2014 Exhibitions and Events
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Quilts from the Collections
Traditional and Art Quilts of Oyster Bay on view November 22 through December 31 in the Angela Koenig Center 
Log Cabin Quilts Blocks
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Traditional American quilts are made with colorful
fabrics and intricate stitching. Most early quilters followed preset patchwork
or applique patterns handed down through generations of quilters. But what made
these quilts special are the combinations of color and fabrics and the expertise
of the hand quilting.
Quilts never received proper recognition as fine art until 1971, when the exhibition Abstract Design in American Quilts opened at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. This was the first exhibition to display quilts as true objects of art, with an emphasis on the "new type of quilt, one markedly different from its tradition-inspired counterparts." Art quilters today use both modern and traditional techniques to create their work. Many take classes in fabric dying, painting, and stamping, while trying their hand at embellishment with beads and even found objects. Others are producing wearable art or exhibiting their work at quilt shows. A few now experiment with quilts in shapes other than the traditional rectangle or square. Quilters today turn to art, just as some artists look to textiles as a favored medium of expression. |
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50% off through December 31
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The Annual Holiday Concert and Open House
Saturday, December 13, 2014
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The Oyster Bay Historical Society is celebrating the holidays with a concert and open house on Saturday, December 13. The musical program, provided by the Hood Mass Choir, begins at 4:00 pm in the Hood A.M.E. Zion Church at 137 South Street in Oyster Bay. Concertgoers, and those who can’t make the concert, are then invited to join the Historical Society’s Open House, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the Earle-Wightman House and Koenig Center on 20 Summit Street in Oyster Bay. Food, refreshments, and good cheer are all featured. The programs are free and open to the public.
Holiday Concert at 4 pm in the Hood A.M.E. Zion Church 137 South Street in Oyster Bay Open House from 5 to 7 pm Oyster Bay Historical Society 20 Summit Street in Oyster Bay |
Holiday Card Workshop at the Historical Society
Registration fee: $30 (includes all materials)
Pay at the door, with advance registration We'll emboss, punch, stamp, apply glitter and tie ribbons to six different frosty cards and treat holders. Your treat holders can double as tree ornaments or even extra-special gift tags--chocolate included! Don't miss out on the fun--register for class by contacting the Society at 516-922-5032 or [email protected] |
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SEPTEMBER 28 THROUGH NOVEMBER 16
Teaching Studios of Art in Oyster Bay held the 4th Annual Plein Air Competition at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site on Saturday, September 27, and Sunday, September 28. Selected artists competed for prizes donated by Jerry's Artarama and the Teaching Studios. The competition was open to public viewing and featured a live plein air painting demonstration by juror Ken Salaz at noon on Sunday the 28th
The two-day event culminated Sunday evening in a reception, awards ceremony, and exhibition opening at the Oyster Bay Historical Society's Angela Koenig Center from 7 to 9 pm. The exhibition, featuring paintings from each competitor and from juror Ken Salaz, remains on view at the Koenig Center through November 16. A part of the proceeds from the sale of exhibited art supports the Historical Society's Beverly Mohlenhoff Fund and its dedication to the Society's collections, exhibitions, and public programs. |
Eel Creek at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
2014 Plein Air Competition Juror Ken Salaz
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Artists
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Alexander Adell
Vera Belyavskaya Kitty Brumberg Matt Chinian Lawrence Chrapliwy Michael Conlon Steve Dolan Aleta Heisig |
Andrea Hufstader
Robin Kappy Christine Verga Maday Madeline Meryash John Morra David A. Paulsen Eleanor Roe Kari Ruiz |
Fabricio Suarez
Larry Wechsler Matt Weigle Tony Winters Amy Worth Ken Salaz, Juror |
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The Oyster Bay Historical Society presents the third annual Ghastly Grounds on Thursday, October 30th from 3:45 to 5:30 P.M. All little vampires, ghosts, and zombies are invited to drop by for games, face painting, and an old-fashioned potato sack race--just a few activities happening on the grounds of the Historical Society. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes, and all children will receive a ghost pencil, treats, and a take-home goodie bag. No fee for entry. In addition to the treats and tricks, the Society will offer two bewitching crafts for children seven years and older, for ten dollars a child.
