Shows
Crossroads of Rockland HistoryRichard Skipper: Theater History - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryClare Sheridan will be joined by theatrical historian Richard Skipper. A talented entertainer, Skipper captivates his audiences wherever he goes, blending theater history, personal reflections, songs, and memories. We’ll discuss theater history; his upcoming performance at the Valley Cottage Library; and the role our public libraries play in the arts and in preserving the history of our communities. About Richard Skipper: Richard Skipper is a multitalented and multi-award-winning vocalist, host, and raconteur. He has had a long and varied career, from his native South Carolina to New York and beyond, in many aspects of show...
2025-07-2147 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryJonathan Kruk, Master Storyteller - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday, February 17, 2025 at 9:30 am, on WRCR Radio 1700AM.Master storyteller and author Jonathan Kruk joined host Clare Sheridan to discuss his career as a Master Storyteller. In April, Kruk will bring a family-friendly program to the Historical Society of Rockland County entitled: “Imps of Donderberg: The Lore of Rockland County.” Topics discussed in this interview include: Washington Irving; The Legend of Sleepy Hollow; The Goblin of Donderberg; Charles Dickens; A Christmas Carol; Hudson River; Rocklandia; The Hudson River; Pete Seeger and more.Best known for his sol...
2025-02-1730 minCrossroads of Rockland History1914 Murder of Eugene Newman (Reprise) - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryEpisode originally aired Monday, January 20, 2025 at 9:30m on WRCR Radio 1700AM. Crossroads of Rockland History revisited one of the most tragic events in Rockland History: The 1914 murder of Eugene Newman by William V. Cleary. In this re-broadcast, host Clare Sheridan interviewed the grand-nephew of the murder victim, Eugene Newman. Now living in Chicago, IL, Gene Newman shared the details of this dreadful event and the subsequent trial which has been described as a major scandal involving political and legal corruption in New York State. Please note: A version of this interview was aired on Monday, October...
2025-01-2030 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryConcklin Family History with Beverly Csordas - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday December 16, 2024 at 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 AM Radio. Beverly Schultz Csordas joined host Clare Sheridan to discuss her new book, The Olden Days: My Mother's Family History (1594-1997).Csordas is a member of the Concklin family whose Orchards in Pomona have been owned and operated by the Concklin family for ten generations. By weaving together a wide variety of family documents and photos, and enhancing them with her own research, Beverly Csordas presents a historical and fascinating tale of her mother's heritage from the time the first a...
2024-12-1630 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryHarmony Hall - Jacob Sloat House Update with Peter Bush - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryEpisode originally aired on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 9:30 am, WRCR Radio 1700AM.We turned our attention to the historic Jacob Sloat house, also known as Harmony Hall, in Sloatsburg. The house is owned by the Town of Ramapo, but a small group of dedicated volunteers - The Friends of Harmony Hall - are working hard to preserve and restore this important place.Peter Bush, a member of the Friends of Harmony Hall and a Sloat descendant, joined host Clare Sheridan to share what the Friends of Harmony Hall have done so far this year and w...
2024-11-1830 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryMount Moor Cemetery Veterans Day Program - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday October 21, 2024 at 9:30 am on WRCR 1700 AM Radio.Bill Batson, incoming President of the Friends of Mount Moor Cemetery, joined host Clare Sheridan to discuss the upcoming Veterans Day Program at Mount Moor Cemetery. @billbatsonny @friendsofmountmoorcemeteryMount Moor African-American Cemetery, also known as Mount Moor Cemetery, is a historic African American cemetery located at Palisades Center, West Nyack in Rockland County, New York. It was established in 1849 and contains approximately 90 known graves including veterans of the Civil War, Spanish-American War and World War I. Among the notable burials are Lafayette Logan, a...
2024-10-2130 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryNyack Jazz Exhibition at Historical Society of the Nyacks - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryAn excerpt of this interview aired on August 19, 2024 at 9:30am on WRCR Radio 1700AM.Miriam Hoffman, Trustee of the Historical Society of the Nyacks (HSN) joined host Clare Sheridan to discuss the new exhibition at the HSN entitled “Nyack Jazz – The Golden Years of ‘The Office’ and its Forerunners.”This exhibition focuses on the rich history of jazz in Nyack, beginning in the early 1900s, through the golden years of the bar called The Office in the 1970s, up to the vibrant revival of jazz today. This exhibition is fun for all jazz enthusiast...
2024-08-1942 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryRestoration of the Eberling Mail Wagon with Ray and Frank Eberling - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 9:30am on WRCR 1700AM. Frank Eberling and his brother Ray Eberling, New City natives, joined host Clare Sheridan for a discussion about the early days of New City and the wagon that their grand father used to carry mail on New City’s Rural Free Delivery routes at the turn of the 20th century.Since the 1970s, when it was donated to our collection by the late Dr. Anthony Pavia, D.C., of New City, the HSRC has had in our possession this horse-drawn wag...
2023-10-1630 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryTreason of the Revolution: The André / Arnold Affair - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast aired Monday, September 18, 2023 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 AM RadioWe explored one of the most significant historical events in Rockland History: the Treason of the Revolution.On September 22, 1780, American General Benedict Arnold and British Major John André met in the woods along the Hudson shoreline in Rockland County, and there began an act of treason that would become a pivotal point in the Revolutionary War.We revisited an earlier episode during which host Clare Sheridan explored the history of the André-Arnold affair and discussed the people and places involved in th...
2023-09-1829 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryGermond Family Murders: Dr. Vincent Cookingham - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday, July 17, 2023 at 9:30 AM, on WRCR 1700 AM RadioDr. Vincent Cookingham joined host Clare Sheridan to discuss his new book, The Germond Family Murders: A Forensic Conclusion to a Cold Case. His recent appearance at the HSRC was sold out, so this show offered listeners another chance to hear about Cookingham's forensic investigation into this ninety-year-old cold case.Despite contemporary attention from Franklin D. Roosevelt and from Pinkerton Detectives, and more recently from amateur sleuths and the press, the Germond murders went unsolved until Dr. Cookingham’s in...
2023-07-1733 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryDocumentary Film on Nyack's Urban Renewal - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 9:30 am on WRCR Radio 1700 AM We learned about a new documentary film titled What Happened to Jackson Avenue: A Story of Urban Renewal. Clare Sheridan spoke with the filmmakers, Hakima Alem and Rudi Gohl. We also heard from members of the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, Craig Smith and Elise Stone, who are producing this powerful film.What Happened to Jackson Avenue: A Story of Urban Renewal covers an urban renewal program in Nyack in the 1960s and ’70s that remov...
2023-06-1930 minCrossroads of Rockland History150. Getting There: Exhibition at the Orangetown Museum - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryEpisode originally aired on Monday, April 17, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700AMWe explore “Getting There: Rivers, Roads, Rails,“ the new exhibition opening at the Orangetown Historical Museum & Archives.Mary Cardenas, Orangetown Historian and museum director; Elizabeth Skrabonja, exhibition curator; and Steve Schwinn, member of the Board of the Friends of the Orangetown Museum, jjoined host Clare Sheridan. We’ll find out why transportation matters in a place where the journey is a part of the adventure.The exhibition, which features models, paintings, maps, a film and more, w...
