Local History
Ramapo Room: The History of Rockland County
As you enter the Adult Reference Room, look across to the stained glass windows above the doorway to the Ramapo Room. This dedicated local history space houses a collection of books, newspapers, maps, and clippings focused on the history of Rockland County, with an emphasis on Western Ramapo. To access the Ramapo Room, please see a reference librarian.
The library maintains a complete archive of The Journal News on microfilm, along with historical census records and city directories. We also have a collection of historical photographs, some of which remain unidentified. If you recognize an image, please inform the reference librarian.
If you need help finding an obituary, please fill out the form below.
Historical Resources
Historical Newspapers from New York’s Hudson River Valley
Online Genealogy Platform to Research Family History
Research Military Ancestors, Veteran Records, and Stories
Digitized Historical Photos of New York’s Extensive History
Collection of Genealogical Records of Rockland County
Museum of Rockland County’s Rich Historical Heritage
History of Suffern, New York and Surrounding Ramapo Area
History of the Railroading Impact on Suffern, New York
Our Adult Reference Librarians are available to assist with your local history research. The Ramapo Room’s extensive collection includes historic newspapers, maps, and photographs. Contact us for research assistance or inquiries.
Avon Collection
Avon opened a manufacturing facility in downtown Suffern in 1897, moving up from New York City under California Perfume Co. McConnell, a Suffern resident, built a three-story wooden building off Lafayette Avenue, in the heart of downtown Suffern. He changed the company name to Avon. Avon continued to have a strong presence in Suffern until 2022, when they moved their research facilities outside of the U.S.
Suffern Library has a collection of materials donated from Avon on display outside of the Ramapo Room. To learn more about the history of Avon in Suffern, visit these sites:
Local History and Archives
Historical Newspapers
HRVH Historical Newspapers provides access to digitized copies of historical newspapers from the Hudson River Valley region of New York State. You can view these images online at Hudson River Valley Heritage.
Suffern Library also has a collection of historical photos in our Greco collection. To view the photos, please contact us.
To request photos from the library, please complete our Licensing and Image Reproduction Request Form.
Ramapo Room News
Every two months, our Local History Librarian, Andrew, curates a newsletter featuring highlights from the Local History Room. Explore past editions:
Obituary Request Form
If you’re searching for an obituary, please fill out the form below.
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