Friends of Harmony Hall ~ Jacob Sloat House

06/09/2026

🗓️ THURS, JULY 16, 7PM
📣 Dave Keyes & Tony Vee’s
➡️ Front Porch Blues Summit

Join us as we celebrate the newly restored front veranda while raising funds to continue preservation efforts at the historic Harmony Hall–Jacob Sloat House. 🏛️

🎹 🎸 An electrifying afternoon of Blues, Rock, and Soul from two acclaimed powerhouse performers.

Renowned keyboardist, vocalist, and songwriter Dave Keyes — a veteran of the Blues, Roots, and Americana music scenes — has shared stages worldwide with legends including Popa Chubby, Ronnie Spector, Bo Diddley, Sleepy LaBeef, and Alexis P. Suter. He is also widely recognized for serving as pianist and bandleader for more than 1,000 performances during the six-year Broadway run of the Grammy Award-winning musical Smokey Joe’s Cafe.

Dynamic guitarist and soulful vocalist Tony Vee leads the Hudson Valley favorites Uncle Shoehorn’s Big Easy and the New Yorleans Horns, known for their signature blend of New Orleans Funk and R&B. He honed his blues roots performing across the West Coast alongside legendary B3 organist Danny Abrams.

Come enjoy these two great blues players as they donate their time to help sustain the restoration of the Jacob Sloat House.

Bring a chair & picnic basket.
This is a RAIN or SHINE event.
Service dogs only.
No outside alcohol.

$20 suggested donation - proceeds go toward the continued restoration of Harmony Hall

05/29/2026

In Memoriam: Kenneth J. Linsner

The Friends of Harmony Hall–Jacob Sloat House are deeply saddened to announce the passing of board member & former board president Kenneth J. Linsner.

Ken was first introduced to Harmony Hall by his late wife, author Carole Weaver Linsner, PhD, during our Victorian Holiday event in December 2010. At the time, The Friends had placed a severely deteriorated circa-1900 Colonial Revival chandelier on display, hoping that someone might help restore this remarkable surviving artifact. The dismantled brass gasolier fixture, coated in gray radiator paint and discovered beneath debris in the house’s areaway, found its restoration angel in Ken.

A professional conservator of exceptional talent, Ken, with his studio assistant, Terrance, devoted countless hours restoring the chandelier. Today, the restored fixture hangs proudly in Harmony Hall’s double parlor as one of the most significant surviving decorative elements connected to the Sloat family and the historic 1848 home. This early pro bono contribution reflected Ken’s commitment to preservation, restoration, and collaboration in service to the community and its history.

Ken’s generosity to Harmony Hall extended beyond this project. The grand staircase arch and the event preparation kitchenette were donated by Ken in memory of Carole, creating lasting tributes within the house they both cherished. Ken’s current wife, Marisol, also greatly supported Harmony Hall’s restoration and fundraising efforts. Her presence at events and behind-the-scenes contributions were greatly appreciated.

In addition to his work with Harmony Hall, Ken served on the boards of the Rockland Center for the Arts (ROCA) and Art in Public Places, contributing his expertise and passion to the broader art community.

Ken brought professional knowledge, enthusiasm, strong convictions, and intelligence to every endeavor. His guidance, generosity, and expertise enriched the Harmony Hall project, and his presence will remain in our minds and hearts. We are grateful for all that Kenneth J. Linsner contributed to Harmony Hall and to the community he served. We present Ken’s Curriculum Vitae in Bio.

05/29/2026

In Memoriam: Kenneth J. Linsner

The Friends of Harmony Hall–Jacob Sloat House are deeply saddened to announce the passing of board member and former board president Kenneth J. Linsner after several years of serious health issues.

Please continue to read by clicking the link and where we also present Ken Linsner's Curriculum Vitae.
https://www.friendsofharmonyhall.org/post/in-memoriam-kenneth-j-linsner

05/29/2026

Dear Members, please join us for our Annual Members Garden Party! 🌸

✨Not a Member yet?✨
It’s not too late to join the Friends of Harmony Hall!
For membership details, visit our Membership link in Bio.

Please RSVP by June 11 to [email protected] or leave a message at 845-712-5220.

05/28/2026

05/22/2026

Timeless Charm at Harmony Hall’s Annual Victorian Tea! 🫖🌷

Recap of our event held on Sat, Apr 25th:

✨The Friends of Harmony Hall welcomed guests for an afternoon that felt like stepping into another era. Their annual Victorian Tea transformed the mansion’s historic south salon into a charming period setting, with vintage place settings, delicate napkin roses, and thoughtfully arranged tables of fine china and silver that evoked the spirit of the 19th century.

