October 2nd, 7:30 PM — Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, with Larry Wolff

For more than fifteen years, Larry Wolff, an expert on old Hollywood and classic television has provided his audiences with interesting background facts and fun behind-the-screen stories. In his presentation, “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein”, learn about the making of the funniest horror film of all time and how it almost was never filmed! See why no one could top Lou Costello in displaying on-screen fright as “The Boys” tangle with Universal’s classic monsters as the monsters took a final screen bow — Frankenstein’s Monster, The Wolfman, and the immortal Count Dracula! And learn about the monster that didn’t make it into the film. The presentation will include clips from the film, an autograph, memorabilia, and a book display for the audience to peruse.

October 9th, 7 PM — Remember Liss: A New Founding Figure, Clair Bellerjeau

Historian and author, Claire Bellerjeau will discuss the discovery of a new founding figure named Elizabeth, or Liss. Liss was enslaved by the Townsend family of Oyster Bay, New York, whose most famous member was Robert Townsend aka “Culper, Jr.”, George Washington’s lead spy in Manhattan during the Revolutionary War. As Robert and Liss’s story unfolds, prominent figures cross their path, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Benedict Arnold, John Graves Simcoe, John André and John Adams; as well as the Culper Spy Ring, the Boston Massacre, the Battle of Long Island, and the Benedict Arnold treason plot. Liss’s escape from the British, re-enslavement in Manhattan and later Charleston, and her complex struggle for freedom gives new insight into the country’s founding era, through the eyes of an enslaved Black woman seeking liberty in a country fighting for its own. Claire Bellerjeau is the co-author of “Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution: The True Story of Robert Townsend and Elizabeth” and recently published a student version of Liss’s story, titled “Remember Liss”. She also co-founded a non-profit organization called Remember Liss, with the mission to educate the community about Liss’s extraordinary life and times. She formerly served as Historian and Director of Education at Raynham Hall Museum in Oyster Bay, New York. Teachers attending the presentation will receive a complimentary copy of “Remember Liss”.

October 16th — Long Island Graveyards and Cemeteries, with Robert von Bernewitz

Robert von Bernewitz, Smithtown native and graveyard expert, sits on the board of directors of the Yaphank and the Lester Davis Town Meeting House Historical Societies, serves as a docent at Three Village Historical Society and is the operations manager at Frank Melville Memorial Park in Setauket. His presentation will consist of an overview of the types of burial sites... a look at burial markers from the early folk art stone cutters to present-day laser etching and information about notable people buried on Long Island. He has visited and photographed over 350 sites on Long Island and will showcase local gravesites in our area.

October 23rd — Long Island Railroad and Smithtown, with David D. Morrison

David D. Morrison is a retired LIRR Branch Line Manager, founder and past president of the Long Island Rail Road Historical Society, a charter member of the Railroad Museum of Long Island, and a member of the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum Station Restoration Committee. He is the author of several books on the various branches of the Long Island Rail Road and has conducted historical railroad station tours on Long Island under the auspices of the New York Transit Museum. Captivated by the architectural beauty, charm, and history of the LIRR stations, Morrison has photographed LIRR stations over the years including the St. James constructed in 1873. An expert on all aspects of the Long Island Railroad, David will share with the audience photographs, history, and interesting anecdotes about the LIRR, especially relating to our area.

Free!

Registration