The Northport Historical Society is pleased to announce that its new exhibit, “Coming to the Rescue,” is now open.

Included in the exhibit are historic photos and memorabilia from local police and fire departments as well as the Coast Guard Station and former Lifesaving Station located on Eaton’s Neck.

“The Society wishes to honor those members of our community who dedicate their time and energy to the service of others,” said exhibit curator Florence Ogg.  “This seems to be an appropriate way to give credit to the brave men and women who have protected our community over the years.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 1 pm until 4:30. For more information, please call 631-757-9859.

Northport Historical Society proudly presents its seasonal garden tour fund-raiser, a “perennial” favorite of members and nonmembers alike, on Sunday, July 13, 2008, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

This year’s event, entitled “Gardens for Gardeners,” will feature a self-guided tour of residential gardens as well as some house interiors, and promises to be one of the most spectacular tours yet.  There will be a diverse mix of interesting gardens, including a beach, woodland, and a rock garden, as well as several unique village gardens. Refreshments will be included at several locations.

Reservations for this event will be accepted starting on Tuesday, June 17^th at the Northport Historical Society’s museum, located at 215 Main Street in the village of Northport, Tuesday-Sunday from 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.  Credit card reservations and more information are available by phone by calling 631-757-9859.  Admission is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Advance reservations are recommended for this popular event to avoid disappointment; reservations are secured by early payment and are nonrefundable.

 Northport Historical Society’s 2008 Speaker Series will continue on Sunday, June 8^th at 2:00 p.m. when Park Ranger, MaryLaura Lamont, presents “Views of the William Floyd Estate.”

The Estate, which was donated to Fire Island National Seashore in 1965, is located on the mainland of Long Island in Mastic Beach, New York. It contains the ancestral house, grounds, and cemetery of the William Floyd family. William Floyd, a Revolutionary War general and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born in the house in 1734.  

The home holds 250 years worth of Floyd family history, and in many ways is a microcosm of American history.  The uniqueness of the house, land and family is found in how it all adapted to change through so many generations.  “The house and lands are a cultural preservation,” says Ms. Lamont.  “It is not a restoration and therein lays its unique perspective on American history.”

Ms. Lamont was raised in Northport and began working with the Fire Island National Seashore as a Ranger almost 30 years ago.  She has also worked as the Ranger Naturalist for Orient Beach State for 11 years, as well as living at Caumsett State Park for 2 ½ years.  An expert in Ornithology and Botany, she has been the Compiler of the Orient Christmas Bird Count for the past 14 years and also serves as the Educational Chairperson for the Long Island Botanical Society.

The Northport Historical Society’s Museum is located at 215 Main Street in the Village of Northport and is open to the public Tuesdays-Sundays from 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.  A donation of $3 is suggested for all programs.