7+ Museums in Rockland County NY
Where to Find these Hidden Gems
Have you ever wondered if there are museums in Rockland County NY and where to find them?
Rockland County museums are one of the best places to visit in the Hudson Valley: rain or shine. Because of its close proximity to Westchester County NY, museums in Rockland County NY are easy to reach and visit.
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Top Museums in Rockland County NY To Visit Now
– Camp Shanks World War II Museum
Located in Orangeburg, Camp Shanks World War II Museum is an interesting place to see first hand the military facility that housed soldiers headed to the front lines during WWII. The museum now contains artifacts and photographs from that time.
Open seasonally, this free museum will leave an impression on you, so make sure you add it to your list of places to visit.
– Edward Hopper House
Located in Nyack, NY, the Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center is a small museum but is rich in the story and life of this renowned artist. The house and museum celebrates the life and career of Edward Hopper. His art has been showcased in New York City and beyond. This is the perfect outing for art lovers.
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Seeing the life and art at the Edward Hopper House Museum
– DeWint House
Located in Tappan, DeWint House was owned by Patriot Johannes DeWint during the American Revolution and is the oldest surviving building in Rockland County. Most notably, George Washington had been a guest to this home several times and the first two rooms of this home reflect his visits.
– Garner Arts Center
Located in West Haverstraw, the Garner Arts Center hosts workshops and hosts a yearly arts festival. showcasing contemporary and experiential art, the arts center hopes to influence others with diverse art.
Located within a Historic District, this location embraces creativity and artisan crafters while allowing the public to enjoy art exhibitions, film screenings and live performances. A special feature of the arts center is a creekside sculpture trail and craft brewery.
– Haverstraw Brick Museum
Displaying the rich history of brick making in this area of New York State, the Haverstraw Brick Museum takes you on a unique journey. This museum is not for here for informational purposes, but also offers educational programs that celebrate the town of Haverstraw itself.
The Hudson River played a vital role in the brick making industry and in the building of vibrant communities across the United States.
– Historical Society of Rockland County
Located on Zukor Road in New City, and on seven acres of land, the building has exhibitions showcasing the rich history of Rockland County. The exhibits at the Historical Society of Rockland County range from artifacts to eclectic and unique objects found within the county.
Located inside the Jacob Blauvelt House. Although descendants lived in the home until 1970, the family sold the home to the historical society and many of the furnishings are original to the home.
– Holocaust Museum
Located in Suffern and within the Rockland Community College, the Holocaust Museum has been a significant part in the education of others to the cultural heritage of the Jewish people, through exhibits and education.
Visits can be scheduled and reserved ahead of time and tours are self-guided.
– Orangetown Historical Museum
With an emphasis on the history of its home base, Orangetown, the Orangetown Historical Museum is actually situated in two locations:
- The DePew House, in Orangeburg, hosts the museum’s changing exhibits, archives, and offices
- The Salyer House in Pearl River, was the Museum’s first home and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has a three-part exhibition.
The DePew House may be visited during their hours of operation, while The Salyer House may be visited by appointment.
– Rockland Center for the Arts
Located in West Nyack, the Rockland Center for the Arts is a unique location where they have a wonderful inside gallery but also have an incredible sculpture park, that’s open year-round. Because it’s a multi-arts center and due to its close proximity to New York City, RoCA attracts diverse audiences who appreciate art.
Their large gallery showcases several artists at a time and is the perfect place to display visual arts. The Catherine Konner Sculpture Park is the home to many long-term exhibits presenting several 20th century artists.
– Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site
One of the last Revolutionary War sites, the Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site has the oldest lighthouse on the Hudson River. In addition, it also has a museum, which offers exhibits on the battle and the Stony Point Lighthouse, as well as interpretive programs.
Open seasonally, the museum is not open everyday, so check their website for information. Special events are scheduled throughout the season, including reenactments highlighting 18th century military life, cannon and musket firings, cooking demonstrations, and children’s activities and blacksmith demonstrations.
– Trailside Museums at Bear Mountain State Park
Located within the confines of the Trailside zoo and Bear Mountain State Park, the Trailside Museums consist of:
- Herpetology Museum – native fish, reptiles and amphibians
- Nature Study Museum – local wildlife, including birds, bird eggs, small mammals and more
- Geology Museum – geology and animals of ancient times
- History Museum – layers of history of the area
With the miles of trails and the fact that the Appalachian Trail bisects the area of the museum and zoo, this makes this section of the Bear Mountain State Park the crossroads of Rockland history.
Looking for more museums in the Hudson Valley?
Reference this article all about Hudson Valley Museums so you can see what other counties have to offer.
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Free Museums in Rockland County NY
- Camp Shanks Museum
- DeWint House
- Garner Arts Center
- Haverstraw Brick Museum
- Orangetown Historical Museum
- Rockland Center for the Arts
- Stony Point Battlefield Museum
- Trailside Museum
Tips to have the best experience when visiting museums in Rockland County NY
- Many of these locations are open seasonally, meaning that they are only open during the warmer months.
- Before making plans for a visit, please confirm all information on their website.
- Things change quickly, so make sure to confirm all information before taking a trip to a specific location
Museums are a great way to learn about the world, history and about different cultures. They also provide a space for people to explore their creativity and learn something new.
The museums in Rockland County NY are a great place to start your journey of learning and exploring.
More things to do in Rockland County:
Visit Nyack and experience so much to do in this beautiful Hudson River town
Experience the Best Restaurants in Rockland County, NY
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