History News » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

George Washington’s original 1795 letter to several East End Suffolk County citizens is a primary attraction in For the Blessings of Liberty: Suffolk County and the American Revolution, 1775-1783, an exhibit at the Suffolk County Historical Society Museum (SCHSM), which opened on May 19.

History

“For the Blessings of Liberty,” at the Suffolk County Historical Society Museum’s ’s America 250 Exhibit

Posted on July 2, 2026

Last October, President Trump, like presidents before him, issued an executive proclamation declaring Oct. 11, 2025, General Pulaski Memorial Day.

History

Was General Pulaski a Revolutionary War Intersex Hero?

Posted on June 27, 2026

If America were handing out scores for the stories it chooses to remember, LGBTQ+ ballroom culture would earn a verdict without hesitation: tens across the board.

Tens Across the Board: Why Ballroom Culture Belongs at the Center of LGBTQ+ History

Posted on June 25, 2026

For those curious about the history of their community, the presentation "History of the South Side Sportsmen's Club and Town of Islip” will explore one of Islip's most influential yet often overlooked stories. The program will take place on Sunday, June 28, at 1 p.m. at the Connetquot River State Park Preserve.

Oakdale

South Side Sportsmen’s Club’s History to Be Explored on June 28

Posted on June 23, 2026

Over the past decade, the once-proud and elegant Dowling College campus in Oakdale has had its share of trials and tribulations, including trespassers and vandals after the institution closed in 2016. Even its brief use as a Suffolk County Police Department training ground could not keep trouble away. Now the embattled Idle Hour campus is on the market again.

Oakdale

Former Dowling College Oakdale Campus is Listed for Sale Again with Limited Historic Protections

Posted on June 16, 2026

The Cherry Grove community gathered at the historic Community House & Theater to unveil and dedicate a new 60-foot Pride flag mast overlooking the Grove at the first meeting of the 2026 season for the Cherry Grove Community Association Inc. (CGCAI) on May 17.

Cherry Grove Raises New Pride Flag Mast at Cherry Grove Historic Community House and Theater

Posted on June 14, 2026

Think you know baseball? Sure, you’re familiar with how the game is played today, with its pitch clock, 400-foot home runs, and the designated hitter—but what about its roots? Now, fans of America’s pastime can see how the game was played in its early days when the Brooklyn Atlantics and New York Mutuals vintage baseball teams face each other in Brightwaters on Saturday, June 20.

sports

Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library to Host 2nd Annual Baseball Day on June 20

Posted on June 11, 2026

Sixty-four years ago, in spring 1962, as a reporter in Suffolk County, I was working on my first big story—a plan to build a four-lane highway on Fire Island conceived by Robert Moses.

Fire Island National Seashore

64 Years Later: The Fight for Fire Island National Seashore Comes Full Circle

Posted on May 24, 2026

Revolutionary War Capt. Austin Roe, a Culper Spy Ring patriot, reportedly of modest demeanor, would likely have been surprised by the April 19 turnout at Cedar Grove Cemetery. The rededication of a marker in front of his gravestone (1749-1830), along with comments on his life as a significant risk-taker, drew 100 people, thanks mainly to the Greater Patchogue Historical Society (GPHS) and its treasurer, Steve Lucas, who hosted the event. But Children of the American Revolution (CAR) and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) are also part of the story.

Local Revolutionary War Hero Receives an Honorable Tribute

Posted on May 24, 2026

Saturday, April 25 (9-11 a.m.) Creek Defender Community Clean-Up with Save The Great South Bay Swan River & Mud Creek, East Patchogue: Caring for the Great South Bay begins on the land. Improve the quality of the water entering our bay by removing litter, debris, and invasive species through a group volunteer effort! Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience or age, to participate. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Clean-up gear will be provided. Meet at Pine Neck Boat Launch. Please wear eye protection, long sleeves, and pants; sturdy, water-resistant boots are recommended.

End of April, Come What May: Things To Do this Weekend and the Week Ahead

Posted on April 23, 2026

Creek Defender Clean Ups

Fresh Air in April: Things To Do over the Weekend and the Week Ahead Along Great South Bay Long Island

Posted on April 16, 2026

Blue Point and the rest of Suffolk County, following the devastating defeat of Washington’s forces at the Battle of Long Island in late August 1776, were in the grips of a British occupation. British shoreline fortifications stretched from Fort Greene, Brooklyn, to Sag Harbor, working around the clock—shipping all local resources stripped from South Shore communities to British command centers in New York City.

The Blue Point Privateers: Unsung Heroes of the American Revolution

Posted on April 16, 2026

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