Photo Memories

This is the second school house in Brentwood and is currently being used as the local history room.

Currently we are looking for photographs of your archives or history room.  We would like to incorporate them into our blog.  If you are considering doing this please send your jpegs via email to Inez Foster ifoster@suffolk.lib.ny.us or Mary Koferl mkoferl@suffolk.lib.ny.us Co-Chairs. Thank you.

Robert Weible, State Historian to Talk at LI History Committee Meeting

On Thursday, February 23rd The LI History Committee of RASD will hold it’s meeting at Suffolk Cooperative Library System in their Blue Room. Coffee will be served at 9:30 AM and our meeting will begin at 10AM. Robert Weible, State Historian and Chief Curator of the New York State Museum will talk generally about the State Museum, the State Archives, and the State Library and where we are heading and then focus on NYS and the Civil War. A question and answer period will follow the presentation. Anyone who is interested in attending this meeting should R.S.V.P. to mkoferl@suffolk.lib.ny.us or ifoster@suffolk.lib.ny.us. There will be a short business meeting following Mr. Weible presentation.

2011 Annual Trip

Minutes for February 24, 2011 Meeting

Long Island History Committee Minutes held at Suffolk Coopertive Library System

February 24, 2011

Meeting opened: 10:00 AM

First Order of Business: Arthur Mattson spoke about his book “Water and Ice: The Tragic Wrecks of the Bristol and the Mexico on the South Shore of Long Island.

Lecture concluded at 11:05 AM and break was taken.

Returned from break 11:30 AM

Second Order of Business: Spoke about the Performer’s Showcase planned for April 14. Letters were sent to 14 performers/lecturers who have historical programs. This will take place of business meeting. If you have a hand held scanner, pleace bring it.

Meeting will run to 12:00 PM

Cindy Sciacca asked if their would be time for the performers to put on a demonstration. It was decided that they could each be given 5 – 10 minutes to speak on their program.

Third Order of Business: Spoke about having a page for library histories. Each library could write a history for their website. If they don’t want to put it on their own website, they can put it on the History Committee’s site. Decided to include a history of PALS, which we would have to speak to Diane about.

Third Order of Business: New Business – Discussed Annual Trip. Grey Gardens was suggested. Will check on its accessibility.

Fourth Order of Business: Fall meeting will be held Thursday October 27.

Fifth Order of Business: Marie suggested we discuss how different libraries celebrate their Anniversaries.

Sixth Order of Business: Discuss whether or not we would rather meet at different libraries or at SCLS. It was decided that for the April and October meetings at least we would meet at SCLS.

Seventh Order of Business: Librarians discussed what has been going on at the Local History departments of their libraries.

Meeting adjourned at 12:30 PM

Agenda for Long Island History Committee of RASD

Agenda for Long Island History Committee of RASD
Thursday, February 24, 2011
SCLS Blue Room

1. Coffee at 9:30 am
2. Speaker Introduction:
Arthur S. Mattson author of the book, “WATER AND ICE: The Tragic Wrecks of the Bristol and the Mexico on the South Shore of Long Island” will discuss his book.
3. Call the meeting to order 11:30 am.
4. Approval of minutes
5. Old Business
a. Long Island History Performers Showcase on Thursday, April 14, 2011.
b. Library Histories – Create webpage to link local libraries histories
c. Local History Room Survey

6. New Business
a. Plans for May 2011 Field Trip
b. Fall 2012 Meeting Schedule
c. Topics for future meetings
d. Genealogy Roundup
e. What is new in local history?
f. What is new at your archive, historical society or local history room?

7. Meeting adjourned

February 24, 2011 Meeting Author Visit

The Long Island History Committee of RASD is delighted to announce
that Arthur S. Mattson will be speaking at our next program on
Thursday, February 24th at Suffolk Cooperative library System in the
Blue Room. Mr. Mattson is the author of “Water and Ice: The Tragic
Wrecks of the Bristol and the Mexico on the South Shore of Long
Island.” Come listen to these two dramatic tales of shipwrecks and
rescues during 1836 and 1837. Afterward their will be an opportunity
to purchase his book and have it autographed. Coffee and cake will be
served at 9:30 AM and the program will follow. This promises to be an
entertaining and interesting program for all. There will be a short
business meeting after Mr. Mattson’s presentation. This program is
open to all SCLA members. Please R.S.P.V. by emailing
mkoferl@suffolk.lib.ny.us or call 631-273-7883 X 309.