The fun begins right after school at the Earle-Wightman House on 20 Summit Street in Oyster Bay. For details, contact the Society at 516-922-5032 or [email protected] 
Hand and Face Painting
Scavenger Hunt
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Pirate Pencil and Witch's Broom
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Thirty-First Annual Oyster Festival
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Visit the Oyster Bay Historical Society at Tent #21 in the Food Court for Pastrami, Corned Beef, & Turkey Sandwiches from our partners at Zan's Kosher Deli |
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Collecting Manuscripts and Other Historical Materials
George Krzyminski, Owner of Certain Books, Westhampton Thursday, October 9, at 7:00 pm in the Koenig Center George Krzyminski has owned and operated Certain Books for over twenty years as both a dealer and appraiser of antiquarian, scholarly, archival, literary, and historical materials. He is a member in good standing of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America, the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers, the Ephemera Society of America, and other professional organizations. As a regular exhibitor at book and ephemera fairs, he actively buys, sells, and appraises antiquarian books, documents, manuscripts, literary collections, photographs, and archives of associated material. He has appraised collections for universities and libraries, including Stony Book University, Boston College, Easthampton Library (Pennypacker Long Island Collection), and the Smithtown Library Long Island Collection. The program will include discussion of:
There will be time as well for a question-and-answer session devoted to audience concerns, including: collection focus, accessioning and cataloging materials, collection dispersal and deaccessioning, care for collection materials, and the importance of interaction among colleagues in the institutional and commercial worlds. |
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Echoes: Voices from the Mystics
An artist's retrospective by Greg Reid
JUNE 13 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 27
at the Society's Angela Koenig Center, 20 Summit Street
Oyster Bay resident Gregory L. Reid will have a solo exhibit of his artwork from June 13th until September 27th at the Oyster Bay Historical Society’s Koenig Center.
Primarily self-taught from a young age, Reid studied art briefly in New York City only to find the classroom atmosphere ‘distracting.’ Reid describes his need to paint as a way to release the energy discovered when seeking truth and inspiration from the natural world and the people he encounters. Reid’s work suggests the influence of Picasso, Chagall, de Kooning and other abstract expressionists while incorporating ethnic and spiritual themes. This retrospective will feature works representing nearly two decades of experiments and breakthroughs. Works on display will be for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Historical Society.
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Signs of the Times
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Historical Society Archivist Nicole Menchise with her poster on atlas digitization
SAA Reception in the Library of Congress's Thomas Jefferson Building
Oyster Bay in the Library of Congress Card Catalog
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Oyster Bay Historical Society Attends Society of American Archivists Conference in Washington DC
Wardman Park Hotel
August 13-16, 2014 Staff members of the Oyster Bay Historical Society [OBHS] traveled to Washington, DC, this August to participate in the annual conference of the Society of American Archivists [SAA] at the Wardman Park Hotel. Nicole Menchise, the Historical Society’s archivist, took part in a panel discussion on best practices for archives that provide internship opportunities for graduate-school students. "At last year’s conference I met two fellow internship supervisors who agreed that a session panel was needed to discuss what student interns should expect from their internships, said Ms. Menchise. “Archival internships are often the only opportunity in a student's education to gain practical experience in the field. As the archives profession becomes more competitive, it is critical that the archives internship for academic credit is practical and applicable for future responsibilities. A carefully planned internship crafted by student and supervisor should offer opportunities to work on multiple projects and with all types of archival materials. Sometimes this will help a student who has yet to decide which career direction they feel most passionate about. My colleagues and I spoke to this and other concerns in a meeting with about 200 attendees. It was great exposure for the Society and Oyster Bay." OBHS also participated in a two-day professional poster session held during the conference. The Society’s poster entry summarized the Society’s atlas digitization project which Ms. Menchise developed during the summer of 2012. “When I decided to take on the project of digitizing the atlases in the Society's collection I knew it would be useful, but what I didn't know is how that project would be an inspiration for so many other organizations across the nation. People from all over came up to ask questions about how it was accomplished and how they could use the same methods on their collection's larger tomes and atlases. It was a great feeling to share this project with the hundreds of folks that stopped to read what we had going on at our small but influential Society.” This year’s conference provided nearly a week of educational sessions, roundtables, and panel discussions on how archivists can provide broader public access to their collections. On the final evening, attendees enjoyed a reception in the Library of Congress’s Thomas Jefferson Building, featuring a behind-the scenes visit to the Library’s immense card catalog. “This conference was an opportunity that we didn’t want to pass up,” said OBHS Director Philip Blocklyn, who also attended the conference. “We had a chance to share concerns with archivists from all over the country. And we brought back with us a lot of new ideas for programs and exhibitions that OBHS can start to develop for the future.” |
Walking Tours of Oyster Bay
Led by Historical Society Director Phil Blocklyn
Four Saturdays This Summer
May 31, June 21, July 19, and August 9
Beginning at 2:00 pm
$25 per person, with advance registration required
Join Oyster Bay Historical Society Director Phil Blocklyn on a foot tour of Oyster Bay, featuring the historical sites along East and West Main Street, Audrey Avenue, and South Street in the heart of the hamlet. No two tours the same. Interaction among members of the tour always welcome. Leisurely weekend pace. For more details, or to make a reservation, contact the Society at 516-922-5032 or email [email protected]
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Film Night at OBHS
World War I Documentaries
from the Society Archives
Koenig Research Center
Monday, July 28, 7:00 pm
$15 Society members
$25 General public
Recently rediscovered and digitally converted, five silent-film World War I documentaries from the Society’s collections will screen during a special movie night on the eve of the war’s centenary. Originally distributed in 1919, these short documentaries (total run- time approximately 100 minutes) were part of a larger series created by the War Department during the Great War. These reels were offered to the public through Empire Prints and Eastman Kodak. This rarely seen footage includes scenes from battles in the "No Man's Land" of Meuse-Argonne and Chateau-Thierry; a trip on the U.S.S. Leviathan; the sinking of battleships by U-Boats as well as the capture of German prisoners and Armistice Day celebrations.
