Historical Society of Rockland Appoints New Executive Director

The Trustees of the Historical Society of Rockland County (HSRC) announced the appointment of Susan Curry Deeks as executive director.

Deeks brings to HSRC years of experience as a leader in the museum sector, as well as the nonprofit and for-profit publishing industry. As executive director, she will oversee HSRC’s planning and programs to maintain it as a visitor-centered, public service-oriented organization.  Deeks started as executive director on Wednesday.

“We are excited to begin working with Susan Deeks as she takes the lead of the county’s Historical Society,” said Clare Bowes Sheridan, HSRC’s Board of Trustees president. “ Our mission is broad and challenging, and we feel confident that she has the energy and creativity to propel the HSRC into the future.”

 Deeks, who was selected after an extensive regional search, joins HSRC with more than two decades of experience developing programming for historic sites and museums, most recently as assistant director at the Hermitage Museum in Bergen County. She had responsibility for setting and meeting strategic goals, managing daily operations, and conceiving and implementing new ways to enhance the museum’s relevance to, and visibility in, the community. Deeks has been a member of the American Association for State and Local History; Association of Living History, Farm, and Agricultural Museums; Greater Hudson Heritage Network; Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums and other industry associations.

“I am excited about working with the dedicated Board, staff, and supporters to focus on the Society’s strengths, build momentum to connect with visitors, and serve the richly diverse communities of Rockland County,” said Deeks, who grew up in Orangetown.

“Joining the HSRC staff is like coming home, and I look forward to sharing my love of exploring connections between local and global history in the county where that passion began,” she said.  

She holds a master’s degree in history from William Paterson University with a specialization in American Studies and graduated from the State University of New York at Binghamton.

Deeks will greet members of the public at the annual “Fall Family Festival” on Saturday, Oct. 6 at the Jacob Blauvelt House at 20 Zukor Road in New City. The festival will run from 12 to 4 p.m. and feature demonstrations of quilting, lace making, open-hearth cooking; old-time games and crafts, music by the Rockland string band Ramapo Fault and pony rides for children provided by Nickel-O Farms between 2 and 4 p.m.

Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for HSRC members, seniors, and children ages three to 12 with children under three admitted for free. Parking is free for the outdoor event, which will be canceled if it rains.