Events
If you are mailing a check, please indicate the program name in the memo line of your check. Please also email us so we can add you to the attendees list should your mail be delayed.
You may also register for an event by making payment in the Venmo app
@nshmgc.org
Battle Stations at Home:
World War II on Long Island
Join us on Thursday, May 21 at 7:00 PM for an engaging book talk with local historian and author Chris Verga, as he explores the transformative era of World War II on Long Island. While the front lines were thousands of miles away, the “Homefront” in Nassau and Suffolk counties was a powerhouse of the war effort. From the bustling aviation factories in Farmingdale and Bethpage to the coastal defense outposts and the daily lives of residents facing rationing and blackouts, Chris Verga brings this pivotal chapter of our local history to life.
Based on his book, World War II Long Island: The Homefront in Nassau and Suffolk, this presentation will reveal how our suburban landscape was forever reshaped by the war, highlighting the extraordinary contributions of Long Islanders during a time of global crisis. Whether you are a history buff or have family stories from the era, we invite you to discover the remarkable heritage of the North Shore during the 1940s.
The Homegrown String Band Live: A Journey Through Early American Music
Step back in time on Saturday, July 18 at 7:00 PM for an evening of acoustic storytelling and historical harmony. We are thrilled to welcome Rocky Point’s own Homegrown String Band for a unique performance tracing the evolution of American music–from the ancient English, Scottish, and Irish ballads collected by Francis James Child to the blues, bluegrass, and country sounds of the early 20th century.
This isn’t just a concert; it’s a musical time machine. Utilizing authentic instrumentation—including the banjo, mandolin, ukulele, harmonica, and dulcimer—the band breathes new life into the traditional music of rural America.
Event Highlights
Old World Origins: Discover how 18th-century ballads crossed the Atlantic to find a new home.
Multicultural Rhythms: Explore how European and African traditions blended to create the foundation of American popular music.
The Song Catchers: Meet the folklorists and early “A&R men” who captured and preserved the sounds of a growing nation.
Historical Context: Learn the fascinating “why” behind the instruments and melodies that shaped our local heritage.
Note: Seating is limited for this intimate performance. We recommend securing your tickets early to ensure you have a front-row seat to this auditory history lesson.
Whether you’re a folk music aficionado, a history buff, or just looking for a soulful Saturday evening, join us to celebrate the enduring legacy of the American song.
Cato in the Revolution:
Spies, Slavery, Church, and Chocolate
On Thursday, July 23 at 7:15 PM, join historian and author Claire Bellerjeau for a compelling presentation on her latest research into Cato, an enslaved Black man whose courage and intelligence played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. Long treated as a shadowy figure in Patriot lore, Cato emerges through Claire’s discoveries as a fully realized individual—deeply involved in the espionage work of Hercules Mulligan, central to an attempted assassination plot against George Washington, and connected to the powerful Schuyler family, where he was enslaved.
Claire will explore Cato’s life in New York City, including his ties to St. Paul’s Chapel, his faith community, and the surprising intersection of colonial chocolate making and slavery. His story highlights the bravery, agency, and skill of the many “invisible” people of color whose contributions shaped the Revolution and the nation that followed.