Historical News and Views from the Empire State
In the year 1658, at the south fork of Long Island, there was a small fishing and farming settlement called Easthampton.
Recently settled by English Puritans (by way of New England), it was governed by a small group of village aldermen, which was headed by Lord Lion Gardiner, a former British military engineer, who faithfully served English King Charles 1st , during the Pequot War, (1636-1638). [Read more…] about Witch, Be Gone! A Witch Trial Set In Long Island
A whaling frenzy gripped the East End of Long Island in the mid-1600s. Prominent settlers in the area fought the elements and each other to pursue this often brutal, bloody, yet extremely profitable trade. And the most sought-after crews were drawn from the local Native American population: Shinnecock, Unkechaug, and Montauketts.
Dr. John Strong, professor emeritus of Southampton College, documents this history in his latest book, America’s Early Whalemen: Indian Shore Whalers on Long Island, 1650-1750. Combing records and primary sources from across the Island, he pieces together a portrait of a neglected period of American history. [Read more…] about Early Whaling on Long Island
SculptureCenter in Long Island City has announced upcoming programming which includes the first U.S. exhibition of Banu Cennetoğlu, solo exhibitions by French artist Jean-Luc Moulène and LA-based artist Fiona Connor, and a site-specific public artwork for Court Square by Matt Keegan.
Additional highlights include the annual In Practice exhibition featuring new work by emerging artitsts and the release of SculptureCenter’s first e-book, a continuation of the series Inquiries into Contemporary Sculpture. [Read more…] about SculptureCenter Issues New Exhibition, Program Schedule
Author and historian Kerriann Flanagan Brosky has found an engaging way to teach local history: add in ghosts. With her partner Joe Giaquinto, she has made a specialty of investigating historic hauntings across Long Island. On the latest episode of The Long Island History Project, she shares her experiences with the paranormal and how it’s affected her everyday life. [Read more…] about Ghosts of Long Island Local History
The 29th annual Apple Festival at Sherwood–Jayne Farm has been set for Sunday, September 30th. From freshly pressed cider and homemade pies, this year’s festival brings apples and much more.
While two of the highlights of the festival are the Apple Pie Baking Contest and Live Apple Pie Auction, there are continuous activities, special programs and apple-related demonstrations throughout the day including: Live Music, Old Fashioned Games and Relay Races, Apple Crafts, Face Painting, Pony and Hay Rides, Apple Pressing with Johnny Appleseed, Apple Cider Tasting, Colonial Cooking Demonstrations, Historic House and Barn Tours, Local Artisans and Vendors for Crafts, Food and Beverages. [Read more…] about Preservation Long Island Apple Festival September 30th
Preservation Long Island has announced a call for nominations for their 2019 Endangered Historic Places Program (EHHP).
Preservation Long Island’s Endangered Historic Places Program (EHPP) offers Long Islanders an opportunity to advocate for preservation priorities in their communities while learning how to use tools like landmark designation, tax incentives, and public outreach. [Read more…] about Long Island Endangered Historic Places Sought
Volunteer fire departments have existed on Long Island since the 1800s, many of them growing out of the great estates that lined the Great South Bay. Fast forward to the 1990s, when a group of firefighters in Islip decide to form their own museum to preserve this history.
Tom Rinelli, historian of the Islip Town Fire & EMS Museum, tells this story on the latest episode of The Long Island History Project. We discuss vintage fire trucks, notable fires, strange devices, and the challenge of building and running an all-volunteer museum with no taxpayer dollars. [Read more…] about Islip Town Fire & EMS Museum (Podcast)
How should we advocate on behalf of state and local history? Perhaps instead of focusing at the state level, we should think more locally.
I recently wrote about the Long Island history community and the recently held Long Island Historian Summit. You can read about it here: Advocating for State and Local History: A Regional Case Study
With the story of the Culper Spy Ring enjoying a renaissance, we talk with Margo Arceri of Strong’s Neck in Setauket, Long Island, who heard the story of from the great-great-granddaughter of one of the spies herself. She went on to found Tri-Spy Tours and Culper Spy Day while also working with the Three Village Historical Society.
As a bonus, we also had Danielle Campbell join the conversation. Danielle is an anchor and reporter for News 12 Long Island and produces the Long Island’s Hidden Past segment for the cable channel. [Read more…] about Anna Smith Strong: Patriot and Spy
Behind every great woman is another great woman and Natalie Naylor is bringing them all to light. Her book Women in Long Island’s Past (History Press, 2012), highlights the accomplished and acclaimed women who have been connected to Long Island over the centuries.
From early Algonquian sunksquaws to 20th century suffragists, from First Ladies to famous flyers, Natalie gives us a wide-ranging look at what women have accomplished on the Island. Just some of the notables include Julia Gardiner Tyler, Ethel Roosevelt Derby, Elinor Smith, and Barbara McClintock. [Read more…] about Notable Women In Long Island History