Broadcast originally aired on Monday, November 15, 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700AM

Spies! 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 rebellion.

Many do not know that during several critical periods, the war was almost fatally undermined by English sympathizers or, in some cases, opportunistic Patriots. Patriots and Spies in Revolutionary New York is a compilation of twelve stories regarding important moments in New York State's history during the American Revolution.  

Royalties from the sale of this book will benefit People's Place, a non-profit organization in Kingston, NY  https://www.peoplesplace.org/

About the Author: A.J. Schenkman teaches history in the Lower Hudson Valley and writes about the history of Ulster and Orange counties. He is the Town of Gardiner Historian. Since his start writing for local newspapers, Schenkman has branched out into writing for magazines, blogs, and academic journals in history and other subjects. In addition to his current book, he has written others, including Unexpected Bravery: Women and Children of the Civil War, which is now out in paperback.  

Learn more at the author's website: 
https://www.ajschenkman.com/


***

Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. If you want to listen to the live broadcast, and you aren't local, simply download the TuneIn Radio App on your smartphone or tablet and search for WRCR.  We are pleased to announce that we have begun loading our archived podcasts to Apple Podcasts; Stitcher, and Spotify platforms.

The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.

www.RocklandHistory.org

133.  AJ Schenkman and Patriots and Spies in Revolutionary New York - Crossroads of Rockland History

Broadcast aired Monday, September 18, 2023 9:30 am, on WRCR 1700 AM Radio

We 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 this fascinating story of betrayal, secrecy, and deception with local historian Thano Schoppel of Tappan.

For more about Arnold and André, check out:

Tappantown Historical Society Colonial Day on Saturday, September 30, 2023, 12–4 pm. Great for families. Admissions is $FREE. For information, visit www.tappantown.org.

“A Spy in Our Midst—Major John André,” permanent exhibition on the Arnold-André Affair at the Salyer House, Orangetown Historical Museum & Archives. For information, visit www.orangetownmuseum.com

Culper Spy Ring, independent study project by Andrea Meyer. For information, visit https://wp.nyu.edu/archivesandpublichistory/2009/10/05/congrats-to-andrea-meyer. 

Revolutionary Rogues: John André and Benedict Arnold, Hardcover—Picture Book, published September 19, 2017, by Selene Castrovilla (author) and John O'Brien (illustrator). For information, visit https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3007015936
***

Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR Radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.

www.RocklandHistory.org

155. The Treason of the Revolution: the André / Arnold Affair - Crossroads of Rockland History

Episode 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 what is coming up at Harmony Hall. 

Learn more about the Friends of Harmony Hall here: https://www.friendsofharmonyhall.org﻿

The Friends of Harmony Hall 's Annual Victorian Holiday at Jacob Sloat's 1848 Greek Revival mansion will take place Sunday, December 8, 1-5 pm. Enjoy live music, sweet treats, and their signature hot mulled cider. Children’s crafts and unique hand-made crafts in Ye Olde Holiday Shoppe - and, of course, a visit from Santa (1:30-2 pm) - will complete the day! Tickets are available at the FOHH website.
_____
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the morning show on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms.
 
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.

www.RocklandHistory.org

169. Update on Harmony Hall, The Jacob Sloat House with Peter Bush - Crossroads of Rockland History

Clare Sheridan was 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 discussed 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 business. He was the associate producer of the 2010, 2012, and 2013 Bistro Awards, and has produced many cabaret shows and concerts. As a philanthropist, he raises funds for many worthwhile causes.  https://richardskipper.com/

Richard Skipper’s upcoming local performance will be held at the Valley Cottage Library on August 14, 2025 at 7pm.

It’s a one-of-a-kind, unscripted evening shaped entirely by questions from the audience. Richard Skipper blends personal stories, theatrical history, music, and spontaneity to create a joyful, interactive experience that’s never the same twice. With Musical Director Dan Pardo and direction by James Beaman, this show invites audiences into a dynamic celebration of truth, legacy, and connection.

Advance registration required.  Click here to register:  https://valleycottage.librarycalendar.com/event/everything-you-always-wanted-know-about-richard-skipper-20384

Skipper's website about the history of Hello Dolly can be found here:  https://www.callondolly.com/


_________________________________________

New episodes of the "Crossroads of Rockland History" podcast, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, premier at www.RocklandHistory.org on the third Monday of each month.  Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms.
 
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.

www.RocklandHistory.org

176. Richard Skipper:  Theater History - Crossroads of Rockland History

First Aired May 16th, 2011. 

WRCR AM1700 Radio Rockland.

Clare Sheridan interviewed Travis Jackson, Ed.D. about Thurgood Marshall’s impact on civil rights in Rockland County, NY. 

Dr. Travis Jackson, born and raised in Hillburn, NY. Dr. Jackson was entering 4th grade in 1943 when Mr. Marshall came to Hillburn to help in the desegregation of the Hillburn schools. 

Crossroads 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 Meredyth morning show, at 10:10 am on WRCR Radio 1700 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 month. To view an index of past programs and listen to sound recordings, go to http://www.rocklandhistory.org/page.cfm?page=323.

www.RocklandHistory.org

008. Thurgood Marshall and Rockland County, NY - Crossroads of Rockland History

Broadcast originally aired on Monday, April 16, 2018 at 9:30 am, on www.WRCR.com

Diana 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 history advocating for and advancing equal rights for people with disabilities and special needs both within the Rockland community and throughout the Hudson Valley region.

