Ceremony, with reception immediately following ~ Prepaid reservations required
Lecture: Stories from Ellis Island, Part 1, with Fred Voss
April 27, 2025
Ellis Island opened on January 1, 1892, as the nation’s first federal immigration entry point. During the next thirty-two years it was by far the busiest U.S. inspection station, processing 12.5 million people, each hoping for a chance at a new life. Fred Voss provides an overview of the workings of Ellis Island in part 1 of his popular lecture series.
2025 Annual Meeting
April 7, 2025
The order of business includes reports of the committees and Elections of Trustees. We welcome new Trustees for 2025-28 --
Jesse Malowitz of Suffern, Josephine Lore of Nanuet, Maria Mingone of Valley Cottage, and Philip C. Roventini, CPA/PFS, of New City -- and thank
Stephen Beckerle, Thom Kleiner, Jennifer Lorenzo, the late Doris-Renee Weiner, and Lea Wolinetz for their Board service.
Family Program: Imps of Donderberg: The Lore of Rockland County, with Jonathan Kruk
April 6, 2025
Rockland County is small in size but big on lively lore. Hudson Valley Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk spends a Sunday afternoon at the HSRC telling adventuresome stories about pirate treasure, bold patriots, ghost imps, and Indian guides. Find out what happened to the last sachem of the Nyacks. Find out why the Hudson River flows in two directions. Salute the ghost imps of Donderberg. Learn about local heroes, and a witch!
Lecture: Riverside Moguls: Wealth and Power in the Hudson Valley's Gilded Age
THIS LECTURE HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO JUNE 29, 2025.
Join Hudson Valley author, historian, musician, and preservationist Alex Prizgintas as he shares the stories of “riverside moguls” from the Hudson Valley and the transformation of their estates through time. Part one of this program, titled “Rise of Steel Rails,” focuses on five figures from the growth of American railroads.
Lecture: The Lawrence-Tonetti Waterfall
January 26, 2025
Francesca Costa, Palisades Interstate Park Public Historian; HSRC Programming Director Jennifer Rothschild; and John Ratcliff, grandson of the sculptors Mary Lawrence and François Tonetti tell the story of “The Waterfall” and how it has become a popular hiking trail within the park.