The screening begins at 7 P.M. at the Koenig Research Center (behind the historic Earle-Wightman house), 20 Summit Street, Oyster Bay, New York, on Monday, July 28th.Popcorn and soft drinks will be served.
$15 per ticket for members and $25 for non-members.
For more information call 516-922-5032.
Five-Minute Cards: Card-making with Diana Kovacs
Saturday, July 19, 12:30 to 3:30 pm - $30
Participants will make eight different greeting cards, with a variety of themes
for different occasions. Simple stamping and paper crafting techniques
will be the rule, so that each card should take no more than five minutes to complete.
Saturday, July 19, 12:30 to 3:30 pm - $30
Participants will make eight different greeting cards, with a variety of themes
for different occasions. Simple stamping and paper crafting techniques
will be the rule, so that each card should take no more than five minutes to complete.
Impeccable Connections: The Rise and Fall of Richard Whitney
A book talk and signing by Malcolm MacKay
Thursday, July 17, at 7:00 pm, in the Koenig Center
$10 for Society members; $15 for the general public
Lawyer and businessman Malcolm MacKay tells the tale of Richard Whitney and describes in detail the banking and investment structure that precipitated the stock market collapse of 1929, and how as president of the New York Stock Exchange, Richard Whitney played his role while manipulating powerful and trusted friends. Impeccable Connections is both a biography of an important figure and an excellent primer on the reasons for securities regulations that are in today’s headlines.
— from the back cover, Impeccable Connections
Author and co-author of several local histories, Malcolm MacKay has contributed to the New York Times Magazine and Business Week. A graduate of Princeton and Harvard Law, he lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Fourth of July at the Oyster Bay Historical Society
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Ice Cream Social Following the Parade Ice Cream and Cookies Lemonade and Tea Bean Bag Toss & Music by Members of the Oyster Bay Music Festival at the lawn and garden of the Oyster Bay Historical Society 20 Summit Street |
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The Oyster Bay Music Festival
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Joseph Urban: Designer and Architect
An Illustrated Book Talk by John Loring
Design Director Emeritus of Tiffany & Company
Monday, June 23, beginning at 7:00 pm at the Angela Koenig Center
$25 for Society Members; $35 for the General Public
On Monday, June 23, design director emeritus John Loring of Tiffany & Company returns to Oyster Bay to present an illustrated lecture on designer and architect Joseph Urban. Mr Loring is the author of Tiffany Style, Tiffany Diamonds, and Tiffany in Fashion, among many other titles, while remaining an active contributor to Architectural Design and other publications. He lives in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Copies of Mr Loring’s richly illustrated book Joseph Urban will be available for purchase and signing. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, please call 516-922-5032, email obhsdirector@optonline, or visit oysterbayhistorical.org
ABOUT THE BOOK
Joseph Urban (1872-1933) was one of the most creative and prolific designers and architects of the early twentieth century. His work included magnificent Art Deco buildings, spectacular Ziegfeld Follies productions, and dramatic sets for the Metropolitan Opera, among many other accomplishments. Urban became immersed in an astonishing array of projects other than stage sets, designing theatres, department stores, hotel ballrooms, nightclubs, furniture, and Hollywood film sets. His remarkable versatility as an artist is evident in a broad range of styles—Symbolist, Art Nouveau, Secessionist, Art Deco, and Modernist—in which he was extraordinarily gifted. — From the book jacket of John Loring’s Joseph Urban
An Illustrated Book Talk by John Loring
Design Director Emeritus of Tiffany & Company
Monday, June 23, beginning at 7:00 pm at the Angela Koenig Center
$25 for Society Members; $35 for the General Public
On Monday, June 23, design director emeritus John Loring of Tiffany & Company returns to Oyster Bay to present an illustrated lecture on designer and architect Joseph Urban. Mr Loring is the author of Tiffany Style, Tiffany Diamonds, and Tiffany in Fashion, among many other titles, while remaining an active contributor to Architectural Design and other publications. He lives in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Copies of Mr Loring’s richly illustrated book Joseph Urban will be available for purchase and signing. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, please call 516-922-5032, email obhsdirector@optonline, or visit oysterbayhistorical.org
ABOUT THE BOOK
