Yorktown’s Rocco preserves New York’s maritime history through new exhibit and upcoming book

For Yorktown historian and photographer David Rocco, history is more than something preserved in books and archives — it is something to be documented, shared and experienced. 

Throughout June, visitors to the John C. Hart Memorial Library can explore Rocco’s latest photography exhibition, “Historic Tall Ships and Fireboats.” The collection celebrates New York’s rich maritime heritage while highlighting two significant milestones in 2026: the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the enduring legacy of New York City’s historic fireboats. 

The exhibition features photographs of historic tall ships that will participate in the Sail4th 250 maritime celebration in New York Harbor from July 3-8, alongside images and historical materials related to the Fire Department of New York’s renowned marine division. 

Rocco will also present a special history program at the library on June 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. which will offer a preview of his upcoming book, “Fireboats of the FDNY,” scheduled for release on Aug. 25. The presentation will trace the history of FDNY fireboats from 1862 through 2019. 

“The PowerPoint presentation will be dedicated to the fireboats,” Rocco said. “I can take people from 1862 all the way through 2019… and tell the story of everything in between.” 

It is a story, he noted, that many people know little about. 

The FDNY Marine Division is widely regarded as one of the premier fireboat operations in the world. When Greater New York was consolidated in 1898, the department became responsible for protecting more than 500 miles of waterfront across the five boroughs. 

“Most people have no idea how extensive New York City’s waterfront really is,” Rocco said. 

His upcoming book is the culmination of more than three years of research and 10 months of collaboration with Arcadia Publishing. Along the way, he visited libraries, historical societies, newspaper archives, and even the FDNY’s own library on Randall’s Island, gathering photographs and stories that bring the department’s maritime history to life. 

Rocco’s path into historical preservation and photography, however, has been anything but conventional. 

A former carpenter with the New York City Housing Authority, he retired in the early 2000s after a career-ending knee injury. Photography, initially a practical tool for documenting construction projects, soon evolved into a lifelong passion. 

“I’ve always taken photographs,” he said. One project led to another, and before long Rocco found himself immersed in a variety of historical and photographic endeavors. 

Among them was the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie, where he first volunteered and later served on the board of directors. His involvement there sparked a deep connection to the Hudson River and its history. 

Over the past two decades, he has documented countless events along the river, including the replacement of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. Rocco spent eight years photographing the massive undertaking, capturing more than 20,000 images and even funding helicopter flights to obtain unique aerial perspectives. 

At the heart of his work is a desire to preserve moments that might otherwise be lost. He often emphasizes the importance of being ready when history unfolds. 

“When the moment’s gone, it’s gone,” he said. 

Visitors to the Shrub Oak exhibition will find not only images of fireboats and tall ships, but also some of Rocco’s personal favorite photographs, including Hudson Valley landscapes and wildlife. 

More importantly, he hopes attendees leave with a greater appreciation for the people and stories behind the images. 

“I want people to appreciate what these firefighters went through,” he said. The sacrifices they made, the dangers they faced and the history that is often forgotten are all aspects of the exhibit that Rocco hopes visitors will better understand after viewing the collection. 

As Rocco approaches his 70th birthday this fall, he shows little sign of slowing down. While promoting his new book, he is already considering future projects focused on local history and preservation. 

For now, however, his focus remains on sharing the stories of New York’s fireboats and maritime heritage with the community — ensuring that a vital piece of the region’s history continues to be remembered.