Discover Congers’ Past At The Train Station

The Congers History Museum, established in September 2008 by the Congers Civic Association, occupies the upper level of the restored historic Congers Railroad Station and opens periodically. This Sunday happens to be one of those days, so take advantage.

According to Civic Association Member Irma Ohmeis, there is a lot to learn by visiting the museum. 

“Every available wall space in our museum is filled with framed photos, combinations of text and photos, maps, etc., detailing the history of our schools, churches, railroad, industries, prominent families, Kings Highway, visitors such as George Washington, reputation as a resort area for NYC residents, and much more,” she said.  “Settled in the mid-18th century, we went through several name changes before becoming Congers in the early 1880's.  The hamlet is named after Abraham Conger, a NYS Senator and large landowner.  He donated the property for the railroad station when the railroad came through about 1880.” 

Ohmeis shared more of Congers’ history.

“We are known as "The Hamlet by the Lakes," due to Congers Lake, Swartwout Lake, Rockland Lake and Lake DeForest,” she said.

Ohmeis said Congers High School was one of just a few high schools in the county until the formation of the Clarkstown Central School District in the 1950's.  Students came by train from Tappan, Orangeburg, Blauvelt, West Nyack and Valley Cottage, and by bus from New City and Rockland Lake to attend the high school. 

10 historical markers demonstrate Congers’ rich history.  Two museum display cases filled with artifacts include two large ice-cutting saws from the area’s ice harvesting industry.  Visitors can look ate Congers High School yearbooks, and other books and catalogs.

The Congers History Museum is located on the upper level of the Congers Railroad Station, which is owned by the Town of Clarkstown.  Admission is free for the museum’s next open day - Sunday, October 2 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.  For more information call 845-268-2201.  The museum is opening in connection with the Italian Festival sponsored by the Congers-Valley Cottage Rotary.  If the festival is postponed due to rain, the museum opening will also be rescheduled to October 16.