Joseph Urban (1872-1933) was one of the most creative and prolific designers and architects of the early twentieth century. His work included magnificent Art Deco buildings, spectacular Ziegfeld Follies productions, and dramatic sets for the Metropolitan Opera, among many other accomplishments. Urban became immersed in an astonishing array of projects other than stage sets, designing theatres, department stores, hotel ballrooms, nightclubs, furniture, and Hollywood film sets. His remarkable versatility as an artist is evident in a broad range of styles—Symbolist, Art Nouveau, Secessionist, Art Deco, and Modernist—in which he was extraordinarily gifted. — From the book jacket of John Loring’s Joseph Urban
Oyster Bay Historical Society Annual Members' Meeting
Sunday, June 22, beginning at 1:00 pm
Special Guest: Richard F. Welch
The Oyster Bay Historical Society celebrates its annual members' meeting by welcoming author Richard F. Welch to the Koenig Center for a book talk and signing. Professor Welch, who teaches American and military history at Farmingdale State College, will be discussing his book General Washington's Commando: Benjamin Tallmadge in the Revolutionary War. Copies of General Washington's Commando will be available for purchase and signing, followed by a reception and refreshments.
Members of the general public wishing to attend may join the Society by visiting the membership page. For more information, please call the Society at 516-922-5032 or email [email protected]
The Forgotten Chapters: My Journey into the Past
A book talk and signing by Katherine Dimancescu
Saturday, June 14, at 1:00 pm in the Koenig Center
$10 for Society members; $15 for the general public
Katherine Dimancescu visits the Oyster Bay Historical Society on Saturday, June 14, for a book talk and signing, beginning at 1:00 pm in the Koenig Center. A descendant of the Underhill, Townsend, Wright and Feakes families, she will discuss her ongoing genealogical work while highlighting some of the family-research resources both in New England and in the United Kingdom that have proved helpful to her.
Copies of her debut book, The Forgotten Chapters: My Journey into the Past, will be available for purchase and signing. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, please call the Society at 516-922-5032 or email [email protected].
About the Book
Katherine Dimancescu's debut narrative, The Forgotten Chapters: My Journey into the Past offers readers a window into the lives of some of her maternal ancestors, well-known and little-known alike, who helped shape the New England communities they called home. Her story shares unexpected discoveries she made while researching her colonial American roots. These discoveries include Mayflower passengers John Alden and his future wife Priscilla Mullins, ancestral homesteads dating back to the 1600s, veterans of the Pequot War (1637) and King Philip’s War (1675-76), slave-owning ancestors in New England, 17th and 18th century diary keepers whose original diaries she found intact in archives, persecuted Quakers including Mary (Barrett) Dyer (wife and mother of six children) who was hanged on Boston Common in 1660, signers of The Flushing Remonstrance, an ancestor accused of manslaughter, and another forced to wear a scarlet “D”. Ms. Dimancescu hopes to inspire readers to rediscover and appreciate often overlooked chapters of New England’s rich colonial history and to enjoy researching their own family roots.
About the Author
Katherine Dimancescu has been writing stories since she was a child. She has loved history, genealogy, and historical research since she was young. Writing and publishing this book has been a dream of hers since 1995. She received a BA in history from Denison University. She was awarded master’s degrees in international relations from the University of Westminster, London, and the London School of Economics and Political Science. Prior to writing this book, she was a managing editor of international tax, law, and finance reports. She divides her time between Connecticut and Massachusetts.
A book talk and signing by Katherine Dimancescu
Saturday, June 14, at 1:00 pm in the Koenig Center
$10 for Society members; $15 for the general public
Katherine Dimancescu visits the Oyster Bay Historical Society on Saturday, June 14, for a book talk and signing, beginning at 1:00 pm in the Koenig Center. A descendant of the Underhill, Townsend, Wright and Feakes families, she will discuss her ongoing genealogical work while highlighting some of the family-research resources both in New England and in the United Kingdom that have proved helpful to her.
Copies of her debut book, The Forgotten Chapters: My Journey into the Past, will be available for purchase and signing. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, please call the Society at 516-922-5032 or email [email protected].