2023-04-1730 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryThe History of Avon with County Historian Craig Long - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, March 20, 2023 at 9:30 am, on WRCR AM 1700In recognition of March as Women's History Month, we delved into the history of Avon. Beginning as the California Perfume Company, it called Suffern, NY home for more than a century, making it one of the longest continuously running businesses in Rockland County.Host Clare Sheridan welcomed Rockland County Historian Craig Long back to the program for a lively discussion about the history of Avon, its impact on Rockland County, and the role women played in its success. After m...
2023-03-2028 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryMr. Marshall Comes to Hillburn with Dr. Travis Jackson - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast aired Monday, February 20, 2023, 9:30 am, on WRCR AM1700Crossroads of Rockland History recognized February as Black History Month. Host Clare Sheridan revisited the 2011 interview with Dr. Travis Jackson (1934–2021) about his personal memories and his extensive research related to the desegregation of the Hillburn schools and the role that Thurgood Marshall played in this important piece of Rockland history.To read Dr. Jackson’s article "Mr. Marshall Comes to Hillburn," visit the HSRC's archived issue of South of the Mountains (vol.47, no. 1, 2003) at https://nyheritage.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/hsrc/id/4450/rec/1.Ab...
2023-02-2030 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryHaunted History with Linda Zimmermann plus "Lavender" - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, October 17, 9:30 am, on WRCR Radio.We explored the Haunted History of Rockland County. First, host Clare Sheridan read the mysterious story of Lavender, and afterward we revisited a 2014 episode of "Crossroads" featuring an interview with the author, historian, and ghost hunter Linda Zimmermann. Whether it’s the house on LaVeta Place in Nyack; Bosco; Clarkstown's Jane “Naut” Kanniff, and the last witch trial in New York; or the Goblin of the Dunderberg, Linda knows them all and will share them with us.Linda Zimmerma...
2022-10-1730 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryOrangetown Memory Project (Exhibition) - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryEpisode originally aired Monday, July 18, 2022, 9:30 am, on WRCR AM1700We learned about “The Orangetown Memory Project,” the new exhibition at the Orangetown Historical Museum and Archives. Members of the museum staff (Mary Cardenas, Elizabeth Skrabonja and Stefanie D'Erasmo) joined Clare Sheridan to discuss the exhibition, which uses artifacts and archives from the Orangetown Museum's permanent collection to discover how finding out about our past adds immeasurable value to our daily lives.About the exhibition: Preserving the Past informs the future; it takes more than words, archi...
2022-07-1829 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryThe Women of South Mountain Road - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryEpisode originally aired on Monday, March 28, 2022 at 9:30am on WRCR Radio 1700AM.To celebrate Women's History Month, we turned our attention to the women of South Mountain Road (Rockland County) who, like their male counterparts, were gifted artists and intellectuals.HSRC Executive Director Susan Deeks joined Clare Sheridan to discuss some of these notable women and why they deserve a prominent place in the history of American arts and letters. Lita Hornick, Martha Ryther, Lotte Lenya, Eva Zeisel, Bessie Breuer and Mary Mowbray Clarke were discussed._____During the program, research suggestions were mad...
2022-03-2130 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryRoger Peltzman: Dedication - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryClare Sheridan interviewed Blauvelt, NY native Roger Peltzman. Since his appearance on "Crossroads" in 2014, Peltzman has continued to explore his family’s harrowing story that took place in the wake of Hitler’s rise to power, with his primary focus on his uncle, the piano prodigy Norbert Stern, who perished in Auschwitz at 21 years old. Sheridan and Peltzman discussed the new developments surrounding Peltzman's new one-person show entitled DEDICATION which explores his family’s history, its impact the world of music and on his own personal journey. Watch a short trailer of Peltz...
2022-01-1727 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryRachel Whitlow and the Haverstraw Brick Museum Exhibition - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired December 20, 2021 at 9:30am on WRCR RadioDid you know that we can discover the future by studying the past? The Haverstraw Brick Museum is doing just that!Clare Sheridan’s guest was Rachel Whitlow, acting director of the Haverstraw Brick Museum. We discussed the Museum’s new innovation series of exhibitions; interesting collaborations with organizations, including the Pratt School of Architecture; and the museum's goal to engage the community through history, STEAM education, and hands-on living history experiences.Learn more at: www.haverstrawbrickmuseum.org***Crossroads of Rock...
2021-12-2029 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryPatriots and Spies in Revolutionary New York by AJ Schenkman - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday, November 15, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700AMSpies! Loyalists! Tories! Conspiracy! Strange messages? Codes in invisible ink?We turned our attention to Patriots and Spies in Revolutionary New York, the new book by A. J. Schenkman. The author was interviewed by host Clare Sheridan. The American Revolution was first and foremost a civil war that tore at the very fabric of families, as well as society. Patriots were determined to separate from England, while Loyalists were just as determined to defeat what they saw as a r...
2021-11-1530 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryRalph Blauvelt: "Four Hundred Years in America" - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, October 18, 2021, at 9:30 am, on WRCR AM1700Ralph Blauvelt joined Clare Sheridan to speak about his new book, "Four Hundred Years in America: 17th Century Immigrant Ancestors." This is the story of the first immigrant settlers in New Netherland, some of whom are Blauvelt’s own ancestors. Their lives are reconstructed from the documents they left behind, and their stories are those of strangers in a strange land trying to build a new life.Read more about the new book here: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/four-hundre…lt/1140167170***Crossroads of R...
2021-10-1827 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryMajor André’s Toe and FEVER by Mary Beth Keane - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday, September 20, 2021 at 9:30am on WRCR Radio 1700AMIn this two-part episode, Clare Sheridan read “The True Story of Major André’s Toe,” as written by Palisades Historian Alice Gerard. (The story appeared in the HSRC's South of the Mountains history quarterly). This story is relevant right now, because one hundred years ago, Major John André’s remains were exhumed by order of the Duke of York and moved from Tappan (the site of André’s hanging) to Westminster Abbey. In terms of legends and lore, the truth about this story is one of the most f...
2021-09-2030 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryTappan History Scavenger Hunt with Carol LaValle - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryMonday, August 16, 2021, 9:30 am, on WRCR AM 1700We learned all about the history scavenger hunt happening now in Tappan, NY. That’s right: If you love a history challenge, now’s your chance to take part! Carol LaValle, from the Tappantown Historical Society, joined Clare Sheridan to discuss the details surrounding this fun, educational and family-friendly event, co-sponsored by the Tappan Library.The scavenger hunt is ongoing throughout the month of August, 2021 .For more information, visit the Tappan Library here: www.tappanlibrary.org/localinfo.asp***Crossroads of Rockland History, a progr...
2021-08-1626 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryToni Morrison Retrospective with Brenda Ross - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday, June 21, 2021, 9:30 am, on WRCR Radio 1700AMClare Sheridan welcomed author Brenda Ross, curator of the new exhibition at the Historical Society of the Nyacks on the life of the local celebrity and Nobel Prize–winning author Toni Morrison. The exhibit covers a refreshing set of Morrison’s life lessons and offers a glimpse of her that has not been well explored before, including her insights on the creative process, Black women and feminism, and capturing “the Black voice.”Learn how Morrison usually began her novels at their end; her opinion about wr...
2021-06-2129 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryMiriam Cordwell - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, March 15, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 AMMiriam Cordwell, the trailblazing and award-winning hair stylist known as the first lady of hair dressing was the topic of the March (women's history month) episode. Judith Brodil, Cordwell’s niece, joined Clare Sheridan to discuss the life and legacy of her aunt, who for decades was the preeminent style sophisticate working out of her salon in New City. Cordwell was an innovator and left a legacy of important books about her field.A Rockland County native and an artist in her own right, Judith Brodil is...
