The Culper Spy Ring and The French Fleet Warning

Monday, Oct. 5, 7pm

A Three Village Historical Society program Presented by Donna Smith, TVHS Director of Education & Bev Tyler, TVHS Historian.
In 1778, the same year the Setauket-based Culper Spy Ring was organized, Benjamin Franklin negotiated an alliance with France that, two years later, resulted in the French sending their enormous expeditionary force of ships and men to America to support General Washington and the Continental Army. This Virtual Lecture Program is the story of the spy letters that prevented a successful British attack on the French Fleet and the British spy letter by an American traitor that almost changed the course of history. 

Journey of Hope: The Irish in NY

Monday, Nov. 16, 7pm

From the 18th century onwards, dramatic numbers of Irish citizens emigrated to the U.S., often to escape religious persecution and economic hardship. They left the comfort and support of family, friends, and loved ones to arrive in an America that often regarded the Irish as incompatible with American ideals.  We will take a fascinating multimedia look at the history and culture of the Irish of New York from their immigrant beginnings to the present day. Their journey of hope is reflected in the shared experiences of immigrants from around the world coming to America.

Jeremiah Sells & Other Seaman During the Civil War

Monday, Oct. 26, 7pm

During the Civil War, US Navy acting Captain Charles W. Buck, of Baltimore, MD on October 23, 1864 reported, “It is impossible for me to say what part, if any, our men took in the action; but with the exception of Jeremiah Sills, colored, landsman, who was killed.”  This is an overview of the invisible life of Jeremiah Sells (Sills) (1842-1864), whose ancestors were Setalcott and Montaukett Indians; however most of his life his complexion was listed as “colored”.  He had a proud heritage, and was a brave warrior during his short life! We will also explore the lives of other local seamen of color during the Civil War.

Stony Brook Before and After Ward Melville

Monday, Nov. 9, 7pm

A Three Village Historical Society program Presented by Donna Smith, TVHS Director of Education & Bev Tyler, TVHS Historian.
When Ward Melville began his plan to construct a compact federal-style shopping center in Stony Brook, there were stores and shops spread out along Main Street, Shore Road (now Dock Road) and Christian Avenue. Main Street in Stony Brook during the 19th and the early part of the 20th century was an active commercial area with a variety of shops. Between the two world wars activity slowed and Stony Brook became a small, locally-used harbor village. Ward Melville envisioned Stony Brook as a beautification project but also as an economic engine and a community social undertaking, a community where people would walk, greet each other, spend time conversing, discuss the politics of the day, and be responsible, involved citizens. This program tells the story of Stony Brook before and after Rehabilitation.