About the Book
Katherine Dimancescu's debut narrative, The Forgotten Chapters: My Journey into the Past offers readers a window into the lives of some of her maternal ancestors, well-known and little-known alike, who helped shape the New England communities they called home. Her story shares unexpected discoveries she made while researching her colonial American roots. These discoveries include Mayflower passengers John Alden and his future wife Priscilla Mullins, ancestral homesteads dating back to the 1600s, veterans of the Pequot War (1637) and King Philip’s War (1675-76), slave-owning ancestors in New England, 17th and 18th century diary keepers whose original diaries she found intact in archives, persecuted Quakers including Mary (Barrett) Dyer (wife and mother of six children) who was hanged on Boston Common in 1660, signers of The Flushing Remonstrance, an ancestor accused of manslaughter, and another forced to wear a scarlet “D”. Ms. Dimancescu hopes to inspire readers to rediscover and appreciate often overlooked chapters of New England’s rich colonial history and to enjoy researching their own family roots.
About the Author
Katherine Dimancescu has been writing stories since she was a child. She has loved history, genealogy, and historical research since she was young. Writing and publishing this book has been a dream of hers since 1995. She received a BA in history from Denison University. She was awarded master’s degrees in international relations from the University of Westminster, London, and the London School of Economics and Political Science. Prior to writing this book, she was a managing editor of international tax, law, and finance reports. She divides her time between Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Opening Reception on Friday, June 13, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
at the Society's Angela Koenig Center, 20 Summit Street
Echoes: Voices from the Mystics
An artist's retrospective by Greg Reid
Pop Rock Powder Horn Craft
Thursday, June 12, after school from 3:45 to 5:00
Suitable for grades 1st through 3rd
Oyster Bay is rich in colonial history, and the Oyster Bay Historical Society has a sure-fire craft to ignite your child's imagination. Kids will create and build their own powder horn and tri-corn hat with common household materials. Real 18th century powder horns from the Society's collection will provide the inspiration. With Pop Rocks® instead of gunpowder, these keepsakes will be a blast to make!
The fun begins after school on Thursday, June 12. Space is limited, so please contact the Society for details or reservations at 516-922-5032 or [email protected]
Fee: $15 per child, with all supplies and healthful snacks provided.
Suitable for grades 1st through 3rd
Oyster Bay is rich in colonial history, and the Oyster Bay Historical Society has a sure-fire craft to ignite your child's imagination. Kids will create and build their own powder horn and tri-corn hat with common household materials. Real 18th century powder horns from the Society's collection will provide the inspiration. With Pop Rocks® instead of gunpowder, these keepsakes will be a blast to make!
The fun begins after school on Thursday, June 12. Space is limited, so please contact the Society for details or reservations at 516-922-5032 or [email protected]
Fee: $15 per child, with all supplies and healthful snacks provided.
In partnership with the Long Island Craft Guild
It's Time for Tea!
April 6 through June 8, 2014
Angela Koenig Center
Teapot and cups by exhibition juror Fong Choo
The Oyster Bay Historical Society opens its spring exhibition, It's Time for Tea!, with an afternoon reception on Sunday, April 6. The exhibition remains on view through June 8.
It's Time for Tea! features ceramics by members of the Long Island Craft Guild's Clay Media Group. Both functional and sculptural work relating to tea -- pots and bowls, cups, mugs, and sugar/creamer sets -- will be on view and for sale at the Society's Koenig Center for the course of the exhibition.
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EXHIBITION JUROR Fong Choo
Fong Choo has taught many workshops nationally and internationally. most recently at the Gaya Ceramic Center in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Next summer he will become Artist-in-Residence at the University of Tasmania in Launceston, Australia. His own work has received awards at the Smithsonian Craft Show, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the American Craft Exposition. |
THE LONG ISLAND CRAFT GUILD is committed to the development of the crafts movement, and seeks to promote the exchange of information and experiences that will benefit both artists and the community. Membership in the Guild is open to all people interested in the creation and exhibition of fine craft. The LICG is an independent, non-profit educational organization. Please visit the Guild's web site, licg.org
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The Oyster Bay Historical Society Invites You to a Tea Tasting
Friday, May 9, beginning at 7:00 pm
$30 per person, with advance registration required
Sip Tea Lounge
286C New York Avenue
Huntington, New York
631-697-6705
Nicole Basso, President of the Sip Tea Lounge, is a sponsor of the Oyster Bay Historical Society's spring exhibition, It's Time for Tea, featuring tea-related ceramics from the Long Island Craft Guild, as well as a display of tea materials from the Sip Tea Lounge. The exhibition remains on view through June 8 at the Historical Society's Koenig Center.
