By Bill Landon
The Three Village Historical Society hosted their annual Candlelight House Tours on Dec. 6 and 7. It was the 45th edition of the time-honored tradition where six historical homes opened their doors for guided tours, offering a glimpse into yesteryear. These windows into the past took place in the East Setauket historic district this year.
To learn more about the TVHS, visit www.tvhs.org or call 631-751-3730.
By Kimberly Phyfe
The Three Village Historical Society (TVHS) is proud to announce Kayleigh Smith as their 2024 Research Fellow.
TVHS embarked on the ambitious Historical House Marker program earlier this year, expanding well beyond the original scope of the first markers by the Society at its founding. Six decades on, this new iteration of the program re-imagined the parameters for what qualifies as a historic home in our community.
So how could they pull off researching the 60+ homes that applied to see which would receive a marker? That’s where Kayleigh Smith comes in.
Smith recently graduated from Stony Brook University where her “major in anthropology has fueled my aspiration to work in an environment that both preserves historical heritage and actively engages and inspires the public. The Three Village Historical Society exemplifies this mission, making it an ideal environment for applying my skills and furthering my professional growth.”
Always eager to dive deeply into the rich tapestry of cultural diversity, Smith was seeking a meaningful volunteer opportunity in the TVHS archives. Exhibits & Collections Coordinator, Scott Ferrara, recognized what a talented researcher Smith is, and recommended an extended project for her.
“Kayleigh’s work with archival management and research has been profound,” said Ferrara. “She quickly picked up on local historical geography and the many genealogical connections between families in the Three Village community. Kayleigh’s efforts particularly shined through the organization of the Society’s archival collections and the navigation of our extensive collections in support of the Historic House Marker Program. Going forward, the lessons learned from Kayleigh’s efforts and the successes she’s had will lay the framework for future historical house research,” he said.
The Historic House Marker program has been years in the making and six long months of in depth compilation of more than fifty research packets for approved home owners. The binders are full to the brim of deed histories, genealogy, newspaper articles, photographs, drawings, and anything Smith could find related to each property and the generations of residents.
“While my research is deeply fulfilling, it is the opportunity to connect with people and share my findings that truly underscores the value of my work,” Smith shared.
Special events such as Culper Spy Day, the Spirits Graveyard Tour, and the Candlelight House Tour have given Smith additional insight into why TVHS is treasured by the community.
“Participating in these events and engaging with the community on a personal level instills deep reverence for the significance of this research,” she said.
Funding for this new position was made possible by the generous support of long-time Society Member, Fred Bryant. In 2023, the Three Village Historical Society renamed one of their annual awards in his honor. The newly titled Fred E. Bryant Community Award is “in appreciation of valuable contributions to the advancement of the quality of life in the Three Villages and the fostering of pride in the rich historical heritage of our homes and lands.”
For 2024, the first recipients of the Bryant Community Award were Joe and Laura Troffa. Bryant graciously attached a significant donation to his new award, to be made in honor of the Troffas. Thus, the Bryant/Troffa Research Fellowship was created, and the Society is able to bring on exceptional talent such as Smith to fill the role.
“It was an incredible honor and complete surprise to be awarded the first Fred Bryant Community Service Award” stated Laura Troffa. “Joe and I, like Fred, share a mutual passion for preserving the history of this amazing community.”
Smith said that she is “grateful for the Bryant/Troffa Fellowship because it represents the next stepping stone in my career path. I have long aspired to work in a museum setting — curating exhibits and making meaningful discoveries that resonate with people. This Fellowship has validated that my skills transcend the confines of the classroom and can be effectively utilized in dynamic settings, where I engage with historical, community, and personal narratives on a daily basis.”
The Troffas moved to Setauket in the 1970’s and “we knew it was a very special place,” said Laura.
“We became avid supporters of the TVHS to learn more about the historical buildings and the events that took place in our community dating back to the Revolutionary War. From that day forward, we’ve had the pleasure of sponsoring the Annual Candlelight Tour, as well as contributing to various projects that helped preserve and enrich many of the Society’s historical buildings that we all cherish!”