For more information on the book visit http://www.blogster.com/lynhistory/write-your-title-here-251008213921

Long Island History Committee Minutes for March 18, 2010

LONG ISLAND HISTORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
March 18, 2010
Longwood Public Library

Present: Mary Koferl, Cynthia Sciacca, Natalie Naylor, Marie Horney, Nick Zinno, John Rienzo, Teresa Schwind, Adele Bennett, Barbara Johnson, Chris Kretz, Jo-Ann Carhart, Mark Rothenberg, Melanie Cardone-Leathers, Judith Wolfe, Virginia Gibbons, Cynthia Sciacca, Mary Lee Gaylor, Inez Foster, David Morrison.

Thank you to the staff of the Longwood Library for hosting the meeting.

The meeting opened at 10:05 AM with Mary Koferl introducing David Morrison, author of “Long Island Rail Road Stations” and retired Long Island Rail Road branch line manager. Mr. Morrison gave an interesting and informative presentation on the History of the Long Island Railroad that included a slide show and question and answer period. The program concluded at 11:10 and there was a short break of twenty minutes.

The business section of the meeting was officially opened at 11:30 AM. The minutes were read and approved.

Old Business:

First order of business: The annual trip was discussed. Teresa Schwind and Jo-Ann Carhart reported on the arrangements, and it was agreed that the trip would consist of a tour of the Police Museum and old gas station. There would be no fee for the tour, which would take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 27. It was decided that lunch would follow at the Mill House Inn, with everyone ordering off the menu and being responsible for the cost of their own meal. Jo-Ann noted that the Mill House Inn required an $80.00 deposit, which she was going to put a request into RASD for. Teresa said that she would make up a flyer for the trip.

Second order of business: Mary Koferl hopes to complete the Library Surveys within the next couple of weeks. Thee are still about 25 people we need to call and talk to about completing their surveys. Mary will contact the Survey Committee to see if those on the committee are still interested in participating.

New Business;

First order of business: The next meeting will be held September 16, possibly at Cold Spring Harbor Public Library.

Second order of business: Discussion was held on online genealogy sites. Included was information on Roots TV, which will be closing, though its archives will still be online, and the Genealogical Gems Podcast, which lets you know what’s going on in the genealogical world.

Third order of business: Although Sharon Pullen could not make the meeting, she sent a letter about Historic Suffolk County, informing everyone that it was not going to be held this year. A discussion following dealing with what we could do to revive it.

Fourth order of business: Those present discussed the latest projects they have been working on at their libraries.

It was noted that Cynthia Sciacca of Longwood will be retiring at the end of June. We will certainly miss her participation and enthusiasm, but wish her the best of luck.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Inez Foster

Agenda for March 18, 2010

Long Island History Committee of RASD
Agenda for Thursday, March 18, 2010
Longwood Public Library
1. Coffee at 9:30 am
2. Speaker Introduction – Topic of Discussion – Long Island Rail Road
Railroads had been in existence for only nine years when the Long Island Rail Road was chartered on April 24, 1834. The LIRR, which celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2009, is now the busiest commuter railroad in North America – and the oldest railroad in the U.S. still operating under its original name. There is no doubt that the development of Long Island is directly linked to the growth of its railroad. David Morrison author of “Long Island Rail Road Stations” and retired Long Island Rail Road branch line manager will provide us with an interesting presentation on the History of the Long Island Rail Road. David Morrison is the author of two other railroad histories and is the chairman of the Oyster Bay Station Restoration Committee.

3. Call the meeting to order 11 am
4. Approval of minutes
5. Old Business
a. Field Trip Committee
b. Survey Committee
5. New Business
a. Topic for September 2010 Meeting and set date
b. Genealogy Roundup
c. Voice Your Concerns about the Proposed Renovations at the U.S. National Archives
c. What are you currently working on in the Local History Room?
7. Meeting adjourned

January 21, 2010 Minutes

Local History Committee Meeting Minutes
January 21, 2010
Suffolk Cooperative Library System

Present: Mary Koferl, Inez Foster, Jeff Bavolar, Barbara M. Russell, Mary Lee Gaylor, Thomas B. Smith, Mary Cascone, Melissa Andruski, Mariella Ostroski, Carol Bloomgarden, Adele Fitzgerald, Adele Bennett, Nick Zino, Virginia Gibbons, Carolyn Agenjo, Mark Rothenberg, Natalie Naylor, Diane Holliday, Teresa Schwind, Jo-Ann Carhart, Barbara Johnson, Marie Horney, Robert C. Hughes, and Cynthia Sciacca.

