Local History Room

Brentwood Cemetery

2011-12-26T15:34:00.004-05:00

During the summer the Brentwood Local History Department had transcribed over 900 names from the Brentwood Cemetery headstones. The index to the cemetery can be found at www.findagrave.com. Currently photographs of the headstones are being uploaded to this website. The purpose of this was to make available information to genealogists who have relatives burried in the Brentwood Cemetery.

Photo Gallery

2011-05-11T16:31:00.003-04:00

The Adult History Department has added a new page to our website, Photo Gallery. We will be adding photographs taken at our programs on occassion to this page.

Meet John Adams & Share His Favorite Dessert

2011-01-20T10:47:00.006-05:00

On Wednesday, February 23rd at 7 PM the Local History Department will be visted by John Adams portrayed by George Baker. He will be dressed in the clothes he would have worn as the second president of the United States 1797 - 1801. Join us for the president's favorite dessert and punch while John Adams entertains us with witty stories of his life.

Genealogy 101

2011-01-19T12:38:00.004-05:00

Now Brentwood Library card holders can make an appointment with Mary Ann Koferl, Head of the Local History Room for a one-on-one workshop on how to research your family tree using the library's electronic resources. Receive a packet of forms, information, etc. to get you started on your family history quest. Call for an appointment, 273-7883 X309.

Summer Programs

2010-11-23T10:50:00.003-05:00

This past Summer the Local History Department showed how to create a flower press so that you could create your own note cards.

Recent Needle Felting Workshop

2010-11-23T10:44:00.002-05:00

On November 17th the Local History Department presented a workshop on needle felting. Using this technique participants decorated a winter scarf.

Colored Girl From Long Island: A Family History

2010-05-28T11:23:00.000-04:00

Brentwood High School Yearbooks Indexed

2010-05-16T14:44:00.008-04:00

Recently the Local History Room has completed indexing 30 years of the Brentwood High School Yearbook. The index is available by clicking on the link found below or by going to our Local History Website and clicking on yearbooks. This index will tell you what year the person that you are searching for appeared in the yearbook.

http://www.germangenealogygroup.com/Yearbooksearch.asp

New Community Survey Tool Bar

2010-04-28T16:01:00.002-04:00

toolbar powered by Conduit

This is a handy resource tool bar for those doing surveys of the Brentwood Community and who are in need of statistics. You can download this free toolbar to your computer by going to our Local History Website and clicking on the toolbar.

New Free Downloadable BPL Genealogy Toolbar

2010-04-25T15:20:00.007-04:00

Visit our website to download our new Free BPL Genealogy Toolbar. We will update this frequently with new recommended family history websites that we are reviewing in our Genealogy workshops. From time to time we will make announcements about upcoming workshops, etc. To download this free toolbar please go to the Local History website or click on the title of this announcement.

Preservation Week May 9 - 15th

2010-04-25T13:42:00.006-04:00

The week of May 9th thru May 15th we will be highlighting our local history collection and how the department is preserving the community's history. Visit your library's Local History Room for a tour of the room and to hear how the staff is preserving your community's records. Find out how the Library of Congress preserves your country's history by clicking on the link "Preservation Week May 9 - 15th".

Felting Spring Centerpiece

2009-05-01T13:20:00.004-04:00

On Tuesday, April 14th the Local History Room presented a program on the craft of needle felting. Vicki Fleming returned to show us how to make a spring basket using wool and felting needles.

Walking Tour of Brentwood Cemetery

2009-05-01T11:51:00.008-04:00

On a beautiful Friday, April 24th the Local History Room gave a tour of the Brentwood Cemetery. After the tour we gave a short demonstration on gravestone rubbings. For more information on upcoming tours please contact the Local History Room at 273-7883 ext 309.