The Troffas “are so excited to hear Kayleigh’s hard work has been instrumental in the success of the upcoming Historic House Marker celebration! Our collections and archives are so important and integral to promoting education within our community!”
Author Kimberly Phyfe is the Community Engagement Manager at the Three Village Historical Society in Setauket.
By Tara Mae
The holidays are a time to celebrate community, both big and small. Local holiday markets abound with opportunities for festive fun and merry memories in the making.
Whether singular excursions or weeks-long endeavors, these holiday affairs are designed to foster a jovial mood. More than just shopping sites, they enable attendees to forge new traditions as they support local craftspeople and discover one-of-a-kind items.
Upcoming celebrations include the Holiday Market Wonderland at the Reboli Center in Stony Brook, Winter Holiday Market at Setauket Neighborhood House, and Holiday Gift Bazaar at Gallery North in Setauket, Station Yards Ronkonkoma’s Holiday Market and Holiday Markets of the Huntington Holiday Spectacular.
Set up in a large heated tent behind the Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook and organized by Tracey Balaker of Freebird Events, the third annual Holiday Night Market Wonderland will be held on Saturday, November 30, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Reboli’s gallery and gift shop, which normally close at 5 p.m., will stay open for the duration of the occasion.
“I am excited to bring this event to the Reboli Center, right in the heart of magical Stony Brook Village; it is such a great location. I was trying to create a Bryant Park village, Christmas market feel — everyone comes dressed and adorns their spaces with lights,” said Balaker.
Approximately 55 vendors — both inside and outside the tent — will offer items such as baked goods, handmade crafts, unique gifts, and clothing. A food stand will provide sweet treats, including cider and hot chocolate, for visitors to enjoy as they are serenaded by carolers, the Celestial Singers. Frosty the Snowman, the Gingerbread Man, and other holiday characters will make cameo appearances, and a pony from Peaches Pony Parties will be decked out as a reindeer and pose for photo opportunities.
“Everyone who has come to it the past few years says it feels like a Hallmark Christmas movie,” said Balaker.
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From a film scene to a historic setting, Three Village Historical Society’s (TVHS) fourth annual Winter Holiday Market will take place at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket on Sunday, December 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Displaying an array of evergreen accent pieces, edible artistry, and artisanal craftsmanship, 32 vendors will be situated throughout the building and on the porch.
“We have stunning greenery displays and floral arrangements, New York cheese, balsamic glazes, local honey, decorated cookies, delicious baked goods, spices and seasonings and soups, farm fresh preserves, and a brand new distillery with a Culper Spy theme,” said TVHS Community Engagement Manager Kimberly Phyfe.
Other participants will be offering their artisanal products: jewelry, soaps, candles, pottery, knitwear, clothing, personalized drinkware, and artwork. TVHS will likewise have a pop-up gift shop with trinkets, books, and other selections from its inventory.
“We are so looking forward to giving our guests a place to shop small & support local,” Phyfe said.
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Located at 90 North Country Road in Setauket, Gallery’s North’s fourth annual Holiday Gift Bazaar is another celebration of communal appreciation as well as artistic expression. On Saturday, December 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., it will highlight the work of 12 artists displaying their jewelry, ceramics, wood craft, fiber art, candles, and printmaking.
“The Gallery North Holiday Gift Bazaar is a special indoor holiday gift market that provides an alternative to online and department store shopping. Artists will display their work on tables in both the Gallery and the Studio,” Gallery North Director of Development Erin Smith said.
Patrons will also be able to choose works from the gallery’s current exhibition, Deck the Halls, and choose from an array of handmade, local goods in its gift shop. Level Up Kitchen will be onsite, selling food and drinks.
“The Bazaar is an excellent opportunity to support local artists and businesses,” Smith said.
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The newly opened Station Yards at 3 Hawkins Avenue in Ronkonkoma and the Holiday Markets of the Huntington Holiday Spectacular will give audiences multiple chances to embrace the joyful camaraderie of the season.
On Saturdays, November 30 to December 21, from noon to 4 p.m., Station Yards will premiere its first Holiday Market around the Village Green. Shop from a curated selection of local vendors and artisans, offering unique gifts, handmade goods, and seasonal treats—perfect for holiday gifting.