2021-03-1529 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryHistory and Impact of Urban Renewal on Nyack, NY - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday, February 15, 2021, 9:30 am, on WRCR Radio 1700AM During the middle of the 20th century, New York City's suburbs, including Nyack, were the site of massive urban renewal projects. Joining Clare Sheridan were Owen Voutsinas-Klose, author of Race, Power and Urban Renewal on the Hudson, and Bill Batson, whose family was directly impacted when their home was seized by eminent domain to make way for urban renewal in Nyack.Owen Voutsinas-Klose is a recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in politics, philosophy, and...
2021-02-1531 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryMuriel Fox - NOW and Betty Friedan's 100th Birthday in 2021 Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday, December 21, at 9:30 am, on WRCR Radio 1700AM (Rockland County, NY)Clare Sheridan welcomed Muriel Fox to Crossroads of Rockland History. While living in Tappan, Muriel Fox made history with Betty Friedan when they, and other prominent feminists, founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966. A powerhouse herself, Muriel Fox is a world traveler, feminist, wife, mother, and a retired public relations executive who was once included in Business Week magazine's list of "100 Top Corporate Women.”Fox spoke about her career and her work with N...
2020-12-2130 minCrossroads of Rockland History"Shopping List for Murder" by Tess McCormack - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally ared Monday, November 16, 2020, 9:30 AM, on WRCR 1700 AM and WRCR.comPlease note that this eposide includes discussion around topics including sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, physical violence, and harassment. We acknowledge that this content may be difficult. We also encourage you to care for your safety and well-being. If you or someone you know needs help please contact the Center for Safety and Change: https://www.centerforsafetyandchange.org/Clare Sheridan welcomed author and Rockland County native Tess McCormack to discuss her book "Shopping List for Murder." It is the true story of a...
2020-11-1630 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryHon. Nita Lowey and Historian Isabelle Savell - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on October 19, 2020 at 9:30am (eastern) on WRCR Radio 1700AM and WRCR.comCrossroads of Rockland History continued our year of Women’s History in celebration of the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment with two guests!First, the Hon. Nita Lowey joined Clare Sheridan to discuss her distinguished career in the U.S. House of Representatives. Lowey shared her reflections on the importance of women’s voices in the political process and memories of her historic career. Congresswoman Lowey has served as a U.S. Representative from New York...
2020-10-1928 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryHSRC Exhibitions: Mariel Farlow "Being of Light" and Jennifer Brooks "Inside Out" - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired September 21, 2020 at 9:30am on WRCR radio (www.WRCR.com)We explored the two new exhibitions on view now at the Historical Society.Mariel Farlow and her daughter Michele Lehtis appeared to discuss the monumental sculpture "Being of Light - Image of the Human Soul." This sculpture is the subject of this year's mini-exhibition within our semi-permanent "Rockland Voices." We explored the true meaning of what may be the most controversial piece of public art in Rockland County with the artist herself and heard part of a poignant reaction to the controversy from...
2020-09-2129 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryHistory of the League of Women Voters - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast orginally aired Monday August 17, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700AMDid you know that the League of Women Voters is celebrating its 100th year?Marilyn Cohen VP of the Rockland County Chapter of the League of Women Voters (LWV) was interviewed. She spoke about the League of Women Voters which is a national, nonpartisan group. They have been doing active grassroots organizing for 100 years with the belief that voters should play a critical role in democracy. We discussed the history of the LWV nationally and here in our community. We also discussed what the LWV is...
2020-08-1726 minCrossroads of Rockland HistorySummer Reading: Suffrage Centennial (Karkheck and Berg) Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, July 20, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 and WRCR.comOur topic: Summer Reading: Woman Suffrage CentennialJoining Clare Sheridan were Anya Berg of the Palisades Free Library and Katie Karkheck of the Valley Cottage Library.The librarians shared their recommendations for books that celebrate the Suffrage Centennial. We will also opened up the phone lines for listeners' suggestions and questions.Anya Berg recommended:1. The Woman's Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote by Elaine Weiss2. Why They Marched: Untold Stories...
2020-07-2027 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryMary Mowbray-Clarke With Justin Duerr - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday, June 15, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 and WRCR.comWe turned our attention to the life and work of Mary Horgan Mowbray-Clarke. As a young woman, Nyack’s Mary Horgan met and mingled with some of the most influential artists and intellectuals of the day. Later, as co-owner of the Sunwise Turn Bookshop, a hotbed of artistic activity and anarchist political thought in New York City during the 1910s and '20s, she convinced many of her friends and colleagues to move to Rockland County, resulting in an artist colony like no oth...
2020-06-1533 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryJosephine Nivison Hopper with Jennifer Patton - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday, May 18 at 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 AM and WRCR.comWe turned our attention to the life and work of the artist Josephine Nivison Hopper.Josephine Nivison was an accomplished artist by the time she started dating Edward Hopper in 1923, but the world knows very little about her. Jennifer Patton, executive director of the Edward Hopper House in Nyack, joined Clare Sheridan to discuss Josephine Nivison Hopper’s career before she met Edward Hopper, how she helped launch his career, and what happened to her life and wo...
2020-05-1829 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryOrangetown Suffragist - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired April 20, 2020 at 9:30 am, on WRCR AM1700 (www.WRCR.com)We learned about the women of Orangetown who were engaged in the seven-decade fight for a woman’s right to vote and the legacy they have left us. Caroline Lexow Babcock was among the women discussed in the interview. The book "Ladies Lib" by Isabelle Savell was also discussed.Orangetown Historian Mary Cardenas and Orangetown Museum Curator Elizabeth Skrabonja joined Clare Sheridan to discuss this timely topic as we celebrate 2020 as the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment.The Or...
2020-04-2027 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryMonumental Women: Pam Elam and Meredith Bergmann - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast Originally Aired on Monday, March 16, 9:30am, on WRCR 1700AM / WRCR.comCrossroads of Rockland History Episode 113. March is Women's History Month, the episode focused on Monumental Women, the exciting Women’s History project that will be realized with a women’s monument in New York City's Central Park.Pam Elam (President, Monumental Women) and Meredith Bergmann (Sculptor), appeared to speak about the all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization, created in 2014 with the initial goal of breaking the bronze ceiling and creating the first statue of real women in Central Park’s 166-year...
2020-03-1631 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryJust Call Me Lucky Author E. Vallone on Hezekiah Easter - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired February 17, 2020 at 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700AM and www.WRCR.comIn celebration of Black History Month, the show focused on "Just Call Me Lucky", the new book about Hezekiah Easter. Based on extensive personal interviews and written in the "as told to" style by Elizabeth Vallone, the book highlights Easter's many contributions to our community, including his work as the first African American to hold elected office in Rockland County, his tireless efforts to preserve Mount Moor Cemetery, and much more.About the Author: Elizabeth Palombella Vallone holds...
2020-02-1727 minCrossroads of Rockland HistorySuffrageForward with Harriet Cornell and Paulette Ross - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, January 20, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700AMShow focused on "SuffrageForward–100 Years and Onward," a yearlong effort to celebrate the centennial of Women’s Suffrage. Paulette Ross and Harriet Cornell, members of the group's steering committee, explained the mission of the non-profit as well as discussing some of the exciting events planned for 2020 to commemorate this important milestone.Organized under the name and tagline "SuffrageForward . . .100 Years & Onward," the nonprofit SuffrageForward's mission is not only to celebrate a woman's right to vote, but to empower women now and in the futu...