Gatsby's "Long Island" in the 1920's

2009-03-10T12:23:00.003-04:00

Remember the Ladies: A Musical Salute

2009-03-10T12:18:00.003-04:00

New Genealogy Database added to E-Resources Collection

2009-03-10T11:32:00.008-04:00

Patrons can now access the WorldVitalRecords.com for free from their home or in the library. This an online genealogy site that helps people connect with their family heritage. Our patrons can search for their family information in our collection of over 1 billion names in more than 8,000 hard-to-find databases. The advanced search technology makes accessing these vast amounts of data easy, allowing our patrons to make the most of their valuable time. Just visit our Local History Website and select the Genealogy page from the menu on the left hand side of the page.

Marie Schultz, Former Brentwood Resident Remembers Brentwood

2009-02-24T12:33:00.007-05:00

Marie Schultz's parents moved to Brentwood in 1928 after they were married. Her mother had lived in Brentwood until 1961. Listen to this new podcast as she recounts her memories of Brentwood during her school days.

Online Genealogy Resources

2009-02-16T13:43:00.004-05:00

Do you want to know more about Online Genealogy Resources? Here is your opportunity. Just download this brochure to findout what your library has available for Family History Research.

Historic Craft: Quilling

2009-02-13T14:40:00.007-05:00

On Thursday, February 12th the Local History Room presented a workshop on the historic craft of Quilling. This craft dates back to the 16th and 17th century nuns from France and Italy decorated reliquaries and pictures with quilled shapes sometimes adding gilding and other ornamentation. We all had an opportunity to design our own note cards using this technique.

Family History Library Catalog

2009-02-13T12:16:00.004-05:00

SCLS has been designated a Family History Center Affiliate Library. This designation entitles our patrons to request most microfilm and microfiche listed in the Family History Library Catalog. The fees are as follows:
Microfilm loan charges are $6.00 per reel. The loan time is 60 days which includes shipping time to and from the Family History Library. This assumes 15 days shipping time each way, so the patron will have about 30 days to view the microfilm. There is a $6.00 charge for renewal of the microfilm for an additional 30 days. Microfiche are available for loan at the rate of $1.00 per fiche card. The patron may use the fiche for 60 days. For more information please call 273-7883 ext. 309

2009-01-23T11:48:00.003-05:00

SWEET NOTHINGS FORTUNE COOKIES (makes 24) Great for your loved ones for Valentines's Day.
1 1/4 tb. Unsalted butter
1 egg white
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 tb. Unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. Chocolate extract
24 paper "Sweet Nothings" or Happy New year
1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. Place a silicone baking sheet or parchment paper on a baking pan - set aside.
3. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter and set aside.
4. In a medium bowl and using an electric mixer combine egg white and sugar.Beat on medium speed until frothy, about 30 seconds.
5. Add flour, cocoa and salt, beat until combined. Add melted butter, creamvanilla extract and chocolate extract, beat until combined about 30 seconds.
6. Drop a heaping tsp. Of batter onto the prepared pan. Repeat with remainingbatter, spacing batter about 5 inches apart.
7. Using the back of the spoon, spread each dollop into a 4 inch circle.
8. Bake until the edges are darkened slightly, about 5 minutes.
9. Transfer pan to a heat-resistant surface.
10. Working quickly, slide an offset spatula under and cookie and flip it over.
11 .Roll the cookie into a loose tube, and insert a paper, or fortune in the middle so that one edge extends from the cookie.
12. Using your index finger make an indentation in the center of the tube, and thenpinch each end together to resemble a fortune cookie.
13. Repeat the rolling and folding process with the remaining cookies. Allow thecookies to cool. Store in a air-tight container for up to one week.

Daurice Snyder, Dance Instructor

2008-12-22T14:41:00.006-05:00

The Local History Room has added a new oral history to our podcast website. Daurice Snyder began her career in Brentwood, NY in the 1930's. She provided dance instruction to the public and private schools in Brentwood for many years. Listen to Daurice Snyder as she recounts her career in dance.

Historic Needlework: Blackwork Needlecase

2008-12-10T12:07:00.001-05:00

Let's Celebrate Chinese New Year with Barbara Sheridan

2008-12-10T12:05:00.001-05:00

Design Your Own Family History Website

2008-12-10T11:49:00.001-05:00

Pumpkin Felting

2008-12-10T09:29:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, September 9th, the Local History Room presented a workshop on how to felt wool using special needles. Our instructor Vicki Fleming, demonstrated the process required to felt wool then we all had the opportunity to make our own pumkin.