Behind Every Great Fortune
Volume I of the Oheka Chronicles Trilogy
A Historical Novel by Frank Amoroso
An Author Talk and Book Signing
The Koenig Center: Thursday, May 8, at 7:00 pm
$10 for current Society members; $15 for general admission
Set in the turbulent second decade of the 20th Century, Behind Every Great Fortune chronicles the life and times of Otto Hermann Kahn, the financier and philanthropist whose fame was so great that he was immortalized as the iconic character with the moustache and top hat of the board game Monopoly.
From the first terrorist attack on New York City, to the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand, the murder of Rasputin, the Russian Revolution, and the bloody devastation of WWI, Mr. Amoroso adroitly weaves historical facts with colorful characters of the day such as Margaret Sanger, Vaslav Nijinsky, Mata Hari, the mad monk Rasputin, and Commander James "Strafe" Oliver.
As the 100th anniversary of these events approaches, Behind Every Great Fortune presents a fresh look at the seminal events that shaped the world.
Frank Amoroso is an attorney who was born in New York City. He grew up near Long Island's Gold Coast where Otto Kahn built Oheka Castle, his monument to power and wealth. Behind Every Great Fortune is Mr. Amoroso's first book in the Oheka Chronicles trilogy. He lives in North Carolina with his wife and family.
Volume I of the Oheka Chronicles Trilogy
A Historical Novel by Frank Amoroso
An Author Talk and Book Signing
The Koenig Center: Thursday, May 8, at 7:00 pm
$10 for current Society members; $15 for general admission
Set in the turbulent second decade of the 20th Century, Behind Every Great Fortune chronicles the life and times of Otto Hermann Kahn, the financier and philanthropist whose fame was so great that he was immortalized as the iconic character with the moustache and top hat of the board game Monopoly.
From the first terrorist attack on New York City, to the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand, the murder of Rasputin, the Russian Revolution, and the bloody devastation of WWI, Mr. Amoroso adroitly weaves historical facts with colorful characters of the day such as Margaret Sanger, Vaslav Nijinsky, Mata Hari, the mad monk Rasputin, and Commander James "Strafe" Oliver.
As the 100th anniversary of these events approaches, Behind Every Great Fortune presents a fresh look at the seminal events that shaped the world.
Frank Amoroso is an attorney who was born in New York City. He grew up near Long Island's Gold Coast where Otto Kahn built Oheka Castle, his monument to power and wealth. Behind Every Great Fortune is Mr. Amoroso's first book in the Oheka Chronicles trilogy. He lives in North Carolina with his wife and family.
Sea Shell Collage for Kids!
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
After school (3:45)-5:00 p.m.
Inspired by the shell crafts native to the people of the Caribbean, and brought back by sailors to Long Island, the Oyster Bay Historical Society invites young artists to create a masterpiece from the bounty of the sea.
Design your own background or choose from several images like seascapes, flowers or a lighthouse. Then, create a piece of art in your style by choosing different shells and other dried natural elements. Take home a unique, framed piece of art ready to be displayed as a family keepsake or a gift for Mom!
Weather permitting this event will be held on the lawn behind the Earle-Wightman house and Colonial garden. Space is limited so please contact the Society for details or reservations at 922-5032 or [email protected] . Suitable for grades 1st-3rd. $15 per child with all supplies provided and healthy snacks upon arrival.
Preservation Workshop:
Glass and Ceramic Objects
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
6:00 to 7:30 pm
The Koenig Center
Free to Society Members
$10 (non-members)
The Oyster Bay Historical Society continues the annual Preservation Week Workshop series by exploring the best practices for protecting your family's treasured ceramic and glass objects. The Society's Librarian/Archivist Nicole Menchise will discuss the care, display, and storage of glass and ceramic objects as well as the DOs and DON'Ts of repair. The lecture will include examples taken from the Society's collections.
The workshop takes place Wednesday, April 30, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on the lower level of the Koenig Research Center (behind the Earle-Wightman House), at 20 Summit Street in Oyster Bay.
Admission is free to current members of the Oyster Bay Historical Society and $10 for non-members. Light refreshments will be served. Attendees are encouraged to bring items that they feel need to be discussed specifically. However, no appraisals can be given, as the workshop deals strictly with preservation practices.
Contact the Society at 516-922-5032 or by email ([email protected]) for more details or to make a reservation.
Raku Workshop with Brett Thomas
Saturday April 26 and Sunday April 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For registration and further information, please contact Puneeta Mittal
631-239-6263 or 516-655-7798
[email protected]
Saturday April 26 and Sunday April 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For registration and further information, please contact Puneeta Mittal
631-239-6263 or 516-655-7798
[email protected]
Black and Tan Duct Tape Binding
Saturday, April 5, 2014
12:30 - 3:30 pm
Instructor: Diana Kovacs
$50 (includes all your supplies)
Mat boards bound with duct tape leave room for many page embellishments, including extra pockets, tags, and even mini-books-within-books. Magnets, ribbons, and hinges allow you to add photo and journal sections, and the full kit you receive gives you the opportunity to perfect your book's details at home after the class.