2020-01-2024 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryArt Gunther's Spring Valley Memories - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryEpisode aired Monday, December 16, 2019, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 AMArt Gunther, a lifelong Rocklander, spoke about what it was like growing up in Spring Valley: how it has changed and his fond memories of the old days of Rockland. Grade School, High School, shopping downtown, and Spring Valley's history as a resort commuity. Gunther also spoke about his 42-year career as a journalist for the Journal-News as well as his very popular column: The Column Rule. Read new columns at Gunther's online blog: www.thecolumnrule.com/To purchase the collection of Column Rule columns, visit our...
2019-12-1726 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryProhibition and Rockland County - Craig Long: Crosssroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, November 19, 2019, 9:30 amOn this episode of our monthly radio show, we explored how the Volstead Act changed Rockland County. Rockland County Historian Craig Long joined host Clare Sheridan in the WRCR studios for a discussion about the impact of the Volstead Act, formally the National Prohibition Act, had on Rockland County. This U.S. law, enacted in 1919 (and taking effect in 1920), provided enforcement for the Eighteenth Amendment, which prohibited the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages.Topics included bootlegging, saloons, law enforcement and the connection between religious revivalism, women's suffrage and...
2019-11-1929 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryDr. Arlene Clinkscale - Historical Firsts in Education - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on October 21, 2019.Clare Sheridan welcomed Arlene Clinkscale, who made New York State education history when she became the first African American woman in the state to lead a school district: Nyack.Dr. Clinkscale has distinguished herself in the field of education since 1950. She came to Rockland County in 1960 after ten years of teaching elementary school in Virginia. She taught in Pearl River and Spring Valley for six years before assuming a series of senior administrative positions in the East Ramapo and Nyack Central school districts, rising to the rank of district superintendent...
2019-10-2227 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryHistoric Preservation in Clarkstown w/ George Hoehmann - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, September 16, 2019 at 9:30am, on WRCR 1700AMClare Sheridan interviewed George Hoehmann, Supervisor of the Town of Clarkstown to speak about the current state of historic preservation in Clarkstown. They discussed municipally owned open space, parkland and historic sites. Further discussion included updates on the two major historic preservation projects in Clarkstownt: The Traphagen Historic Site including the Talman-Budke House (18th C. Sandstone Dwelling) and the Vanderbilt-Trapahgen House (c. 1820); and the Cropsey Barn which is part of the Cropsey Community Farm.***Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical...
2019-09-1730 minCrossroads of Rockland HistorySummer Reading with J. Barbieri and B. Jennings - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, August 19, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 AMOur topic was summer history reading -- fiction and nonfiction. Joining Clare Sheridan are Brian Jennings and Joe Barbieri from the New City Library. We shared all the new great titles and opened up the phone lines for listeners' suggestions.***Recommendations from the “Summer Reading 2019” episode of “Crossroads of Rockland History”:Gringos and Other Stories by Michael RumakerInstructions for a Funeral: Stories by David MeansSay Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden KeefeKids Lost in History: Rambling on the H...
2019-08-2028 minCrossroads of Rockland History240th Anniv of Storming of Stony Point with Michael Sheehan - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday, July 15, 2019 9:30am, on WRCR AM1700Did you know that 2019 marks the 240th anniversary of the storming of Stony Point?Michael Sheehan, historian at the Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site, joined Clare Sheridan to discuss the history (and some misconceptions) surrounding this important victory for the Continental Army and recap the weekend’s 240th Anniversary commemorative events.To learn more about the Stony Point Battlefield and Lighthouse, visit their facebook page here: www.facebook.com/StonyPointBattle…dNAB_vcPR-WsjMFgCrossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Hist...
2019-07-1628 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryHistorical Hikes with Gordon Wren - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, June 17, 2019 at 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700AM and www.WRCR.comDid you know that Rockland County is rich in historical places located within the area’s woodlands and parklands? Gordon Wren joined Clare Sheridan to discuss some of the interesting local history that can be explored through historical hikes.Hikes such asClaudius Smith's DenNorthwest Airlines Crash SiteSterling Forest MinesRamsay Conklin SiteOrganizations in our area that cater to history enthusiasts who love to explore the outdoors were also discussed (NY/NJ Trail Conference and the Historical Society of the Pa...
2019-06-1830 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryInfluencers:Art and History on South Mountain Road - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday, May 20, 2019 9:30 am, WRCR.com and WRCR 1700AMThe show focused on the exhibition at the Historical Society of Rockland County (HSRC) entitled “Influencers: Art and History on South Mountain Road.”Susan Deeks, the HSRC’s executive director, discussed this important artist colony where modernism flourished. South Mountain Road in New City was the home of artists, writers, and musicians who influenced one another and future artists, as well. "Influencers" was produced in collaboration with the Rockland Center for the Arts and was on view at the Historical Society of Rockland County...
2019-05-2126 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryShanks Legacy - Camp Shanks and Shanks Village: Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, April 15, 2019 at 9:30 am, on WRCR.comWe discussed the new exhibition at the Orangetown Historical Museum and Archives entitled Shanks Legacy. The U.S. Army's largest port of embarkation on the East Coast in World War II, Camp Shanks saw some 1.3 million troops pass through on their way to England and North Africa. Elizabeth Skrabonja (curator) and Mary Cardenas (Museum Director and Orangetown Historian) were interviewed.They spoke about how the camp looked and operated and how it transitioned into the residential Shanks Village. They also discussed the meaning of Shanks...
2019-04-1626 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryJared Rodriguez and the New Haverstraw Brick Museum - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast orginally aired Monday, March 18, 2019, on WRCR.comWe learned all about the newly renovated Haverstraw Brick Museum. Jared Rodriguez shared news about efforts to expand the organization to become a catalyst for preservation while continuing to share the rich history of the river town of Haverstraw. Rodriguez’s passion for Hudson Valley history stems from his family’s lineage in Haverstraw, which dates to the mid-19th century.The website for the Haverstraw Brick Museum is haverstrawbrickmuseum.orgThe link to the museum's Facebook page is www.facebook.com/HaverstrawBrickMuseumUpco...
2019-03-1826 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryExcerpts from past programs + Babe Ruth in Haverstraw: Crossroads of Rockland HistoryEpisode originally aired on Monday, February 18, 2019, 9:30am, on WRCR.comWe celebrated our 100th Episode of Crossroads of Rockland History discussing the most popular programs that we've aired since we went on the air in October 2010.Excerpts from past programs include: The Brinks Robbery with Bob Baird, Haunted History with Linda Zimmermann, Two Schools in Hillburn Documentary with Joe Allen, Aviation History with Adam Raines, Blauvelt's Roger Peltzman (pianist) and Pearl River Author Mary Beth Keane.We also learned about an interesting piece of Haverstraw History that includes Babe Ruth from Steve Possell.
2019-02-1929 minCrossroads of Rockland History"Low Tor" A Murder Mystery by Frank Eberling - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally ared Monday, January 21, 2019, 9:30 am, on WRCR.com.Author Frank Eberling dicussed his new novel: "Low Tor."This follow-up to Eberling’s earlier novel "Demarest Kill" is another exciting murder mystery set among the richly historical places of Rockland County. "Low Tor" will be available wherever fine books are sold in mid-February, 2019.About the author: Frank Eberling is a fifth-generation New City resident who moved to Florida upon graduation from Clarkstown High School in 1964 and became a documentary filmmaker for more than forty years.To learn more about Eberling’s Demarest Kill...