Vegetable Printing Workshop

2008-12-10T09:19:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, December 9th at 7 pm the Local History Room presented a workshop on Vegetable Printing. Participants learned how to design their own printing stamps out of vegetables and make their own wrapping paper using paint and vegetable stamps.

Genealogy Series: Home Sources For Family History Research

2008-11-02T15:00:00.001-05:00

Join Art Sniffin, certified genealogist, on Saturday, November 8th at 10am as he discusses the strategies to unearth your family's hidden treasures, the need to revisit the past records you have found and how to use these valuable documents.

Historic Food: Cooking with Pumpkins

2008-11-02T12:49:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, October 21st at 7 pm Barbara Sheridan delighted her audience with a delicious recipe of Roasted Pumpkin with Shallots and Sage. For those who missed this demonstration, we have attached a copy of her recipe. Afterwards we had tea and some Pumpkin Bars for dessert.

Roasted Pumpkin With Shallots and Sage

1 medium sugar pumpkin (about 4 lbs.) peeled and seeded, cut into 2 inch chunks
4 shallots peeled and dquartered lenghtwise
3 tbs. olive oil
1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
Coarse salt and ground pepper

1. Preheat oven to 450F
2. Divide pumpkin, shallots, oil and sae between two large rimmed baking sheets.
3. Season with salt and pepper and toss.
4. Roast until the pumpkin is tender, 30 to 35 minutes, tossing once and rotating sheets halfway through.
Per serving: 176 cal., 11.1 gram of fat, 4.1 gram of protein, 19.4 gram carbohydrate, 8.9 gram fiber
Serves 4

Robert's Tall Friend: A Play About The Fire Island Lighthouse: Monday, October 13th (Columbus Day)

2008-10-08T09:47:00.001-04:00

You are invited to attend the theatrical production of "Robert's Tall Friend: A Story of the Fire Island Lighthouse". On Monday, October 13th (Columbus Day) at 2:30 -3:30 pm in the auditorium of the Brentwood Public Library. The whole family is invited!

Vivian Farrell serves as author, actress and producer of Robert's Tall Friend: A Story of the Fire Island Lighthouse, a captivating tale of a boy entranced by a lighthouse about to be demolished. Vivian skillfully creates suspenseful excitement as she becomes each character. This adaptation of her book, which was recently named the Official Book of Suffolk County, NY and is further enhanced by dramatic sound and special effects, is a great inspiration to environmentalists and preservationists young and old.

Historic Suffolk Fair

2008-10-08T09:15:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, October 4th the Brentwood Local History Department attended the annual "Historic Suffolk Fair" held at Walt Whitman's Birthplace in Huntington. This fair is held during "Archives Week" to encourage visitors to use their local archives and historic rooms at public libraries for research. We had a tour of Walt Whitman's house given by one of the docents who portrays Walt Whitman. Visit their website http://www.waltwhitman.org/

Summer Pudding Demonstration

2008-09-03T15:43:00.001-04:00

On Tuesday, August 5th Barbara Sheridan gave us a demonstration on how to make an old English Summer Pudding. Below is the recipe for this delightful dessert.
2 pints (5 to 6 cups) Berries
6 tbs. sugar
1 tb. Lemon juice
Pinch salt.
12 to 15 slices soft white bread

1. To make pudding
2. Line a large bowl with plastic wrap, leaving enough excess to fold over the top once filled.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine berries and sugar, cook until berries release juices but retain their shape and sugar dissoves, 2 or 3 minutes.
4. Transfer to a bowl and let cool slightly. Stir in the lemon juice and salt.
5. Cut off the crusts of the white bread.
6. Soak the bread in the berry mixture and then add some berry mixture to the bottom of the bowl.
7. Repeat until the bowl is filled withbread and fruit.
8. Press gently cover tightly with excess plastic wrap.
0. Weigh down the top of the pudding and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

Modern Times Slide Show

2008-06-27T15:21:00.001-04:00

Modern Times

Teachers, the library has developed a new slide show on the history of Modern Times. If you are interested in using this for your classroom you can ask for a copy of the slide presentation by visiting the history room.

