Thank you to the Anton Media Group for printing this article about the NEA Grant that Long Island Traditions was awarded to expand its Maritime Folk Arts programs. The grant will enable LIT to launch a new joint program with the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center (FHC), connecting Long Island maritime folk artists with their […]

We are pleased to announce that Long Island Traditions’ Director, Nancy Solomon, will be a guest on Nassau Community College’s radio program, “My Hometown,” airing on 90.3 FM, WHPC. The show will air on Thursday, September 23rd at 3:30pm, and will be replayed on Sunday, September 26th at 8am. The podcast of the program will […]

Publications Videos

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 […]

Learn how fisherman Tony Sougstad survived a storm on the ocean. LI Traditions · Tony Sougstad on Ocean Storms

Photo: Tommy Stewart

Tommy Stewart: Decoy Carver/Shorebirds Tommy was inspired working with wood as a young boy from his grandfather, Dave, and his father, Russell. Together they made silhouettes, whirligigs, and bird houses. As a young boy, Tommy spent many summers studying birds and fishing at his grandfather’s home on the water in southern New Jersey. Making their […]

Photo: Prohibition Rum Runner Bill McCoy

George Combs comes from a long line of baymen and rum runners in Freeport. Listen to his stories about the legendary Bill McCoy and other characters during Prohibition.

Photo: Damage from the 1938 Hurricane

In this video you will learn about the 1938 Hurricane that struck Long Island on September 21, 1938. Featured are people who remember the storm including Al Grover, Marge and Bill Miller, and former owners of cottages at West Meadow Beach.

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 […]