2019-01-2228 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryEsposito Rail Trail Signage Project - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday, December 17, 2018, 9:30 am, on WRCR.comSouth Nyack Village Trustee and Trail Sign Committee member Andrew Goodwillie shared fascinating facts and anecdotes about the impact of the railroad and Thruway on Nyack and South Nyack.Goodwillie and a team of volunteers from Nyack, South Nyack and Piermont have been researching this history to create wayside historical signage along the Esposito Rail Trail. The signs are finished and will soon be in the ground in a number of locations along this busy walking trail in Nyack, South Nyack, Piermont and Sparkill, NY.
2018-12-1828 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryPiermont Papermill: Betsy Franco Feeney - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday, November 19, 2018, at 9:30 am on WRCR.comWe turned our attention to the award-winning documentary Piermont's Papermill: Stories from the Factory. Betsy Franco Feeney (Trustee) from the Piermont Historical Society (PHS) joined Clare Sheridan to discuss life in Piermont before the Condominiums.The film was produced for the Piermont Historical Society by Anthony Bellov Video Productions. Credits include:Betsy Franco Feeney: Script, Editing, InterviewsPatti Panayotidis: Research, Script, InterviewsTom Chapin: NarratorJohn Guth: Sound EngineerIn 1901, Martin R. Williams erected the first paper...
2018-11-1926 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryArt Exhibition: Women of the Ramapough Lenape Nation with Lisa LevartBroadcast originally aired on Monday, October 15, 2018, 9:30 am, on WRCR.comLisa Levart joined Clare Sheridan spoke about her current exhibition at the HSRC. This exhibition, representing the culmination of eighteen months of creative collaboration between Levart and women of the Ramapough Lenape Nation (Rockland and Bergen counties), uses collaged portrait photography as a basis for contemporary reinterpretations of Lenape mythology. Levart uses a technique of layering images with other materials to achieve results that blend "contemporary and ancient portraiture across the expanse of time." A selection of her photographs - some being exhibited for the first time...
2018-10-1527 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryEdith Varian Cockcroft with Eve Kahn and Peter Bush: Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, September 17 at 9:30am on www.WRCR.comThe program focused on the forgotten painter, inventor, couturier, textile designer and ceramist Edith Varian Cockcroft (1881-1962). Eve M. Kahn (Art Historian and New York Times contributor) appeared on the broadcast to tell us about what she has uncovered, including interviews with Cockcroft and reminiscences from people who knew her.Cockcroft, a Brooklyn native, studied art with William Merritt Chase and traveled widely in Europe before World War I. Critics lauded her atmospheric views of French and British coastal villages and portraits of nudes...
2018-09-1728 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryFriends of Harmony Hall~Jacob Sloat House: Crossroads of Rockland HistoryProgram originally aired on Monday, August 20, 2018.The Friends of Harmony Hall is the nonprofit group working closely with the Town of Ramapo to support the restoration and preservation of Harmony Hall (a.k.a. the Jacob Sloat House) in Sloatsburg. Peter Bush appeared on the program with news about the restoration progress of this grand house, and spoke about all of the upcoming events that the Friends of Harmony Hall have planned for the coming months.To learn more about Friends of Harmony Hall, visit their website at www.friendsofharmonyhall.org/home.Or check...
2018-08-2027 minCrossroads of Rockland HistorySuffern Museums with Rockland County Historian Craig Long - Crossroads of Rockland HIstoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, July 16, 2018, 9:30 am, on WRCR.comProgram focused on the Suffern Village Museum and the Suffern Railroad Museum with a very special guest: Craig Long. Before being appointed Ramapo Town Historian and Rockland County Historian, Craig Long began his history career in the 1980s as a charter member of the Suffern Village Museum. This museum and the Suffern Railroad Museum tell the rich history of this important village at the crossroads of the Ramapo region.The Suffern Village Museum is dedicated to the preservation and accurate presentation of the rich history of...
2018-07-1628 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryHaverstraw African American History & Juneteenth - V. Norfleet : Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, June 18, 9:30 am, on WRCR.comVirginia Norfleet, the founder of the Haverstraw African American Memorial Park and the Annual Rockland Juneteenth Celebration, was interviewed. She spoke about the research she has done to uncover the rich culture and contributions of African Americans of Haverstraw, New York.Norfleet's organization, the Haverstraw African American Connection (HAAC), sponsors the annual Juneteenth Celebration in Haverstraw. The mission of the HAAC is to research, recover, preserve and teach the rich culture and contributions of African Americans, with an emphasis on African American people from Haverstraw.
2018-06-1827 minCrossroads of Rockland HistorySeventy Years of Jawonio Exhibition at HSRC, Diana Hess - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday, April 16, 2018 at 9:30 am, on www.WRCR.comDiana Hess appeared with Clare Sheridan to discuss the new HSRC exhibition: "Jawonio: Moving Forward, Looking Back--Changing Lives of People with Special Needs for 70 Years."Founded in Rockland County in 1947 as the Rockland County Center for the Physically Handicapped & United Cerebral Palsy, Jawonio today is in the forefront of providing services that help people of all ages with special needs reach their potential and achieve independence.With the agency poised for new growth, this special exhibition highlights Jawonio's seven decades of...
2018-04-1627 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryDaniel Czitrom - Author of "New York Exposed"; Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, March 19, 2018 at 9:30am, on www.WRCR.comClare Sheridan interviewed Daniel Czitrom, author of "New York Exposed: The Gilded Age Police Scandal That Launched the Progressive Era." The book reveals the architects of what became known as the Lexow Committee, the state task force that -- after a couple of rough starts -- blew the lid off New York's most corrupt practices and sent Tammany Hall, once again, into decline. The committee is named for New York State Senator and Rockland County resident Clarence Lexow. The author did some of the research for...
2018-03-1936 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryPaul Peabody - Life, Art and Marionettes with Jeanne Walsh: Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on Monday, January 15, 2018, 9:30 am, on www.WRCR.comWe explored the 42nd Annual Holiday Exhibition at the Historical Society of Rockland, entitled "Peace & Joy." In addition to miniatures and dollhouses, the exhibition features the charming marionettes made by hand by Paul Peabody. Clare Sheridan's guest was Jeanne Peabody Walsh, Paul Peabody's daughter, who will speak about her father's life, work and art.Peabody's performance career spanned forty years, including shows throughout Rockland and the tristate area. In addition to schools, churches and community centers, Peabody performed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art...
2018-01-1528 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryJohn Patrick Schutz: Nyack History & Rockland Pride Project - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, July 17, 2017, at 9:30 amNyack Village Historian John Patrick Schutz visited the program. The son of a librarian (Irene is still found behind the desk at Blauvelt Library), Schutz was taught researching skills from an early age. He has always been fascinated by local history and frequently writes about it in his blog, "At Home in Nyack." Clare Sheridan talked to Schutz about his lifelong interest in local history, his blog, and a new project he's spearheading to curate, edit, and research a LGBTQ history project for the Rockland County Pride Center....
2017-07-1729 minCrossroads of Rockland History"Two Schools in Hillburn" with film maker Joe Allen - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, April 17, 2017, at 9:30 am on WRCR 1700AM and www.WRCR.comClare Sheridan welcomed Joe Allen, who is making an hour-long documentary about the compelling 1943 story of how Thurgood Marshall and the Hillburn, NY community achieved the historic desegregation of the Brook School in Rockland County, NY.They discussed the film and the upcoming premiere, hosted by Rockland Community College, which will take place on May 20. For tickets visit twoschools.bpt.me/Visit the film's facebook page here www.facebook.com/twoschoolsfilm/.Crossroads of Rockland History, a program...
