By Jayme Breschard Thomann Long Island’s waterfront communities were first settled by Native Americans who valued the sandy soil on which they could grow corn, tomatoes, squash and other commonplace vegetables. They also harvested abundant fish and shellfish from Great South Bay and the nearby ocean, traveling by canoe and other watercraft. In the late […]
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 […]
The 1920s was an interesting time on Long Island, with the passage of the Volstead Act that prohibited the importing and consuming of alcoholic beverages, ushering in the prohibition era. Many residents turned to local baymen and other boat owners to help satisfy their demand for wine and liquor through illegal smuggling and homegrown moonshine. […]
Story about the rum runners and the bay houses by Michael Combs and Carmine Marinaccio
Preservationist Doug Sheer of the Long Beach Island Landmarks Association shares some background about the architecture and history of Long Beach, part of the South Shore Blueway Trail.
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 […]
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.
The Fisheries The south shore is world famous for the many species of fish and shellfish that live year round, spawn or give birth, or rest on their way to warmer or colder habitats. Fluke and flounder, clams and crabs, and bait fish such as killeys, bunker and spearing are just the tip of the […]
The South Shore Waterfowlers are a recreational conservation group on Long Island, NY that teaches responsible waterfowl hunting in the region.
In this video you will learn about the traditions of decoy carving and duck hunting on Long Island’s south shore. Listen to veterans Jack Combs, Tom Seaman, Lucas Krucher and Dennis Carr who all hunt and fish in the South Shore Estuary of Long Island. And explore the Blueway Trail!