Easter Treat Cards
Saturday, March 29, 2014
12:30 - 3:30 pm
Instructor: Diana Kovacs
$30 (includes all your supplies)
Make paper-crafted candy holders to fill Easter baskets or to use as place cards at your dinner table. Punches, die cuts, and embossers embellish your designs, and each one holds a candy treat. We'll also make three cards to send Easter greetings to family and friends.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
12:30 - 3:30 pm
Instructor: Diana Kovacs
$30 (includes all your supplies)
Make paper-crafted candy holders to fill Easter baskets or to use as place cards at your dinner table. Punches, die cuts, and embossers embellish your designs, and each one holds a candy treat. We'll also make three cards to send Easter greetings to family and friends.
Snow Day in Oyster Bay
The Life and Times of Oyster Bay in Winters Past
January 31 through March 23, 2014
The Oyster Bay Historical Society's winter exhibition, Snow Day in Oyster Bay, features artifacts, images, and clothing from the Society’s permanent collection, as well as costumes on loan from the personal collections of Monica Randall and other lenders. The exhibition highlights many of the traditional activities of Oyster Bay in winter, including sledding, bobsledding, skating,
and skiing.
The Life and Times of Oyster Bay in Winters Past
January 31 through March 23, 2014
The Oyster Bay Historical Society's winter exhibition, Snow Day in Oyster Bay, features artifacts, images, and clothing from the Society’s permanent collection, as well as costumes on loan from the personal collections of Monica Randall and other lenders. The exhibition highlights many of the traditional activities of Oyster Bay in winter, including sledding, bobsledding, skating,
and skiing.
Polly Weeks at Beaver Dam, 1927 (courtesy of Ellen Nicoll)
Lenders to the Exhibition
Ellen Nicoll
Monica Randall
Virginia Slutter
Scott Valentine
Town of Oyster Bay
Exhibition Staff
Nicole Menchise, Librarian and Archivist
Laura Agudo, Administrative Assistant
Jacque Blocklyn, Special Projects
Maura Burns, Archives Volunteer
Philip Blocklyn, Executive Director
Spring Card Fest
Saturday, March 8, 2014
12:30 - 3:30 pm
at the Koenig Center
Instructor: Diana Kovacs
$30 (includes all your supplies)
The snow is almost behind us, and it's time to start thinking about crocuses, leprechauns, and spring. In our Spring Card Fest class, we'll each make six cards with lots of stamping and inking techniques, and lots of embellishments. We'll even create a special candy enclosure-- always a favorite. Contact the Society at 516-922-5032 or [email protected] to register.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
12:30 - 3:30 pm
at the Koenig Center
Instructor: Diana Kovacs
$30 (includes all your supplies)
The snow is almost behind us, and it's time to start thinking about crocuses, leprechauns, and spring. In our Spring Card Fest class, we'll each make six cards with lots of stamping and inking techniques, and lots of embellishments. We'll even create a special candy enclosure-- always a favorite. Contact the Society at 516-922-5032 or [email protected] to register.
Crochet Boot Camp with Patti McSkane
Thursday, March 6, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
at The Koenig Center
Patti McSkane of The Knitted Purl visits the Oyster Bay Historical Society's Koenig Center for an evening of crochet instruction, with all supplies provided free of charge. Participants will donate their evening's creations to the decoration of a tree or lamp post as part of the Hand-Stitched Hamlet program sponsored by the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Association.
To register, click Crochet Boot Camp
Or contact The Knitted Purl at 516-558-7800
Thursday, March 6, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
at The Koenig Center
Patti McSkane of The Knitted Purl visits the Oyster Bay Historical Society's Koenig Center for an evening of crochet instruction, with all supplies provided free of charge. Participants will donate their evening's creations to the decoration of a tree or lamp post as part of the Hand-Stitched Hamlet program sponsored by the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Association.
To register, click Crochet Boot Camp
Or contact The Knitted Purl at 516-558-7800
Winter Dreams
An Illustrated Lecture by Monica Randall
The Koenig Center; Sunday, March 2, at 2:00 pm
$10 for current Society members; $15 for general admission
Join historian and best-selling author Monica Randall for Winter Dreams, a colorful slide presentation featuring the games men and women played out on the ice and snow of the Gold Coast era. The program highlights the popularity of stylish skating parties, as well as lesser-known activities like ice tennis. The lecture complements the Society's current winter exhibition Snow Day in Oyster Bay, with its displays of sleds, skates, and skis from the permanent collection.