Available every Friday and Sunday in December, from noon to 5 p.m., except Friday, December 6, when it turns into a night market from 5 to 9 p.m., the Holiday Markets along Wall Street in Huntington will be multi-sensory spectacles presenting a collection of shopping and social conveniences.
At the heart of these five holiday markets is the enticement of strengthening existing human connections and forging new ones while promoting common interests.
“When your holiday gifts come from small business owners and local vendors, the money stays within the neighborhood. It’s more than purchasing the perfect present, it’s building up our own community,” Phyfe said.
By Beverly C. Tyler
“I manage to go on shore more or less in every port and learn the different manners and customs of different nations and the works of God and man, both nature and art. I find much to amuse, edify and interest us, and see what so many travelers pay large sums for, while Henry makes a living and the brig is our hotel and even what is much better, our home.” — Mary Rowland, January 1873
In the graveyard of Setauket Presbyterian Church, near the center rear, lie the graves of Captain Henry L. Rowland (1827-1876) and his wife, Mary Satterly Rowland (1832-1908). The couple’s farm was situated south of their final resting place, between Main Street and Setauket Harbor. Today, Setauket School faces what was once the Rowland farm.
Mary is one of the women featured in the Three Village Historical Society’s Spirits cemetery tour. Her life, like that of many women who lived in the area and traveled the world, remains largely unknown. A portion of Mary’s tumultueous sea adventures is documented in the book “Hen Frigates” by New Zealander Joan Druett.
“At 4 a.m., tacking on shore,” Mary Rowland wrote in 1856, “the vessel was rolling and pitching badly.” Everything below was “upside down, and there is no rest or peace to be had. Worst of all, one could hardly keep in bed, especially on one tack; when I sit down, I must of necessity take the floor for a sofa.”
Despite the hardships, Henry and Mary spent over 20 years living aboard three different sailing ships that traveled the world, carrying cargo from port to port. The couple’s children grew up on these ships, built in East Setauket, and one of them, Woodhull, was born on board.
“The captain’s wife gave birth to a child,” reads the logbook entry of the brig Thomas W. Rowland for October 21, 1857, near the island of Abaco. Mary Rowland’s two daughters, Henrietta and Mary Emma, were sent between decks with their dolls to play while Henry delivered the baby boy, christened Woodhull.
During the American Civil War, Captain Henry Rowland’s bark Glenwood sailed under sealed orders, with its destination (Pensacola, to deliver supplies to the troops) unknown until the orders were opened. The voyage south was traumatic; the vessel was struck twice by lightning, resulting in the death of one crew member. Mary’s youngest child, Willie, fell ill with yellow fever as they neared Pensacola Bay. All night, as they lay hove to near Santa Rosa Island, she fought for her son’s life while cannonballs from Confederate and Union gunships screamed overhead. When the battle was over, the Glenwood had survived unscathed but the little boy was dead.
The diaries, journals, letters and artifacts of Setauket wives Mary Satterly Rowland, Mary Swift Jones and Ellen Elizabeth Jones, along with the logbooks of their captain husbands, are part of the collection at the Three Village Historical Society. These materials, donated by local residents and relatives, provide valuable insight into the lives of women at sea aboard wooden commercial ships. These women, along with their children in many cases, traveled the world with their husbands and fathers. Their experiences are part of the many stories told in the Society’s exhibition, “The Sailing Circle: 19th Century Seafaring Women from New York.”
The two Marys are featured in Hen Frigates along with many other women and children whose adventures make for fascinating reading. They are also included in the exhibit catalog The Sailing Circle, available in the society gift shop.
“Hen Frigates” by Joan Druett, available at the Emma S. Clark Library, is a seafaring book packed with intriguing details about shipboard life during the 19th century, when wooden ships and their crews journeyed along the North American coast and around the world. More than just a book about families at sea, Hen Frigates covers in dramatic detail the growth of American maritime commerce in the 19th century.
One of the most interesting aspects of local history is its connections to larger realms of people and events. Our community is linked in many ways to our region, nation and the world—a reality that has persisted throughout our history. The Three Village community is wonderfully rich in both natural and man-made resources that illustrate and exemplify these connections.
