How's Your Knowlege of New City's History?

How well do you know your history of New City and the rest of Rockland County?

In October, the Historical Society of Rockland County is looking forward to helping Rocklanders reconnect with local history.

October is going to be "Rockland County History Month," and there are several events planned throughout the county. The month-long series of events is sponsored by the Historical Society of Rockland County, which hopes the events will allow local residents to become more attuned to the county's history.

"Rockland County is arguably the most historical county in the state and sometimes people forget just how much history happened in this county," said Clare Sheridan, the society's interim executive director.

This is the second straight year of history month events put on by the society after not hosting the event for several years.

The month kicks off with a fall festival from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 3 at the historical society, 20 Zukor Road, New City. Visitors can celebrate the region's best craft tradition at this festival on the grounds of the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt Farmhouse. Artisans demonstrating quilting, candle-making, butter-churning and more will be on hand. Children can paint and create their own crafts, and there also will be story-telling, an acrobat, music and food. The event costs $7 for adults and $3 for children.

"We're really excited about the fall festival," Sheridan said. "We have some great entertainment."

The county historical society, along with the Piermont Historical Society, will sponsor a historical house tour of Piermont from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 16. The self-guided tour offers a rare look at the homes and gardens of this village along the Hudson River. The tour will be highlighted by the Ferdon House, a majestic home that recently has undergone a restoration and is soon to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There also will be several other quaint cottages and houses featured on the tour. Reservations are recommended. The cost is $35 in advance prior to Oct. 8 or $40 the day of the tour. Advance tickets are available at the county historical society and same-day tickets will be available at the Piermont Library, 25 Flywheel Park West.  

Sheridan said working with the local historical society on this event is one of the county group's goals.

"We really want to be doing more joint events," she said.

The following weekend will feature "Hops and History on the Hudson," a lunch cruise on the Hudson River on the historic MV Commander. The Oct. 24 three-hour tour is especially geared toward those wanting to view the fall foliage. The cost is $75.

The Commander has the distinction of being the last operating vessel that served in the U.S. Navy in World War I, and joins the battleship Texas and battle cruiser Olympic as the only remaining ships from that era. The Commander was listed in 1984 on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, and is also listed in the International Register of Historic Ships, Great American Ships and the Dictionary of American Fighting Ships, Vol. II.  Food and beverages will be provided.

The month will be capped off by a day of free museum open house Oct. 30. One can explore Rockland's diversity of museums, historic sites, and cultural centers, as well as enjoy special programs, tours and events. Participating sites include the Jacob Blauvelt House, Hopper House, Congers History Museum and Haverstraw Brick Museum. The county historical society is hoping additional museums will be added, Sheridan said.

"We're trying to bring the other institutions along with us so we can make it a countywide event," she said.

Throughout the month, the county historical society will have an exhibit called "Rockland County: Through Your Eyes," which will feature paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media and photography showcasing the theme of the people, places and things that define the county's history and what makes it unique. There also will be an exhibit called "Rockland Voices," which will include highlights from the society's permanent collection.

For more information on any of these events, please call the Historical Society of Rockland County at 845-634-9629 or go to www.rocklandhistory.org.