Please join us on Monday, January 25, 2021, at 7 pm, for a virtual screening and discussion of the film “Jones Beach, An American Riviera” in conjunction with the East Meadow Public Library. The film, narrated by Eli Wallach, explores the creation of this New York landmark by American builder, Robert Moses. The film chronicles […]
Listen to lifeguard Reggie Jones describe a daring rescue at Jones Beach. LI Traditions · Reggie Jones on a Rescue at Jones beach
In this video several people who knew Guy Lombardo personally reflect on his passion and love of the water. The piece was produced for LI Traditions for its Freeport Waters exhibit.
There are countless stories and tales told by baymen, bay rats, bay house owners, fishermen and other tradition bearers for both entertainment and to educate friends and neighbors about life on the water. While some stories are humorous, others reflect an appreciation of the bay and the ocean. We hope you enjoy listening to some […]
Reggie Jones was the longest serving lifeguard in the history of Jones Beach, from 1942 – 2004. In this story recorded by Dave Isay of Story Corps, Reggie recalls some of his efforts to protect swimmers.
Since at least the days of the ancient Egyptians, hunters have tried to lure waterfowl into range of their nets and weapons with decoys made of rush, reed or wood. Native Americans on Long Island, prior to contact with Europeans in the 17th century, harvested waterfowl for food and plumage. European settlers on Long Island […]
Joey Scavone: Fisherman Joey Scavone was born in Freeport and began fishing with his father, a devoted recreational fisherman. Like most recreational fishermen, his father awoke young Joey in the early morning hours to go fishing for striped bass and blue fish, which were abundant in the south shore bays near Jones Beach and Captree. “We’d […]
Fire Island The history of Fire Island is a long and complicated one, beginning with its Native American settlements. Local indigenous peoples harvested shellfish and finfish including migrating whales, traditions that were shared and passed on to new European immigrants who settled in Bay Shore, Moriches, and other shoreline communities. To protect regional commerce the […]
Along the Jones Beach bicycle path next to the Wantagh Parkway is the permanent exhibition “Sandy Shores,” curated by Long Island Traditions. The 3-section exhibition explores the history and construction of the Wantagh Parkway, one of the first parkways created by Robert Moses, the history of Jones Beach, Moses’ first state park on Long Island, […]
Eastern Nassau Eastern Nassau: Wantagh, Seaford, Massapequa, Amityville and Jones Beach At first glance the eastern part of Nassau County resembles a typical post-war suburban region with few historic maritime structures or activities, in stark contrast to the working waterfronts of Freeport and Point Lookout in the western region. However its past was directly connected […]