Beverly Tyler is an author and the historian for the Three Village Historical Society, located at 93 North Country Road, Setauket. Visit www.tvhs.org for more information.
By Kimberly Phyfe
The Three Village Historical Society (TVHS) celebrated its 30th Annual Spirits Graveyard Tour on Oct. 19. The sold out event, titled Revolutionary Women: Living History/ Sharing Her Story, honored local women from as far back as 300 years ago who were revolutionary in their time.
TVHS Director Mari Irizarry commented on the staying power of three decades of this event. “We are so proud that the Spirits Tour has been running for thirty years, and grateful that the community continues to come out to enjoy this event! There is no shortage of incredible stories to tell of the people who lived, worked, died, and are buried here. With over three hundred years of history, there is something new to discover every time we put on a show!”
All eight scenes of the humorous, honest, and often heart-breaking women and men portrayed on the Spirits Tour were real people who lived in Setauket at one point in their lives. The majority of them are buried at Setauket Presbyterian Church or Caroline Episcopal Church, where the walking tour takes place every year.
As you wander Three Village and explore the historic sites, inspiration is everywhere. The theme for Revolutionary Women came up as traditionally, a woman’s place in history was in relation to the men around her. The Society wanted to give these women a chance to tell their own stories, many of them in their own words.
Rebecca Kassay was a first time actor in this year’s tour who wishes that everyone knew “that the spirits being portrayed were real people whose dynamic lives shaped the community we know and love today, and the Spirits Tour is a rare opportunity to hear their stories.”
When asked why she chose to get involved for the first time, Kassay stated “I’m grateful to be a part of the TVHS’s innovative efforts to bring history to life for audiences of all ages, connecting our past to our present, which helps to build a stronger future for our community.”
Elizabeth Marra is another first time actor on the Spirits Tour who noted that “our area is renowned for the contributions of local men in our revolutionary and seafaring history, but there were such beautiful, poignant, and inspiring women that history has forgotten. I enjoyed getting to know all of their stories.”
Marra spoke about her character that “the young woman I got to play, Mary Swift Jones — she was one of the first Americans (not just women) to see China and Japan. It was fascinating to think of the scale of the experience she must have had and how that must have sat with locals, especially for her time and being such a young woman.”
Mary Swift Jones and her husband, Captain Benjamin Jones, are both laid to rest at Setauket Presbyterian Church. Rob Von Bernewitz, long time tour guide and chair of the Cemetery Committee at TVHS, cleaned Mary’s headstone with permission for the special occasion.
While there were fresh faces joining the Tour this year, there were several long standing actors and guides who have been around for all three decades! Morton Rosen “has been performing in the tour ever since it was started 30 years ago! I have portrayed men who lived in our community in the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Each time I learn something new that makes me proud to live in Setauket and it is a pleasure to share that pride with those who visit our spirits. It is so important for everyone to know that what we call history was generated by the people who lived here and created the stories we celebrate today.” Rosen portrayed Captain Gilbert Floyd in a scene with his granddaughter, Blanche Dominick played by Suzanne Velazquez.
George Overin has been part of the Spirits Tour since 2017. This year, he was Thomas Hodgkins, uncle of Emma S. Clark. “So many people came up to talk to me after the tour who love the library, but didn’t know anything about Emma, her uncle who founded it in her honor, or Emma’s revolutionary generosity in helping others! The Three Village Historical Society seeks to answer questions we maybe haven’t even thought to ask — and they do it all with knowledge, compassion, and by creating wonderfully memorable experiences!”
An incredibly special touch this year was the inclusion of the four female lighthouse keepers at Old Field Point Lighthouse. The Society worked with Old Field Point in 2023 to assist Trustee Rebecca Van Der Bogart on getting the lighthouse on the National Register of Historic Places. In the Spirits Tour, Van Der Bogart herself portrayed Elizabeth Shoemaker — the first female lighthouse keeper not only at Old Field Point, but in New York State history! Haley Ogle portrayed the longest serving female lighthouse keeper, Betsy Smith, along with Caterina Vacchi Suzzi as Mary Foster, and Karen Wexler as Amelia Jayne.