An Illustrated Lecture by Monica Randall
The Koenig Center; Sunday, March 2, at 2:00 pm
$10 for current Society members; $15 for general admission
Join historian and best-selling author Monica Randall for Winter Dreams, a colorful slide presentation featuring the games men and women played out on the ice and snow of the Gold Coast era. The program highlights the popularity of stylish skating parties, as well as lesser-known activities like ice tennis. The lecture complements the Society's current winter exhibition Snow Day in Oyster Bay, with its displays of sleds, skates, and skis from the permanent collection.
Affirmations Mini Book / Cards
February 22, 2014
12:30 - 3:30 pm
Instructor: Diana Kovacs
$30 (includes all your supplies)
Make a mini foldout book, or a set of greeting cards with positive affirmations and bright, cheerful designs. We'll learn to use an emboss-and-resist technique to make distinctive backgrounds with rubber stamps and household objects. Make your foldout book from envelopes that become pocket pages, If you prefer, choose to produce your own greeting cards to share your affirmations with family and friends.
February 22, 2014
12:30 - 3:30 pm
Instructor: Diana Kovacs
$30 (includes all your supplies)
Make a mini foldout book, or a set of greeting cards with positive affirmations and bright, cheerful designs. We'll learn to use an emboss-and-resist technique to make distinctive backgrounds with rubber stamps and household objects. Make your foldout book from envelopes that become pocket pages, If you prefer, choose to produce your own greeting cards to share your affirmations with family and friends.
A Fine Art Photographic Talk by Xiomaro
Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 2;00 p.m.
Angela Koenig Gallery
20 Summit Street, Oyster Bay
The Oyster Bay Historical Society celebrates Black History Month with an artist talk by Xiomaro, whose photographic series devoted to the slaves' burial ground at the William Floyd Estate is on exhibition in New York City this February. Xiomaro is a nationally exhibited artist whose 2013 exhibition How I Love Sagamore Hill opened at the Historical Society's Koenig Center before traveling to Harvard University in 2014.
On view for the talk will be two framed photographs from the series. Those in attendance will be eligible for an email raffle of two signed 5 x 7 inch prints of images from the exhibition.
The program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Donations to the Mohlenhoff Fund will help support the Historical Society's ongoing schedule of educational events and exhibitions.
On view for the talk will be two framed photographs from the series. Those in attendance will be eligible for an email raffle of two signed 5 x 7 inch prints of images from the exhibition.
The program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Donations to the Mohlenhoff Fund will help support the Historical Society's ongoing schedule of educational events and exhibitions.
Valentine's Day Card Making Class
Saturday, February 8, 2014
12:30-4:30 at the Koenig Center
It's time for some new classes!
On Saturday, February 8th, from 12:30 to 4:30, the Oyster Bay Historical Society will be hosting a card class by Diana Kovacs of The Moonrose Art Stamps.
The romance of Valentine's Day, of course, will be the theme of the afternoon, but birthday cards will be part of it, too. We'll be using lots of glitter, spritz, embossing and shine in making these cards. Lots of bling and drama! We're also going to take on a paper-shaping technique for added va-va-voom and volume.
The cost of the class is $30, which includes all of the supplies to make six different cards.
Winter Members' Reception
Snow Day in Oyster Bay
The Life and Times of Oyster Bay in Winters Past
January 31, 2014
The Oyster Bay Historical Society opens its winter exhibition, Snow Day in Oyster Bay, with a members' reception on Friday evening, January 31, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The exhibition will remain on view through March 23.
Snow Day in Oyster Bay features artifacts, images, and clothing from the Society’s permanent collection, as well as costumes on loan from the personal collections of Monica Randall and other lenders. The exhibition highlights many of the traditional activities of Oyster Bay in winter, including sledding, bobsledding, skating, and skiing.
The reception is free to current 2014 members and their guests. Those renewing or joining for the first time may join here to secure their membership for the entire calendar year. For more information, please call us at 516-922-5032.
Snow Day in Oyster Bay
The Life and Times of Oyster Bay in Winters Past
January 31, 2014
The Oyster Bay Historical Society opens its winter exhibition, Snow Day in Oyster Bay, with a members' reception on Friday evening, January 31, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The exhibition will remain on view through March 23.
Snow Day in Oyster Bay features artifacts, images, and clothing from the Society’s permanent collection, as well as costumes on loan from the personal collections of Monica Randall and other lenders. The exhibition highlights many of the traditional activities of Oyster Bay in winter, including sledding, bobsledding, skating, and skiing.
The reception is free to current 2014 members and their guests. Those renewing or joining for the first time may join here to secure their membership for the entire calendar year. For more information, please call us at 516-922-5032.