Honorees are local preservationists
The Oyster Bay Historical Society (OBHS) is holding the inaugural Advocates for Historic Preservation and Education Awards Reception, sponsored by Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., and hosted by Steven Mucciolo, partner and financial advisor. The reception takes place on Tuesday, July 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Woodlands at 1 Southwoods Road in Woodbury. This special event will honor Long Islanders who have distinguished themselves as advocates for history’s vital role in our lives today.
Philip Blocklyn, OBHS executive director said, “Because historic preservation and education are two critical elements of the society’s core mission, it is more than fitting that we recognize those among us active in promoting Long Island’s heritage. In addition, the reception will raise funds in support of the Society’s ongoing programs and services.”
The OBHS selected a group of people to be the first ever “Advocates for Historical Preservation and Education Award” for their commitment and interest in the preservation of and education regarding the history and heritage of Long Island. They include: Thomas Abbe, for having worked toward getting the Maine Maid Inn become a Town of Oyster Bay landmark; Carmine Auriemma, who restored a section of LI’s Motor Parkway in his own backyard; Sydney Alexis Adams, the youngest honoree, who founded the Garden City Young Historians to interest youth in history as well as Kerriann Flanagan Brodsky, Long Island historian and author of Ghosts of Long Island (which includes Raynham Hall ghosts; Bill Dieffenbach, who lives in the Adam Derby house on Lexington Avenue and which he is restoring; Tim DiPietro, an insurance broker for the care of historic properties; Laura Dougherty, Village of Brookville historian; Denise Evans-Sheppard, Carll family of Oyster Bay historian; Jeoffrey Fleming, executive director of the Southold Historical Society and past president of the LI Museum Association; Jim Foote, TR interpreter; Adam Grohman, for preserving underwater historical sites; John Ellis Kordes, official Garden City village historian; Nancy Leghart, for organizing the first Sail the Sound for Deafness, a Classics Regatta on Aug. 9 in Oyster Bay; Cate Ludlam, president of the Prospect Cemetery Association; Paul Mateyunas, North Shore historian and author; Nancy Melius, marketing and design director at Oheka Castle, (and the eldest daughter of Gary Melius, the owner of the estate and founder) and president of Gold Coast Mansions Historic Long Island; Brian Merlis, collector of Brooklyn memorabilia and the most published author of books on historic Brooklyn; Rick Smith, owner of the Piano Exchange of Glen Cove and collector of movie memorabilia; and Yesenia Vasquez of El Salvador and a member of their Academia Salvadorenia de la Historia, who is passing her love of history on to her children here in these United States.
This event is open to all at a cost of $60 per person. Tickets may be purchased and donations may be made by visiting either the Oyster Bay Historical Society website or the Advocates for Historic Preservation and Education website. For further information call the Society at 922-5032 or Tracey Gittere at 222-0550.
On July 10, please help support and promote the work of the OBHS. New members are always welcome at the OBHS located at 20 Summit Street in Oyster Bay.
