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TVHS

Kayleigh Smith Photo by Kimberly Phyfe

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.

Kayleigh Smith Photo by Kimberly Phyfe

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.

Image courtesy of TVHS

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.

Honorees, board members and Leg. Kara Hahn, Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich at the TVHS Awards Dinner Photo by Rob Pellegrino

On May 17 the Three Village Historical Society (TVHS) hosted its 43rd annual Awards Dinner at the Old Field Club to honor  local businesses, residents, homeowners, Society members, and youth who have made outstanding contributions to the Society and the local community in helping to preserving our shared heritage.

Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn and Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich were both honored guests at the event.

As the highlight of the evening, there was a surprise reveal! Earlier this year, the board and membership at the Society unanimously agreed that the Three Village Historical Society Community Award will now be known as the Three Village Historical Society Fred E. Bryant Community Award. Bryant has supported the mission of the TVHS for decades and without whom they would not have their award-winning exhibit Chicken Hill: A Community Lost To Time.

Congratulations to the following awardees:

— The Founder’s Day Program was honored with the Three Village Historical Society Fred E. Bryant Community Award 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.

­— Special Collections & University Archives at Stony Brook University Libraries was honored with the Kate Wheeler Strong Memorial Award in recognition of significant contributions toward the fostering of interest in local history and a fuller appreciation of the rich historical and cultural heritage of this community.

— The Stony Brook Yacht Club Mariculture Program received the Robert Cushman Murphy Memorial Award in recognition of significant contributions to the preservation and conservation of our natural environment and to the fostering of a personal identification with the natural heritage of the Three Villages.

— The Three Village Garden Club received a Community Award Certificate for their stewardship of the Three Village Arboretum and Nature Preserve on 4.5 acres on Conscience Bay.

— Ward Melville High School student Owen Murphy was honored with the R. Sherman Mills Young Historian Award in recognition of contributions to the Society by a young person.

— Ann Robitsek received the Maggie Gillie Memorial Award for contributions by a member of the Society in recognition of overall dedicated service, and for significant contributions to furthering the goals of the Society.

— Tim Adams was honored with the Gayle Becher Memorial Award in recognition of volunteers whose work consists of loyal support on a regular basis.

The Three Village area is comprised of communities where history is close to the surface. It encompasses the villages of Old Field, Poquott, the Setaukets, and Stony Brook. At the TVHS, you can learn about the area’s rich and fascinating past in creative and engaging ways.

The Three Village Historical Society had a wonderful turnout on Oct. 1 for their retired flag box unveiling, flag code demonstration and flag raising event. 

Nearly 50 people came by while Holly Brainard, former Regent of the Anna Smith Strong DAR and current TVHS trustee, led an interactive US Flag Code demonstration with members from BSA Troops 355, 70 and 2019, BSA Pack 333 and the Ward Melville Student Government, along with members of the community. 

The event included an unveiling of a new retired flag box donated by BSA troop 2019, that will be maintained by BSA troop 355, and an American Flag Kit raffle. The crowd then moved to the 30-foot flag pole, outfitted with a brand new solar light in front of TVHS, to recite the Pledge of Allegiance while scouts raised the flag. 

The US Flag retired flag drop box can be found outside of the Three Village Historical Society at 93 N. Country Rd. in Setauket and is officially open to the public to leave their worn or tattered flags. BSA troop 355 will schedule a flag decommissioning ceremony once the box is full. For more information, visit www.tvhs.org.