2017-04-1725 minCrossroads of Rockland HistorySS Columbia Project - Liz McEnaney: Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired March 20, 2017, 9:30amClare Sheridan interviewed Liz McEnaney, Executive Director of the SS Columbia Project. The landmark SS Columbia is currently being restored; once it is, the steamboat will become a floating platform for arts, education, and entertainment that connects New York City and the Hudson Valley.To learn more about the SS Columbia Project, visit sscolumbia.orgAbout Liz McEnaney, Executive Director the of SS Columbia Project: Liz is an architectural historian and preservationist. She has curated museum exhibitions, developed site interpretation plans, and advocated for the waterfront issues in...
2017-03-2030 minCrossroads of Rockland History2017 High School Local History Conference - Rich Donegan Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast orginally aired Monday, February 20, 2017, 9:30 amClare Sheridan welcomed Rich Donegan, Education Coordinator at the Historical Society of Rockland County. Topic: the 5th Annual John T. and Mary A. Grant High School Local History conference, held at SUNY-Rockland Community College on February 14. A program unique to Rockland County, the annual conference brings together students from public and private high schools throughout the county for a day of teaching one another and learning about the county in which we live. Addressing the students, teachers and social studies advisers at this year's gathering were County Executive Edwin D...
2017-02-2026 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryAuthor Frank Eberling - "Demarest Kill" Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, November 21, 9:30 am,Frank Eberling, who recently published a new novel titled Demarest Kill, was interviewed by Clare Sheridan. Demarest Kill is a murder mystery and coming-of-age/loss-of-innocence novel unlike any you have read before. In the novel, the Demarest Kill, a stream that threads its way through New City, behind Dutch Garden and the Rockland County Courthouse, serves as a metaphor for events that unfold over a fifty-year period. Richly described with period detail and local color, Demarest Kill is the story of a generation of baby boomers who, like Mr. E...
2016-11-2126 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryLocal History on Social Media: Kato Hatch - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on October 17, 2016 The topic was Local History on Social Media. Clare Sheridan interviewed Kato Hatch, a Rockland County native who moderates the incredibly popular Facebook group/page "Rockland County, Back in the Day." The page has more than 13,000 fans and is full of vintage images, rare film footage and shared memories from its followers. They discussed how social media connects people, how and when he founded the group, the kinds of submissions that are most popular and callers spoke about their own collections of local history. Crossroads of Rockland History, a pro...
2016-10-1725 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryBlauvelt's 914 Sound Recording Studio - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired August 15, 2016.914 Sound Recording Studios is where some of the most iconic rock anthems of the 1970s were made, including Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" and Janis Ian's "At Seventeen." Clare Sheridan welcomes special guests: Robert Brum (The Journal News), Michael Magnone and musicians Joe Delia and Joe D'Urso to discuss the history of this Blauvelt recording studio and learn more about the upcoming Historical Marker dedication at the site on scheduled for August 18.To read articles from the Journal News about the 914 Sound Recording Studios, click here:http://www.lohud.com/s...
2016-08-1532 minCrossroads of Rockland HistorySummer Reading - History/Non-Fiction - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired July 18, 2016 Our topic was summer reading (history and nonfiction). Joining Clare Sheridan were Brian Jennings, history librarian from the New City Library, and Joe Barbieri, history librarian from the Nyack Library. We shared our favorite books and opened up the phone lines to welcome caller recommendations.For a list of books that were discussed, visit our blog here: http://claresheridan.tumblr.com/post/147588714665/thanks-to-brian-jennings-history-librarian-fromCrossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month right after the Steve and...
2016-07-1829 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryPalisades and Snedens Landing with Alice Gerard - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast orignally aired on April 18, 2016 Clare Sheridan interviews Palisades Historian Alice Gerard, published author. Ms. Gerard shares the history of this interesting part of Rockland County including the private enclave of Snedens Landing. She also shares information about her recent project of completing the transcription of the diaries of Nicholas Gesner. The Gesner diaries, comprising more than 1,600 pages of handwritten text, are an extraordinary primary source of the history of nineteenth-century Rockland County. The following books and/or texts were discussed in the interview:1.Winthrop Gilman – The Story of the Ferry OUT OF...
2016-04-1824 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryHaverstraw 400 | Supervisor Howard Phillips and Corinne McGeorge: Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, March 21, 2016, 10:10 amIn conjunction with the Quadricentennial celebration of Haverstraw, Clare Sheridan spoke to Supervisor Howard Phillips and exhibition curator Corinne McGeorge. Included in the conversation is information about the recent discovery of a map from 1616 on which Haverstraw appears and the year-long celebration that this 400th anniversary will bring.Supervisor Howard Phillips of the Town of Haverstraw, described the upcoming events and programs planned for the Quadricentennial year, and Corinne McGeorge spoke about the exhibition that she curated entitled, "Dutchtown and Major Andre: Highlights of Haverstraw History," which is...
2016-03-2138 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryTeaching History in Rockland and the High School Local History ConferenceBroadcast orginally aired February 15, 2016 Clare Sheridaninterviewed Scott Kaplan, history educator from Suffern High School and Richard Donegan, History Coordinator from The Historical Society of Rockland County. Guests discussed how local history is taught in our schools, and described the John T. and Mary A. Grant Rockland County High School Local History Conference (a daylong gathering that brings together high school history students, their advisers, and social studies department chairs from Rockland County high schools. The students will prepare presentations for their peers on themes related to Rockland County history of the past 50 years. In addition, hi...
2016-02-1526 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryThe State of History in our Region, Johanna Yaun, Orange Co. HistorianBroadcast originally aired on Monday, January 18, 2016, 10:10 amClare Sheridan welcomed Orange County Historian Johanna Yaun, whose recent address on the state of local history in 2015 has piqued the interest of many people in the local history community. Ms. Yaun spoke about the unique mandate in New York State that every municipality must have a historian; the role the municipal historian plays; and the challenges and rewards of the role. The Historic Tavern Tour, "SKILLSHARE," and Heritage Tourism were also discussed.Many of the issues facing the history community in Orange County also exist in...
2016-01-1834 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryThe Antrim Playhouse Girl Scout History Project - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired December 21, 2015 The Antrim Playhouse in Wesley Hills, also known as the Little Theater in the Woods, has been providing entertainment to our community since since its first season in 1936. Thanks to four young history enthusiasts, the varied and interesting history of eight decades of performances at this theatre is now on display.Clare Sheridan interviews local Girl Scouts, who describe how they spent their summer preparing an exhibition of entertainment history at the Antrim Playhouse. In addition to creating wonderful displays that had previously been out of public view, their efforts earned t...
2015-12-2122 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryBrenda Ross, Author of BIBSY - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired November 16, 2015. Clare Sheridan interviews Brenda Ross, the author of a new historical novel, Bibsy. The story takes a peek into a corner of Rockland history that has been little explored: "Up the Beach" in Haverstraw. Set in the 1950s, Bibsy captures a community being impacted by suburbanization and the importance and fragility of family.Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR Radio 1700 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as w...