First order of business: The meeting was held at the Babylon Public Library and was officially called to order at 10:02 am, at which time the first of our speakers, Barbara Russell from the Town of Brookhaven, was introduced. Ms. Russell spoke about the process of how a building gains landmark status in her township. She was followed at 10:20 AM by Robert Hughes from Huntington and at 10:50 AM by Thomas Smith from Babylon, each of which spoke on how the process was carried out in their respective townships. Mr. Smith spoke about his involvement in the Police Museum project in Yaphank and the Town Hall project in Babylon, which is scheduled to be completed on June 11.

Second order of business: The speakers finished at 11.20 AM, at which time a short break was called. The meeting was resumed at 11:25 AM, and the minutes of our last meeting were checked, corrected, and accepted. We then discussed our annual field trip. Teresa Schwind suggested we visit Oheka Castle, Old Westbury Gardens, or the Vanderbilt Estate. Mary Koferl suggested the Police Museum, which Mr. Smith had spoken about as he offered to arrange a private tour for our group. Cindy Sciacca mentioned that if we went to the Police Museum, we could go to the Mill House Inn for lunch. Mariella Ostroski suggested we take a vote, and the Police Museum was elected unanimously.

Third order of business: Mary Koferl said that she had received 25 surveys back from libraries. When she gets the information organized, she will need a few people to volunteer to call those libraries that we have not heard from.

Fourth order of business: Natalie Naylor suggested that since it is the Anniversary of the Long Island Railroad, we should ask David Morrison to speak at our next meeting. All agreed, and Mary will email him to see if he would be able to attend. The next meeting will be held Thursday, March 18. Cinday Sciacca offered to hold the meeting at the Longwood Public Library.

Fifth order of business: Mary Koferl mentioned that the Southern California Genealogical Society is holding its 10th Annual Writers Contest. She will look into whether or not the articles about family history can be from anywhere in the United States or just California. Natalie Naylor noted that the new name for the Long Island Historical Journal is The Long Island History Journal and is available on line for free at http://www.stonybrook.edu/lihj. Mariella Ostroski mentioned a postcard show where librarians could look for postcards of local historical interest. She is going to find out more information about when and where the show will be held.

Members each spoke about what they are currently working in local history at their individual libraries, and the meeting was adjourned at 12:25 PM

Respectfully submitted,
Inez Foster – Co-chair – Babylon Public Library

2010 LI History Committee of RASD Annual Trip

This year’s trip will take place on Thursday, May 27th. We will be touring the Suffolk County Police Museum. For more information see the attached pdf file. Annual Trip Flier

September 24, 2009 Minutes

LONG ISLAND HISTORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
September 24, 2009
Longwood Public Library

Present: Mary Koferl, Cynthia Sciacca, Adele Bennett, Virginia Gibbons, Barbara Johnson, Janet Hoffman, Carol Bloomgarden, Lori King, Teresa Schwind, Diane Holliday, Marie J. Harney, Beth Gates, Jo-Ann Carhart, Melissa Andrushi.

Thank you to the staff of East Northport Library for hosting the meeting.

Demonstration and discussion on how to mount photographs under glass and how to preserve photographs took place during the first part of the meeting.

Mary Koferl called the business meeting to order at 11:15 am. Jo-Ann Carhart made a motion to accept minutes and Marie Horney seconded the motion.

Old Business
Mary Koferl presented the survey and asked for suggestions or changes. Cynthia Sciacca asked about numbering items for clarity. A discussion took place on what was meant when we said special projects. Suggestion was given that we remove item 22 as it was the same as item 23.
It was agreed that the Survey would be sent to only public libraries and people on the committee. It was also agreed that the results of the survey would be posted on the committee’s website. It was suggested that policies and procedures would be collected and placed in a binder for members to review. Approval of the Survey followed.

Historic Suffolk County
An annoucement was made that Historic Suffolk County Event would take place on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at the Setuaket Neighborhood House. This event is run by Suffolk County Archivist, Sharon Pullen. For more information visit her website.

Committee for Annual Field Trip
A request was made for volunteers to work on 2010 annual field trip. Teresa Schwind, Jo-Ann Carhart volunteered for this committee.

New Business
It was suggested that the committee look for speakers to discuss the political aspects of preserving a historic building for the next meeting to be held on November 19 at a place to be determined.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:05pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Adele Bennett