New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Rockland County

Skunk Hollow: A Free Black Community (1806-1905)

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crossroads of rockland historyOn the February 2022 episode of “Crossroads of Rockland History,” Clare Sheridan revisited the interview with historical archeologist Joan Geismar, and the fascinating area known as Skunk Hollow. Dr. Geismar has been a practicing urban archaeologist since 1981 and wrote her dissertation on free black community that lasted from 1806 until 1905.

The first known deed dated 1806 belonged to Jack Earnest from Palisades. In 1841, William Thompson, an African Methodist Episcopal itinerant preacher bought Jack’s house, built a church on his land, and became resident preacher. Over one hundred families lived in Skunk Hollow including the Browns, Olivers, Siscos, Thompsons, Williams and others. [Read more…] about Skunk Hollow: A Free Black Community (1806-1905)

The Haverstraw Brick Museum (Podcast)

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crossroads of rockland historyOn the December 2021 episode of “Crossroads of Rockland History,” host Clare Sheridan interviewed Rachel Whitlow, the acting Executive Director of the Haverstraw Brick Museum and Center for Historic Preservation.

They 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. [Read more…] about The Haverstraw Brick Museum (Podcast)

AJ Schenkman On Crossroads of Rockland History Podcast

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crossroads of rockland historyOn the November 2021 episode of Crossroads of Rockland History, host Clare Sheridan interviewed A.J. Schenkman, a frequent New York Almanack contributor and author of a new book entitled Patriots and Spies in Revolutionary New York (Globe Pequot, 2021).

Ann Bates, Enoch Crosby and other notorious figures in the American Revolution were discussed. [Read more…] about AJ Schenkman On Crossroads of Rockland History Podcast

Major André’s Toe & Typhoid Mary on Rockland Co Podcast

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crossroads of rockland historyThe September 2021 episode of “Crossroads of Rockland History,” was a two-part episode. First, host 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, NY (the site of André’s hanging) to Westminster Abbey. Part 2 revisited our interview with author Mary Beth Keane about her book Fever, the historical fiction exploration of Mary Mallon, a.k.a. Typhoid Mary — a story of that is more relevant today than ever. [Read more…] about Major André’s Toe & Typhoid Mary on Rockland Co Podcast

Steve Possell’s 50 Years on Rockland County Radio

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crossroads of rockland historyThe July episode of “Crossroads of Rockland History,” turned its attention to the life and career of Steve Possell, who is retiring after a fifty-year career in local Rockland County radio.

First at WRKL and now at WRCR, Possell has had an impact on local radio and our community that can only be called significant. We learn about how he got started in radio, his favorite moments over the past decades on the air and his plans for retirement. [Read more…] about Steve Possell’s 50 Years on Rockland County Radio

A Toni Morrison Retrospective in Nyack

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crossroads of rockland historyOn the June 2021 episode of Crossroads of Rockland History, author Brenda Ross visited the program to speak about the Toni Morrison retrospective that she curated for the Historical Society of the Nyacks. This is the first exhibit to open in the Historical Society’s new museum space. [Read more…] about A Toni Morrison Retrospective in Nyack

Helen Hayes Subject of Rockland History Podcast

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crossroads of rockland historyThe May 2021 episode of “Crossroads of Rockland History,” remembers Helen Hayes. Joyce Bulifant, daughter-in-law of Hayes, shared fond memories of her mother-in-law; of her father-in-law, the playwright Charles MacArthur; and of their famous house in Nyack, Pretty Penny. Then we learned about an effort to establish Pretty Penny as a literary landmark from actor/writer/director Joel Vig. [Read more…] about Helen Hayes Subject of Rockland History Podcast

Touring Harriet Tubman Statue on Crossroads of Rockland History

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crossroads of rockland historyOn the April 2021 episode of “Crossroads of Rockland History,” the topic was the nationally-touring sculpture: Harriet Tubman – Journey to Freedom by Wesley Woffard.

The sculpture will be placed in the Haverstraw African American Memorial Park for seven weeks beginning April 20th, 2021. Clare Sheridan’s guest was Virginia “Ginny” Norleet, founder of the Haverstraw African American Connection (HAAC). Ginny spoke about how the HAAC arranged for this sculpture to be in Haverstraw, and the auxiliary programs planned for each Saturday while the sculpture is in Haverstraw. [Read more…] about Touring Harriet Tubman Statue on Crossroads of Rockland History

Hair Stylist Miriam Cordwell Subject of Rockland History Podcast

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crossroads of rockland historyOn the latest episode of the “Crossroads of Rockland History” podcast the topic was the life and legacy of Miriam Cordwell (1908-1986) – the trailblazing, innovating and award-winning hair stylist. Clare Sheridan’s guest was Cordwell’s niece, Judith Brodil. [Read more…] about Hair Stylist Miriam Cordwell Subject of Rockland History Podcast

Race, Power and Urban Renewal In Nyack

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crossroads of rockland historyOn the February 2021 episode of “Crossroads of Rockland History,” the topic was the history and impact of Urban Renewal on Nyack, NY.

Clare Sheridan’s guests 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. [Read more…] about Race, Power and Urban Renewal In Nyack