2015-11-1630 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryThe Cleary-Newman Murder of 1914 with Gene Newman - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, October 19, 2015 10:10 amThe 1914 murder of Eugene Newman by William V. Cleary and the subsequent murder trial is one of the most intriguing murder cases in Rockland History. Clare Sheridan interviews the grand-nephew of the murder victim Eugene Newman. Now living in Chicago, IL, Gene Newman shared the story of what’s been called a major scandal involving political and legal corruption in New York State.To read an outstanding article by Cheryl Slavin, published by the Rockland County Times in 2014, visit: http://www.rocklandtimes.com/2014/07/24/haverstraw-political-boss-shoots-newspaper-publishers-son/To see related photos...
2015-10-1926 minCrossroads of Rockland History"From Holland to Here" Exhibition at Orangetown Museum - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired September 21, 2015Clare Sheridan interviews Elizabeth Skrabonja, curator of the exhibition on view at the Orangetown Historical Museum and Archives "From Holland to Here." The exhibition examines the Dutch heritage of the Town of Orangetown through the collection of George Way, America's premier collector of 17th century Dutch art. We’ll discuss this, the Tappan Patent, the Blauvelt family legacy, and much more. To learn about George Way and his collection, visit http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/05/arts/design/a-collection-of-dutch-artifacts-50-years-in-the-making.html?_r=0.To learn more about the Orangetown Historical Museum and Archives visit...
2015-09-2123 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryThe Preservation of the John Green House in Nyack, NY - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, August 17, 2015 at 10:10 am. The preservation of the John Green House in Nyack, NYThis unique 2 1/2 -story sandstone structure is the oldest house in Nyack, and a group of grassroots volunteers called the John Green Preservation Coalition is working to preserve it. Clare Sheridan interviewed Winston Perry, historian for the Village of Upper Nyack and president of the Historical Society of the Nyacks, shed light on the importance of John Green to Rockland history, as well as the architectural importance of this building. Rick Tannenbaum was also interviewed. He represents the...
2015-08-1727 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryJohn Huibregtse, Early Space Prog. & Challenger Learning Ctr. - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, July 20, 2015. Topic: Early Space Program and the Challenger Learning Center. Clare Sheridan interviews John Huibregtse, director of the Town of Ramapo's Challenger Learning Center. Mr. Huibregtse speaks about the early days of the space program, as well as the efforts of our local community to bring a Challenger Center to Rockland County. The July 2014 episode of Crossroads of Rockland History is sponsored by the Town of Ramapo, Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence, and the Ramapo Town Board. We are grateful for their support.The Challenger Learning Center in Airmont is living testi...
2015-07-2036 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryOne Person/One Vote , Veronica DeMeo Boesch - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired Monday, June 15, 2015, at 10:10 a.m.,"One Person, One Vote." Although this powerful sentiment rings with the same distinctively American call for equality and individual empowerment as "All men are created equal," it did not become a core principle of local government until the 1960s, when the U.S. Supreme Court ordered Rockland to reapportion and reorganize the structure of its county government based on the landmark decision in Abate v. Mundt.The Hon. Veronica DeMeo Boesch, former mayor of Airmont and a lifelong history teacher, was interviewed by Clare Sheridan about how "on...
2015-06-1529 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryThe Impact of the Brink's Robbery on Rockland County with Bob Baird - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired May 18, 2015 The Effects of the Brink's Robbery on Rockland County. Clare Sheridan welcomes Bob Baird, who was managing editor of the Journal News on the day homegrown terrorists from the Weather Underground and Black Liberation Army attacked a Brink's truck in Nanuet, trying to finance their private revolution. Baird will discuss the circumstances that led up to the tragic event, in which one Brink's guard was killed, another was gravely wounded, and two Nyack police officers were slain in a hail of automatic gunfire.The events of October 20, 1981, shook a county already re...
2015-05-1832 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryBench by the Road Project: Cynthia Hesdra - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast Originally Aired April 20, 2015Clare Sheridan interviews Bill Batson to learn about the Bench by the Road Project, a memorial history and community outreach initiative of the Toni Morrison Society. Bill Batson, artist, author and Trustee of the Historical Society of the Nyacks, will return to the radio program to discuss the exciting news that Nyack has been selected as a location for inclusion in this globally significant project commemorating African American history.On May 18, 2015, the commemorative monument, in the form of a bench, will be installed in Memorial Park in Nyack honoring Underground Railroad...
2015-04-2033 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryRockland Lake and the Ice Industry, Robert C. Maher, Jr. - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired 3/16/15. Clare Sheridan interviews Robert C. Maher, Jr. co-founder of the Friends of Rockland Lake and Hook Mountain, and the author of Rockland Lake, Hook Mountain and Nyack Beach (Arcadia, Images of America). The commercial history of Rockland Lake dates back to the 18th century, when the area was known as Slaughter Landing because of the natural ravine in the Palisades just north of Verdriegete Hoek, the name the Dutch gave to Hook Mountain. The Hook was known as the "Troublesome Point," where a hotel and ferry landing to Tarrytown stood from the tim...
2015-03-1630 minCrossroads of Rockland History2015 High School Local History Conference: Crossroads of Rockland HistoryOriginally aired February 16, 2015. Clare Sheridan interviews Doug Carey, Spring Valley High School History Teacher and co-chair of the 3rd Annual High School Local History Conference. This conference includes history honors students from all of Rockland County’s high schools. Mr. Carey is this year's conference co-chair, with HSRC Trustee Judge William Sherwood.To view a video of a past conference, click here: http://vimeo.com/85037975.To learn more about this year's conference, click here: https://www.rocklandhistory.org/event.cfm?page=411.Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of R...
2015-02-1630 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryPearl River with Historian James Cassetta - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired January 19, 2015. Clare Sheridan interviews James Cassetta about his new book "Pearl River" (Arcadia/Images of America). Recently, the Images of America book series published a volume dedicated to Pearl River, the second-largest hamlet in New York State. For the past eighteen years, James Cassetta, a member of the HSRC, has been the adult reference librarian and local history librarian at the Pearl River Public Library. In addition, he is a writer and tour guide. Topics will include the history of Pearl River businesses, notable people, important places, and much more.The...
2015-01-1934 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryBill Batson, Nyack Sketchlog - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryEpisode orginally aired Monday, December 15, 2014. Clare Sheridan spoke with special guest Bill Batson, artist and author of Nyack Sketchlog: An Artist and Writer Explores the History of a Hudson River Village.Through essays and sketches, Nyack Sketchlog captures the history of Nyack like never before. The book includes fifty-five of Batson’s sketches and essays which have previously been published as Batson's weekly column in Nyack News and Views. The book includes a foreword by Art Gunther III. The book was published on December 4, 2014."Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Ro...
2014-12-1530 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryRockland County Radio: Bob LeMoullec and Steve Posell - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on November 17, 2014. Clare Sheridan interviewed Bob LeMoullec, author of The Newsroom Confessions (Page Publishing) and Steve Possell about Rockland County Radio. Among his many assignments during his long career, Bob LeMoullec was news director at WRKL in Rockland County, NY. The broadcast included reminiscing with Bob LeMoullec and Steve Possell about what it was like "back in the day" on Rockland radio."Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR...
2014-11-1736 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryHaunted History of Rockland County with Linda Zimmermann - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on October 20, 2014. Clare Sheridan interviews Linda Zimmermann about the haunted history of Rockland County, NY. Topics include the Last Witch of Rockland (Jane "Naut" Kanniff), the Legend of Spook Rock, the Goblin of Donder Berg, Bosco and more."Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every m...