☕️ Rooted in a tradition dating back to Victorian England, afternoon tea has long been associated with grace, refinement, and a touch of ceremony. At Harmony Hall–Jacob Sloat House, those traditions were thoughtfully honored while maintaining a warm, approachable atmosphere. As restoration efforts continue, the home is steadily reclaiming its historic character—making gatherings like this feel both meaningful and authentic. Guests were invited to enjoy the experience without the weight of formality.

And enjoy it they did. The menu was a highlight: freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and lemon curd, an assortment of traditional tea sandwiches, and a selection of beautifully crafted desserts, all paired with perfectly brewed tea. Thanks to the care and contributions of the Board of Trustees, every detail came together seamlessly. 🍨

With a mix of first-time visitors and returning friends, the tea was as lively as it was memorable. Beyond the charm and conversation, the afternoon also served a purpose—proceeds from the event will help fund the finishing touches of the mansion’s front porch, ensuring Harmony Hall’s continued preservation for future generations

05/20/2026

May 20 - Hudson Valley Gives!
Ends 11:59pm today ⏰

We need your help! Please join our campaign and help us reach our goal of $10,000 and 500 donors! We need you to tell your friends and family members about the important work we do and ask them to join us in helping to make a difference.

It’s an opportunity to unite our community around a cause in which we truly believe in to connect to the larger community. It’s an opportunity to help preserve and restore the historic landmark that is Harmony Hall-Jacob Sloat House, where beloved music festivals to fantastic programs for all are held.

Our Mission:
The Friends of Harmony Hall - Jacob Sloat House is an energetic group of individuals who are dedicated to the preservation of this important landmark, and to the design and support of arts, cultural and historical programs that capitalize upon the benefits of this historic preservation effort, and promote the rich and varied history of New York’s magnificent Ramapo River Pass and Highlands.

Organized under a provisional charter issued by the New York State Board of Regents on April 24, 2007, Friends of Harmony Hall works in partnership with the Town of Ramapo, the landmark’s owner, to support and further on-site restoration efforts, to research and document the rich history of the estate and the Sloat family, and to design and implement a diverse and creative program of arts and educational activities.

Visit hvgives.org and search Friends of Harmony Hall, and make a donation to us! Remember, this is a meaningful tax write-off. All giving will end at 11:59PM on May 20, so make sure to get your gift in on time!

05/18/2026

The Friends are deeply honored to be among the recipients of the 2026 Historic Preservation Merit Awards! This recognition reflects the tremendous devotion and dedication of so many people who believe in preserving this historic landmark and its story.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our board members for their leadership and commitment, to the members of Harmony Hall-Jacob Sloat House for their continued support, and to everyone who has attended our events and programs throughout the years. Your enthusiasm and encouragement make this work possible.

Most especially, we offer our deepest gratitude to our volunteers, whose countless hours, hard work, and passion continue to move this restoration forward every day.

Together, we remain committed to restoring this historic landmark to its 1848 glory and ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.

Historic Hudson Valley Historical Society of Rockland County

Please join the Historical Society of Rockland County in congratulating the 2026 Rockland County Executive's Historic Preservation Merit Award Winners:~Lawre...

05/01/2026

🗓️ SAT, MAY 16TH, 11AM-4PM
📣 COLONIAL DAY REV250 - Where the Past Meets Play!

Step back in time and experience history in a meaningful way.

- Interactive activities, traditional crafts & games
- Music, storytelling and legends

✨General admission is FREE✨

⭐️ Continental Army Participation ⭐️
Young folk can enlist in the "Continental Army" and set up their encampment. This is a ticketed event – reservations are STRONGLY suggested due to the number of participants per session.

American troops guarded the vital Ramapo Pass, a key strategic route during the war. General George Washington visited this historic area on multiple occasions.

Now it’s your turn to be part of the story—join the Continental Army that defended the pass and experience history come to life! You will be trained, set up a tent camp, and receive (souvenir) wages upon completion of your duty.
Fourth graders through adults can participate.

There are two sessions:
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM and 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
$15 per session
Tickets - https://www.friendsofharmonyhall.org/events-2/colonial-days-rev-250

Here’s to honoring the past while inspiring future generations to learn, explore, and appreciate the story of our nation.

04/08/2026

This SAT, APR 11-SUN, APR 12, 10AM-4PM
Antique Appraisal Show & Yard Sale

🕰️ Bring your antiques, collectibles, and vintage treasures to Harmony Hall-Jacob Sloat House on Sat, April 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for antique appraisals with RZM Fine Arts & Antiques, Inc.

Appraisals are $5 per item. While you’re there, browse the Friends of Harmony Hall yard sale happening at the same time. The yard sale will also continue on Sun, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All proceeds from the appraisal show and yard sales will support the restoration of Harmony Hall.