Choosing which spirits to include every year is a daunting task. First the Society creates a theme, then researches which people would best fit the narrative. Irizarry joked that “if we honored all the women we wanted to, the tour would have been several days long! Choosing which stories to include is a grueling process, and we end up saving many of the spirits for future years.”
The scripts were written and edited by Kimberly Phyfe and researched by TVHS Archives Fellow Kayleigh Smith. The Society invited two professional guest writers for the monologues: Camile Arnone wrote for Amelia Shepard Jones Clay and Stephanie Drewisis wrote for Thomas Hodgkins.
Mary Satterly Rowland’s script was comprised entirely in her own words, from journal entries in the society’s archives. The witch trials of Mary and Ralph Hall and Goody Garlick were shaped by Scott Ferrara’s book, Accused of Witchcraft in New York.
The scene for Mary Swift Jones was heavily influenced by Bev Tyler’s new book Love and Letters from Japan which included many of Mary’s letters. Tyler will be presenting his book at the Society’s free monthly lecture series on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Setauket Neighborhood House.
The 30th Annual Spirits Graveyard Tour was sponsored by Annmarie’s Farm Stand, Luigi’s Pizzeria, Starbucks, Apple Bank and Stop & Shop in East Setauket. Chamber music was provided by students in the Ward Melville High School orchestra, and traffic assistance was given by the History Honor Society at WMHS. Special contributions were made by the Education Committee: Bev Tyler, Donna Smith, Lindsey Steward-Goldberg, Town of Brookhaven Historian Barbara Russell, and Spirits Tour Committee Chair Janet McCauley.
Three Village Historical Society would especially like to thank Setauket Presbyterian Church and Caroline Episcopal Church for their unwavering support of this sold-out event year after year!
Author Kimberly Phyfe is the Community Engagement Manager at the Three Village Historical Society.
Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will host a Community Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Representatives from over a dozen organizations will be at the event including the American Red Cross, Avalon Nature Preserve, Bethel Hobbs Community Farm, Emma Clark Library’s Teen Department, Guide Dog Foundation, Last Chance Animal Rescue, Open Door Exchange, Parker Jewish Institute – Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands Program, Sisters of St. Joseph, Sweetbriar Nature Center, Theatre Three, Three Village Historical Society, Three Village Lending Aids Society and the Ward Melville Heritage Organization.
Furthermore, there will be a table with materials from organizations who were unable to attend the fair but are also looking for volunteers. There is no registration necessary and the event is open to all. For more information, call 631-941-4080.
Three Village Historical Society continues its lecture series at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket with a presentation titled Freedomland U.S.A.: The Definitive History with speaker Mike Virgintino on Monday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.
Located in New York City, Freedomland U.S.A. was celebrated as the “Disneyland of the East.” While it survived only five seasons (1960-1964), to this day the park generates fond memories among baby boomers who enjoyed its American history-themed attractions.
Freedomland was conceived and built by C.V. Wood and his Marco Engineering Company. Known to many as Woody, he was Disneyland’s first employee and he brought Walt Disney’s imagination to life by leading the team that built that park. He then created Marco Engineering to build theme parks and other venues across the country. Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington and the community of Lake Havasu, Arizona, continue to prosper. The northeast Bronx marshland that featured Freedomland U.S.A. eventually became a housing development and a shopping center.
Unknown to Woody and the general public that adored Freedomland during the early 1960s, landowner William Zeckendorf, Sr., local politicians, city planners and construction unions considered the park a “placeholder” until property variances permitted significant development on the marshland. The variances provided the green light for the construction of the largest cooperative housing community in the world. A shopping center was added about a decade later and an indoor mall was constructed on the remaining undeveloped land during 2012.
“Co-op City was on New York City’s blueprints before the first shovel of dirt was turned to build the park,” said Virgintino. “Freedomland U.S.A. was doomed to fail before the first guest entered the park. As everyone was hailing this great achievement in The Bronx on its opening day, Woody already was concentrating on his Texas park and other projects. Other people, including William Zeckendorf, Sr., operated Freedomland U.S.A. and they kept it afloat, or ran it into the ground, depending on one’s perspective. The park survived until the land variances could be applied to the property. Then, Freedomland U.S.A. was declared a bankrupt and the
land was cleared for development.”