2014-10-2032 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryThe Andre Arnold Affair with Thano Schoppel - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired 9/15/2014.Clare Sheridan interviews Thano Schoppel (former school teacher and teaching supervisor and past President of the Tappantown Historical Society) on the subject of the Treason of the Revolution.On September 22, 1780, Benedict Arnold and Major John Andre met in the woods along the Hudson shoreline in Rockland County and there began an act of treason that would become a pivotal point in the Revolutionary War.Thano describes the Andre-Arnold affair and discusses the people and places involved in this fascinating story of betrayal, secrecy, and deception.Other resources: www...
2014-09-1527 minCrossroads of Rockland HistorySaddle River Valley and The 2014 Historical House Tour - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast orginally aired August 18, 2014Two hundred years ago, the Reverend Stephen Goetschius left his home in New Paltz, New York, to move to the Saddle River Valley to serve the Old Stone Church as minister. The families who worshiped there came from the Ramapo region of Rockland and northern Bergen counties.The Shared History of the Saddle River Valley is the feature of the 2014 Historical House Tour, which is being prepared by the HSRC in collaboration with the Upper Saddle River Historical Society and the USR Historic Preservation Commission.Join Clare Sheridan and...
2014-08-1831 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryLincoln and New York at the HSRC - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryOriginal Broadcast Date: March 17, 2014The HSRC will mount a new exhibition entitled “Lincoln and New York” opening April 6th. This panel exhibition on loan from the New-York Historical Society probes the myths and controversies surrounding Abraham Lincoln and explores New York’s influence on the Civil War. The panels will be displayed together with artifacts from the HSRC’s permanent collection and from other local history organizations to illustrate Rockland’s connection to President Lincoln and the Civil War. Clare Sheridan spoke to Marianne Leese, HSRC’s Senior Historian and historical researcher, Bill Doherty who shed light on the Rockl...
2014-03-1722 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryThe African American Historical Society of Rockland County - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired 2/17/14. To celebrate February as African American History Month, The African American Historical Society (AAHS) of Rockland County is teaming up with Rockland Community College to present the special program “A Glimpse of the Harlem Renaissance.” Clare Sheridan's special guest will be AAHS Trustee Dana Stilley, who will talk about this special theatrical experience highlighting the people, art, music, philosophy, and dances of a unique and influential era in American history. Ms. Stilley also describes other events and programs the AAHS of Rockland County has been working on and what else is ahead for thi...
2014-02-1722 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryBlauvelt's Roger Peltzman: Tribute to Norbert Stern - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired January 20, 2014.Remembering a Unique Talent and a Life Cut Short. Norbert Stern, a Jew in Nazi-held Belgium, was a young pianist acclaimed in the press as brilliant and full of promise. In 1942, as conditions worsened for the Jews, Norbert was compelled to leave the Brussels Conservatory of Music where he had been a premier student winning a series of prestigious competitions. Soon thereafter he and his family were forced to go into hiding and hoped to wait out the war. But this was not to be. Two years later the Sterns were denounced and...
2014-01-2029 minCrossroads of Rockland History2013 Holiday Exhibition Berta and Elmer Hader; Lucy Geist and curator Ned Kelly - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired December, 2013Clare Sheridan interviewed guests including Ned Kelly, guest curator of the holiday exhibition; Joy Hoerner Rich and Karen Tolley, co-authors of Berta and Elmer Hader: A Lifetime of Art and Jack Geist, son of Lucy Geist who was the creator of the popular LUCY doll.This episode shed light on the HSRC's 38th annual holiday exhibition. For the first time, the Hudson Valley taste makers Ned Kelly & Co. collaborated with the Historical Society by curating a show of highlights of the Society’s permanent collection and by decorating the historic Jacob Bl...
2013-12-1621 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryNyack Library's History Digitization Project - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired 11/16/13Brian Jennings, Nyack Library’s local history librarian, and Joe Barbieri, project consultant, joined Clare Sheridan to discuss the Nyack Library’s long-term and comprehensive project to digitize images, newspapers, and sound recordings. Learn about the Nyack Library’s partnerships with area organizations to make this digitization happen, including its work with the Sound and Story Project of the Hudson Valley and more.Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www...
2013-11-1829 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryHistory of the County Courthouse and Judiciary - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryInterview with Retired Justice Alfred Weiner to discuss the history of the Rockland County Courthouse and the history of the Judiciary. Originally aired October 21, 2013. Former Justice Alfred J. Weiner joins Clare Sheridan for an informative and interesting program on the history of the Rockland County Courthouse and the Rockland County Judiciary. Justice Weiner was a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, Ninth Judicial District, and served for more than forty years on the bench before retiring in 2011. Throughout his career, he has also volunteered extensively in the Rockland community. He is a founder an...
2013-10-2136 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryMary Beth Keane, author of FEVER - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryInterview of Mary Beth Keane author of "Fever" (Scribner). Keane is a Pearl River resident and author. Interview originally aired August 19, 2013 on www.WRCR.com. Do you know who was described as one of the most dangerous women in America at the turn of the twentieth century? It was Mary Mallon, better known as “Typhoid Mary. ” This is one of the most fascinating in modern medical history. Clare Sheridan interviewed Mary Beth Keane of Pearl River. Keane is the author of Fever, an ambitious retelling of the forgotten life of a compelling, dramatic, vexing, sympathetic, uncompromising, and unforget...
2013-08-1926 minCrossroads of Rockland History2012 Historic Homes and Landmarks Tour of Haverstraw - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryOriginally aired October 15, 2012.Did you know that October is Rockland History Month? To celebrate, the HSRC presented the self-guided Historic Homes & Landmark Tour in the Village of Haverstraw. Clare Sheridan's guests involved in this self-guided walking tour included Nelson Diaz, a local artist, historic preservationist, and the owner of one of the homes on the 2012 tour. Also interviewed was Nick Loucas, owner of Haverstraw's "Lucas Candies", one of the oldest chocolatiers in New York! Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month...
2012-10-1522 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryBEER! The N-YHS Exhibition - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired July 16, 2012.The history of beer is a fascinating story. Nina Nazionale, co-curator of the exhibition "Beer Here: Brewing New York’s History" at the New-York Historical Society talked with Clare Sheridan about how brewing was affected by the opening of the Erie Canal, immigration, the invention of the bottle cap, and New York breweries' great need for ice harvested from freshwater sources such as Rockland Lake during the nineteenth century.Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am...
2012-07-1631 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryArcadia Images of America: Orangetown - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast Originally aired February 20, 2012.Mary Cardenas, historian of the Town of Orangetown, joined Clare Sheridan to talk about the newly released Arcadia book Images of America: Orangetown, to which she was a key contributor. Settled by Dutch farmers and entrepreneurs in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Orangetown was a site of key action during the Revolutionary War. British and Continental troops moved through the town, and Major John Andre, co-conspirator with Benedict Arnold, was tried and hanged and George Washington established headquarters and finalized terms for the end of the Revolution in the town.For...
2012-02-2026 minCrossroads of Rockland HistoryN-YHS Exhibition: Revolution! The Atlantic World Reborn - Crossroads of Rockland HistoryBroadcast originally aired on January 16, 2012Episode featured the new exhibition at the New York Historical Society inManhattan. This exhibition entitled REVOLUTION: The Atlantic World Reborn explores the enormous transformations in the world’s politics and culture between the 1763 triumph of the British Empire in the Seven Years War and the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Responding to growing public interest in the history of other cultures, Revolution! compares three globally influential revolutions in America, France and Haiti. But while these revolutions have usually been told exclusively as chapters within national histories, now for the first tim...
2012-01-1635 min