To utilize the excellent East Hampton Library's Long Island Collection in
tracing one's ancestry, I recommend giving Diana Dayton a call right away.
(631 324-0222). Her last day as director of the Collection wing is Saturday.

It is my understanding that the library's directors are taking their time in
their search for a replacement because they want to find a librarian who is
schooled in archives, too. The Collection is a heaven setting in a small
library. The library address is 159 Main Street, East Hampton, NY 11937.
Diana's e-mail address is [log in to unmask]

Nancy Hyden Woodward

> From: "Natalie A. Naylor" <[log in to unmask]>
> Reply-To: "A LISTSERV list for discussions pertaining to New York State
> history." <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2003 07:33:11 -0400
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Colonial New York Research - Suffolk County
>
> There are a number of libraries and historical societies on Long Island
> with good reference collections.  You should first locate on a modern
> map the locale where your ancestors lived, since repositories may focus
> on their own areas. Some have limited hours and it is a good idea to
> phone or e-mail in advance to be sure the local history librarian who
> knows the collection best will be available. (Hours may be listed on web
> sites.) I am listing below the best known collections, but the local
> library or historical society in the area where your ancestors lived may
> also have information. Remember, it is a long island and Suffolk County
> alone is 80-90 miles in length.  Going from west to east:
>
> The Long Island Studies Institute at Hofstra University (West Campus,
> 619 Fulton Ave, Hempstead, NY) has virtually all of the published books,
> but its manuscript collection tends to focus on Nassau County (which was
> part of Queens County until 1899).  Open M-F, 9-5; 516 463-6411.
>
> The Huntington Historical Society has an excellent genealogical and
> local history collection, but limited hours (two or three afternoons a
> week); it has been closed for a couple of months because of water damage
> to the building, but should be reopening within the next few weeks.
> Karin Martin is their archivist; volunteers also assist and are well
> informed. The library  is in their trade school building, 209 Main
> Street, Huntington, NY 11743; 631-427-7045 (they charge a nominal daily
> fee for non-members to use the library).
>
> The Smithtown Library has an extensive local history collection. Richard
> Hawkins and Cathy Ball are the reference librarians who are most
> knowledgeable about the collection. Open seven days a week, including
> evenings weekdays (1 North Country Road/Route 25A, Smithtown NY 11787,
> 631-265-2072).
>
> Ditto re: Emma S. Clark Public Library (includes Stony Brook area as
> well and houses the Three Village Historical Society collection),
> Constance Sobel and Karin Martin (120 Main Street, Setauket, NY 11733,
> 631-941-4080);
> Middle Country Public Library: Luise Weiss, 101 Eastwood Boulevard,
> Centereach, NY 11720, 631-585-9393; and
> Longwood Public Library, Cynthia Sciacca, 800 Middle Country Road,
> Middle Island, NY 11953, 631-924-6400.
>
> The Suffolk County Historical Society in Riverhead (300 West Main
> Street, 11901; 631-727 2881) has an excellent genealogical and local
> history collection, but limited hours (two or three afternoons a week).
> It periodically issues a Register which focuses on Suffolk genealogy;
> members can submit queries.  They charge a nominal daily fee for
> non-members to use their library.
>
> For government records and documents, the Suffolk County Archivist,
> Sharon Pullen, is in the Office of the County Clerk, Historic Documents
> Library, 310 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901; 631-852-2015.
>
> The East Hampton Library on the South Fork (159 Main Street, East
> Hampton, NY 11937; 631 324-0222) has an excellent Long Island
> collection. It is open afternoons and by appointment.  Diana Dayton has
> been the local history librarian, but I believe she is leaving.
>
> On the North Fork, there is at least one library with an excellent local
> history collection (it may be in Cutchogue (Wendy Reeve, Main Road, PO
> Box 935, Cutchogue, 11935; 631-734-6360). The Southold Historical
> Society has extensive manuscripts (Geoffrey Fleming, Director, PO Box 1,
> North Rd. and Maple Lane, Southold, 11971; 631-765-5500).
>
> [log in to unmask]
> Prof. Emerita, Hofstra University
>
>
>
>