The lecture is free to the public, pre-registration encouraged by visiting www.tvhs.org. For more information, call 631-751-3730.
By Kimberly Phyfe
Three Village Historical Society launched its first annual Culper Spy 5K on Sunday, Sept. 8. It’s the first annual because there are already plans in the works to bring this wonderful community event back next year.
Margo Arceri of Tri-Spy Tours is the brainchild behind Culper Spy Day, which just celebrated its tenth year. As she stated in her welcome address, “It takes a village, sometimes three!” She remarked that “this community has truly embraced the Culper Spy Ring story that reaches all ages. I look forward to Culper Spy Weekend next September with the 5K becoming a huge part of the celebration of our rich history.”
The festivities began on the TVHS lawn with a stretch and warm up from Real Deal Fitness with bagels and coffee donated by David Prestia of Bagel Express.
As families gathered, 17 children participated in a fun run to Ridgeway Avenue and return. Back at the starting line on North Country Road, 309 racers got ready to run through the Old Setauket Historic District. The route headed north past the Setauket Neighborhood House where volunteers stationed a water stop, through Frank Melville Park, across Main Street by Patriots Rock, around Caroline Church and back to the historical society headquarters.
These sites were once farmlands, battlefields and home to Revolutionary War heroes which made the run “powerful and emotional — you really feel the deep sense of pride in our history when you’re out there,” one runner commented.
As head of the Three Village Dads Foundation, David Tracy posted that 3V Dads were “honored to be the finish line sponsor of the inaugural Culper Spy 5K hosted by the Three Village Historical Society. What a great turnout, beautiful day and awesome route. Looking forward to next year’s event!”
Mari Irizarry, director of TVHS said, “We are beyond thrilled by the incredible energy and overwhelming support we saw throughout the Three Village community for our inaugural 5K race. All proceeds from the run support The Dominick Crawford Barn Education and History Center.”
Irizarry added, “This event was made possible through the remarkable efforts of Sean Grossman, who approached us with this idea at just 14 years old. Sean, now 15, brought together a dedicated committee, secured the expertise of the Strong Island Running Club and led every meeting with maturity and focus. We are incredibly proud of Sean and his commitment to both our organization and the community.”
Strong Island Running Club had a giant finish line to welcome back and celebrate the racers, also capture their times and images. The most senior competitor, Rolf Sternglanz won a medal at 85 years old for completing the course in 44 minutes, 35 seconds.
The top-placed runners were:
Male
1. Blake Weaver 17:10
2. Felipe Garcia 17:30
3. Lucas Sweeney 18:16
Female
6. Jane Radke 19:49
8. Anjali Narayan 20:32
10. Margaret Kennedy 21:29
A full list of all placed runners and sponsors can be found at www.tvhs.org or click here.
By Toni-Elena Gallo
The Three Village Historical Society held its 10th annual Culper Spy Day Sept. 7, creating an event of fun and history for all who attended.
The day was cloudy and a bit rainy, but families were not deterred as they ventured out to learn about the area’s rich, revolutionary story.
The Culper Spy Ring was what was to become America’s first web of espionage. The information relayed along this tri-state route, was instrumental in George Washington’s victory during the Revolutionary War.
In front of the Three Village Historical Society headquarters, visitors could stop by the tents of George Washington and his Huntington militia, as well as the red coats.
“Here we have a cartridge box, for ammunition. It would hold paper cartridges, filled with gunpowder for the musket balls. A powder horn, carved from a cow’s, also held gunpowder in battle,” said Vinny, a member of the “Continental Army” all decked-out in authentic-styled period clothing.
At another station, a daughter and mother listened intently as a woman dressed as Anna Smith Strong — a woman notable for using her laundry line as a secret signal system, to communicate with fellow Culper spies — explained the intricacies of key players Robert Townsend, Austin Roe, Caleb Brewster and Benjamin Tallmadge’s system of providing Gen. Washington with vital intel in Westchester.
