Crossroads of Rockland History
Crossroads of Rockland History, a podcast of the Historical Society of Rockland County. Host Clare Sheridan welcomes guests every month to to explore, celebrate and learn about the rich history of Rockland County and the Lower Hudson Valley, NY.
Crossroads of Rockland History
Memories of John Zehner with Russell Woolley - Crossroads of Rockland History
Episode began streaming on October 20, 2025 at 10am
2025 marks 50 years since the HSRC’s history center museum's cornerstone was laid, following years of work led by John Zehner. Zehner, president of the HSRC from 1954-1978, is widely recognized as the driving force behind the historical society's success in the mid 20th century. On this episode, Russell Woolley, a lifelong Rocklander shared memories of working with Zehner in the early 1970s in the historic Anglo-Dutch Blauvelt Barn.
Russell Woolley is President and Broker Owner of Wright Bros. Real Estate. He has resided in Rockland County throughout his life and is presently based in Upper Nyack. He has worked with clients over an extended period and has participated in community activities through service and philanthropy.
John Zehner was a civil engineer by profession. He played a pivotal role in the establishment and leadership of the Historical Society of Rockland County. His contributions significantly expanded the society's membership and led to the establishment of a permanent museum building, thereby preserving local history for future generations.
Mr. Zehner became affiliated with the historical society in the 1960s when he was appointed as the librarian responsible for managing its book collection. Mr. Zehner had a deep knowledge and enduring interest in local and American history, which led him to the most important and long-standing volunteer commitment of his life.
Under Mr. Under Zehner's leadership, the society purchased the Jacob Blauvelt Homestead in 1970 as a permanent headquarters. Then, he led the society in planning and building a fireproof museum in 1977. During his presidency from 1954 to 1978, the society's membership grew to over 1850, making it one of the most successful in the tri-state rural area.
Mr. Zehner authored texts on local history, including a 1995 book on Benedict Arnold's attempted betrayal, and supported numerous publications and historical markers. Even after retiring as president, he remained active as a trustee and committee member, continuing to contribute ideas and support until shortly before his death in 1996.
www.RocklahdHistory.org
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, starts streaming new episodes on the third Monday of each month at 10am. From October 2010 to May 2025, the program aired 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 and at our website.
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.