Diana Hess is Chief Development Officer at Jawonio and helped prepare the exhibition.  

To learn more about the exhibition visit: https://www.rocklandhistory.org/program.cfm?page=597

To learn more about Jawonio visit http://www.jawonio.org/


"Crossroads of Rockland History," a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR radio 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 month.

The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.

RocklandHistory.org

90. Seventy Years of Jawonio Exhibition at HSRC,  Diana Hess - Crossroads of Rockland History

Broadcast originally aired on Monday, May 21, 2018, 9:30 am, on WRCR.com

Michael Bruno was on hand to discuss his ongoing rehabilitation of the Sloatsburg-Tuxedo section of Route 17. Bruno is responsible for the Valley Rock Inn vacation complex, which incorporates historic preservation in an innovative and transformative economic development project. Bruno, a native of Larchmont who now lives in Tuxedo Park, is working on a master plan for the Tuxedo-Sloatsburg Corridor Revitalization project. His Tuxedo Hudson Company has been awarded $1,750,000 in grants from New York State to create the new "Gateway to the Hudson Valley."  

Bruno has recently been honored with an award from the Preservation League of New York for this project.  

The May episode of Crossroads of Rockland History was sponsored by the Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht and the Ramapo Town Board.

About Michael Bruno: Michael Bruno is an Internet and real estate entrepreneur. He is the founder of 1stdibs, the world's premier online luxury marketplace in twenty-two countries around the world. He is launching a new, transformative real estate venture, Valley Rock Inn, this summer in Rockland County. A passionate collector of historic homes and a steward of land preservation, He sits on the boards of the Orange County Land Trust and the Museum of the City of New York. He says, "Have big ideas but be OK with starting small without hesitation and see where it goes. . . . For example, there is much more to our current Rockland County real estate venture than meets the eye."

To learn more about the Valley Rock Inn Vacation Complex, visit http://valleyrockinn.com

Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.

The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
www.RocklandHistory.org

91. Michael Bruno: Historic Preservation at Valley Rock Inn - Crossroads of Rockland History

Broadcast originally aired Monday, June 18, 9:30 am, on WRCR.com
Virginia 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.

To learn more about the Haverstraw African American 
Connection, visit their Facebook page: 
https://www.facebook.com/Haverstraw-African-American-Connection-1493433047563916
To learn more about the 2018 Juneteenth 
Celebration, click here: 
https://www.facebook.com/events/2248838235133912

 
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am on WRCR radio 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 month.

The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.

www.RocklandHistory.org

92. Haverstraw African American History & Juneteenth - V. Norfleet : Crossroads of Rockland History

Broadcast orginally aired Monday, March 18, 2019, on WRCR.com
We’ll learn 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 http://haverstrawbrickmuseum.org

The link to the museum's Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/HaverstrawBrickMuseum

Upcoming Events for Haverstraw History include: 
--June 2, 1-5 pm, rain or shine. Haverstraw Food Crawl. Haverstraw Riverwide Arts and the Village of Haverstraw, NY are celebrating the diverse culinary options Downtown with "The Flavors of Haverstraw" – a small plates or tapas-focused "food crawl" or food sampling walking tour. The Comprehensive Plan Team will be at the Beer Garden to Share, Listen and Learn. The Food Crawl map will be available in May. Learn more at http://haverstrawriverwidearts.org/taste-haverstraw. 

--June 8. Day-long "Secret History of Haverstraw" Guided Walk with Jared Rodriguez

--June 15-16. Juneteenth Celebration. Visit Haverstraw African American Connection Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HaverstrawAfricanAmericanConnection
***
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am,right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio 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 month.  

For an sound file archive of past programs, visit https://www.rocklandhistory.org/page.cfm?category=22.

Patriotic Guitar

101. Jared Rodriguez and the New Haverstraw Brick Museum - Crossroads of Rockland History

Broadcast 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 NOW, as well as her contributions to other organizations, including those which are right here in Rockland County.   Fox shared exciting news about 2021—when she and other feminists around the globe will celebrate the 100th birthday of Betty Friedan.  This event will take place on February 4, 2021 at 7pm.  For more information visit:  http://www.veteranfeministsofamerica.org/
Or visit their FACEBOOK page here:  https://www.facebook.com/VeteranFeminists
***
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Steve and Jeff morning show, on WRCR radio 1700 AM. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.

During 2020, our focus is Women’s History in celebration of the Suffrage Centennial. To listen live, tune your AM dial to 1700 or listen online by downloading the TuneIn Radio APP and search for WRCR. After the program, we will load the show into our archive as a Podcast. We are pleased to announce that we have begun loading our archived podcasts to the Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify platforms. Please subscribe!

www. RocklandHistory.org

122.  Muriel Fox and NOW (National Organization for Women) Betty Friedan :  Crossroads

The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.

169. Update on Harmony Hall, The Jacob Sloat House with Peter Bush - Crossroads of Rockland History

Rockland History

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