Fishermen and baymen, duck hunters and decoy carvers, clamshell artists and lifeguards are just some of the tradition bearers featured here. Through oral histories, Long Island Traditions has documented dozens of those committed to preserving a life on the water. Most are participants in our maritime education programs or festivals and museum programs. If you […]
Among Dwindling Baymen, a Baywoman Holds On – Flo Sharkey, 72, of Patchogue on the south shore of Long Island, has been clamming since she could walk and still makes her living on the bay, even as that way of live has all but faded.
Flo Sharkey: Clammer Flo Sharkey is a 2nd-generation baywoman who was an active member of the Brookhaven Baymen’s Association and past president. As a young girl Flo learned how to clam, scallop, crab and eel from her father. She works part-time on the bay from her waterfront dock and home in Patchogue. Flo and other […]
Filmmaker Glenn Gebhard and Long Island Traditions produced “Baymen,” a documentary on the south shore baymen of Long Island in 1994. Featured in the film are Flo Sharkey, John Buczak, Tom Kuehas and other crabber, clammers, and killey trappers. This 1-hour video explores the history and contemporary hardships faced by baymen, and their future on Long […]
Baymen’s Homes The earliest European colonists were fishermen and baymen, along with farmers and various tradespeople, all of whom depended on each other for their livelihoods. They settled throughout Long Island, with English settlers living primarily on the East End, and Dutch settlers in the western areas. By the mid-1700s English and Dutch families coexisted […]
Honoring Traditions Mission: Long Island Traditions recognizes persons and organizations that are active in preserving their cultural traditions learned within their families and communities, and passing them down to the next generation and in educating the public. The Honoring Traditions program includes performances and slide shows that showcase their talents. The program takes place in different […]