Brightwaters Historical Society

06/05/2026

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? The Town of Islip has a great event planned for Saturday! Living History Day offers something for everyone—from history enthusiasts to families looking for a fun day out. Check out the details in their poster!

06/05/2026

We will be hosting a History Room Clean-Up on Sunday, June 14th from 9:00 AM–11:00 AM. Our space needs some upkeep to make it the best home for our current archive, and we will be doing some light cleaning and organizing. We would love your help.

Anyone interested in participating, please reach out to [email protected] so we can best prepare.

Our efforts are not possible without the support of our members, and we are looking forward to a productive morning of cleaning and fun. We hope you can join us.

06/04/2026

Thank you to Richard Weissmann for his fascinating presentation, “Bonac Country: The Story of Gardiner’s Island and Bonacker Fishermen.”

We were thrilled to welcome such a large crowd, all of whom enjoyed Richard's engaging commentary on the history of the Bonacker fishermen, Gardiner’s Island, and the remarkable legacy of the Gardiner family.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable evening and helped make it such a success.

If you were unable to attend, you can purchase Richard's novel, Bonac, on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Bonac-Novel-Richard-Weissmann-ebook/dp/B0FJ3VWMG7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=GVP25Z3RWFHR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vOQi93L2O-G0fYQ1uaLCBQ.hyExefonbQlsK0v9ILH0YEEGY5ZGeHwRFtzrH5pQXdE&dib_tag=se&keywords=bonac+rich+weissman&qid=1780588188&sprefix=bonac+rich+weissman%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1

06/04/2026

We have a wonderful schedule ahead for 2026! Last night was our final monthly meeting before our summer break, but we wanted to share a preview of what you can expect from us for the rest of 2026.

We are excited to resume our meetings on the first Wednesday of each month beginning in October. See you then!

Read below for more details on each event!

Month of September Brightwaters Notable Residents Exhibit. This is a continuation of our 2025 exhibit with new Residents Highlighted

October 7th, "The True Story of the Culper Spy Ring". Learn the true story of the Culper Spy Ring from former Newsday reporter Bill Bleyer, author of George Washington’s Long Island Spy Ring: A History and Tour Guide. History enthusiasts have long been fascinated by the operation of the Long Island-based Culper Spy Ring during the American Revolution, especially since the airing of the television series TURN. Over the years, there have been many legends, such as the role played by Anna Strong’s clothesline, and speculations about how the spies operated to support George Washington’s Continental Army. This PowerPoint presentation separates fact from fiction and details the ingenious operation of the intelligence network that helped the Patriots win the war.

Nov 4th "Walk with Frank". We are honored to host Frank Romeo and will be viewing his documentary "Walk With Frank". As seen on Prime, Google and PBS. This film is about self-discovery, mental health, and one man’s journey towards understanding and embracing his trauma.

Frank was one of the first veterans to be officially diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. For years, doctors had called it “war fatigue,” “shell shock” or “depressive neurosis. ”As the study of PTSD progressed, so did Frank’s understanding of his illness and how to live with it.

December 2nd - Brightwaters Historical Society Holiday Market!
We're bringing back a loved event from last year. This market will highlight talented residents and friends of the village. We are inviting everyone to gather, socialize, and shop local vendors. Stay tuned for a list of vendors as we get closer to the holidays!

06/03/2026

MARK YOUR CALENDARS — we’re bringing back one of our favorite events from last year!!! Bringing the history of Baseball to life and recreate a loved moment from our village history.

June 20th: "19th Century Base Ball Day"
11 AM – 4 PM, field across the street from the Bay Shore–Brightwaters Public Library.

Watch the Brooklyn Atlantics and New York Mutuals, from the Vintage Base Ball Association, play an 1864 doubleheader. The Harbormen Chorus will lead us off with the National Anthem. There will be food, prizes, crafts for kids, and more. Let’s play ball!⚾🌭🇺🇸

06/02/2026

TOMORROW will be our final meeting before taking our "summer break". Join us, June 3rd at 7 p.m. at Wohseepee Park Cabin as we host author Richard Weissmann for his presentation, “Bonac Country: The Story of Gardiner’s Island and Bonacker Fishermen.”

During the late ’80s and early ’90s, Weissmann wrote a series of articles for The New York Times about the commercial fishermen of the East End, known as Bonackers. These articles, paired with Weissmann’s longtime interest in the privately owned Gardiner’s Island, inspired his novel Bonac and this lecture.

Weissmann is an English teacher, an environmental educator, a Fire Island National Seashore ranger, and a New York Times correspondent. He has written two novels, a memoir, and a guidebook to the South Shore salt marshes.

His latest novel, Bonac, will also be available for purchase after the lecture for $20.

We hope to see you tomorrow!— all residents and friends are welcome!

05/29/2026

LAST CALL!!! LESS THAN 10 LEFT!!

Help salute America’s 250th with a commemorative Brightwaters Garden Flag! 🇺🇸🇺🇸

Flags (with poles) are available for purchase for $20 at the Brightwaters Hardware Store & DeAngelis Wine & Spirits of Brightwaters.

05/28/2026

Check out the most recent issue of Fire Island News for an article on our upcoming “19th Century Base Ball Day”- Saturday, June 20th: 11 AM – 4 PM, field across the street from the Bay Shore - Brightwaters Public Library

Watch the Brooklyn Atlantics and New York Mutuals, from the Vintage Base Ball Association, play an 1864 doubleheader. The Harbormen Chorus will lead us off with the National Anthem. There will be food, prizes, crafts for kids, and more! ⚾🌭🇺🇸

05/27/2026

NEXT WEEK , Join us for our next meeting on June 3rd at 7 p.m. at Wohseepee Park Cabin as we host author Richard Weissmann for his presentation, “Bonac Country: The Story of Gardiner’s Island and Bonacker Fishermen.”

During the late ’80s and early ’90s, Weissmann wrote a series of articles for The New York Times about the commercial fishermen of the East End, known as Bonackers. These articles, paired with Weissmann’s longtime interest in the privately owned Gardiner’s Island, inspired his novel Bonac and this lecture.

Weissmann is an English teacher, an environmental educator, a Fire Island National Seashore ranger, and a New York Times correspondent. He has written two novels, a memoir, and a guidebook to the South Shore salt marshes.

His latest novel, Bonac, will also be available for purchase after the lecture for $20.

We hope to see you June 3rd— all residents and friends are welcome!

05/22/2026