According to “Strong,” Townsend would create messages in invisible ink, to be distributed in his Manhattan shop, which would, then, be picked up by Setauket tavern owner, Austin Roe. Setauket farmer, Abraham Woodhull, would correspond with Roe, and from there, Brewster would take the information across the Sound, into Connecticut. Lastly, Tallmadge, the ringleader, would ride on horseback to wherever Washington was stationed — whether it was upstate New York or New Jersey.
Throughout the festival, historical meals, such as succotash, which is a type of stew, originated by Native Americans and added onto by colonial settlers, were available to be sampled. But, for those in the mood for some modern-day treats, those were on hand, as well.
For more information on how to tour the trails of the Culper Spy Ring, visit www.tvhs.org.
By Heidi Sutton
Mark your calendars! On Saturday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Three Village Historical Society and Tri-Spy Tours will host a Revolutionary event — Culper Spy Day. Made possible by title sponsor Heritage Spy Ring Golf Club, it’s the event that every history buff looks forward to.
Now in its 10th year, the annual event is the brainchild of Margo Arceri, who first heard about Washington’s Setauket spies (including her favorite spy Anna Smith Strong) from her Strong’s Neck neighbor and local historian, Kate W. Strong, in the early 1970s.
“My love of history grew from there,” said Arceri who today runs Tri-Spy Tours offering walking, bike and kayak tours of the Setauket area. “Everywhere you turn in the Three Villages you are looking at an artifact, and as the historical society believes, the community is our museum and I would really love to put that on the forefront of people’s minds. History is constantly evolving and new information is being discovered everyday. We don’t know what is waiting to be unearthed next and that fills me with excitement.”
The day of spy-related tours and activities was named for the Culper Spy Ring founded by Benjamin Tallmadge of Setauket, which provided General George Washington the information he needed to turn the tide of the American Revolution.
On Culper Spy Day, you will have the chance to visit the places where history was made and visit with area groups to learn about the patriots who risked their lives.
Visitors can enjoy docent-led tours of historic homes, churches and cemeteries; Colonial cooking demonstrations; Anna Smith Strong’s famed clothesline; and a Revolutionary War encampment and musket firing drills by several militia groups.
There are plenty of children’s activities too including a children’s story hour, a potato sack race, an epic scavenger hunt, invisible ink demonstrations decoding spy names, sending wax sealed letters, making colonial crafts, and building a scale model timber frame house alongside Abraham Woodhull.
In addition, Revolutionary War artifacts, including George Washington’s original letters to members of his spy ring will be on display in the Stony Brook University Library Special Collections. View a rare surviving letter dated November 8, 1779, between Benjamin Tallmadge and Robert Townsend at the Long Island Museum and explore their world-famous carriage collection, with ties to Long Island’s Revolutionary War history
Visitors will have a chance to meet Abraham Woodhull, Big Bill the Tory and Anna Smith Strong as well.
See history come to life with this self-guided interactive tour spanning the Three Villages and beyond! Start your adventure at the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket and then visit participating locations including the Sherwood-Jayne Farm, Drowned Meadow Cottage Museum, The Long Island Museum, Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, Caroline Episcopal Church, Setauket Presbyterian Church, Setauket Neighborhood House, Patriots Rock, and Stony Brook University. The Setauket Elementary School’s auditorium will also be open for a special viewing of the Vance Locke murals depicting the founding of the Town of Brookhaven.
All events are free with the exception of the Sherwood-Jayne Farm house tour ($5 adults, free for ages 17 and under) and the award-winning Spies! exhibit at the Three Village Historical Society. Build your own Revolutionary War story and see history come to life at this fun-filled event. For more information, call 631-751-3730 or visit www.tvhs.org for a full schedule of events.
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*New this year will be a Culper 5K Race/Walk on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 9 a.m. Presented by Strong Island Running Club and sponsored by the Three Village Dads Foundation, the event will support the Dominick-Crawford Barn History & Education Center. Racers can trace the footsteps of the spies starting at the TVHS Headquarters, through the Old Setauket Historic District, up through battle fields and farmlands, around the churches, past pre-Revolutionary homes, and back to the Museum. Tickets are $30 adults, $10 kids fun run. Sign up at tvhs.org/5k.
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