Do You Remember When...

2008-06-25T10:23:00.000-04:00

On Monday, June 23 close to forty people attended our "Do You Remember When.." program and shared their favorite memory of Brentwood. The Local History Department served a high tea while many reminiscenced and renewed old friendships. Just click on the title, "Do You Remember When..." and you can see the rest of the pictures.

Historic Needlework Series: Sampler

2008-06-19T20:13:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, June 19 the Local History Department presented a program on Cross Stitch Samplers. Dale Sokolow, Master Embroideress demonstrated how to make this beautiful sampler. The class had a lot of fun making their own sampler.

Local History Department Visits East Middle School

2008-06-12T13:44:00.000-04:00

Staff from Brentwood Public Library visited Miss. Ibanez's 6th & 7th grade classes at the East Middle School on Thursday, June 12th. The Local History Department presented a slide program on the history of "Modern Times." We were delighted to spend the morning with the students from both of these classes. Many questions were asked and the students had an opportunity to look at our Historic Landmark Quilt.

Islamic Tile Painting

2008-05-29T11:11:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, May 28th, Kids enjoyed painting their own tile fashioned after the Islamic Tiles. Here Cheryl Frey Richards, instructor, dries the tiles that the children had made before painting on the final glaze.

"A Century of Brentwood" added to the Digital Collection

2008-05-28T15:33:00.002-04:00

The Local History Department has added a new title to our Digital Collection. "The Century of Brentwood" tells the story of Modern Times, a utopian community started by Josiah Warren and Stephen Pearl Andrews, and takes you through the changes to the community up until the 1950's. It is an interesting book that will shed some light on the history of Brentwood. It is also fully indexed and can be searched by following the link and clicking on the book icon.

Staff Visits WIN / WNYH Radio Station

2008-05-27T13:59:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, May 20th librarians, Edana Cichanowicz, Head of Reference, Rosalie Toja, Head of Programing and Mary Koferl, Head of History Department, visited WIN Radio Station in Jericho. There we taped a program reviewing some of the upcoming programs that the library is presenting in the near future. The staff does this bimonthly for the radio station. If you want to know more about the programs we offer keep tuned to WNYH (740 AM).

The Pelican Disaster: Shipwreck off Montauk Point

2008-05-24T13:37:00.000-04:00

Join us for this exciting adventure on Wednesday, June 11th at 7pm. Please register by calling 273-7883 ext. 347.

Reminder Notices By Email

2008-05-24T12:46:00.000-04:00

Did you know that you can now be notified about upcoming history programs by email? Just send us your email address and tell us if you want to be notified for the history programs that you have registered for as well as future programs on a particular subject (ex: crafts, cooking, history lectures, needlework, etc.)We will then add you to our email lists to remind you about upcoming programs or history programs that you already registered for. Just click on the picture on this blog and you can begin composing your email message.

Trip to Long Island Psychiatric Museum

2008-05-22T11:38:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, May 20th the Local History Departed visited the Long Island Psychiatric Museum. There were twenty-four patrons who toured this museum with us. Sara Kalvin, Director of Public Relations gave us a tour of the museum. We had a chance to learn about the history of three Psychiatric Hospitals on Long Island (Kings Park, Pilgrim and Central Islip. The museum contains a large scale model of Pilgrim State Hospital. We learned that there were other hospitals that used the same floor plan for their hospitals. We had a chance to wander around the museum and view the artifacts that were rescued from the buildings as they were closed down.

Brentwood History Wiki

2008-05-14T15:20:00.000-04:00

The Brentwood Local History Department is working on a History Wiki or online encyclopedia. If you would like to contribute to the Wiki please email the History Department at the following address: history@suffolk.lib.ny.us or join the wiki if you intend to write an article regularly. All articles will be edited and verified by the Local History Department. Please click on the History Wiki icon to link to our Wiki.

Local History Class Visit to North Elementary School

2008-05-07T10:04:00.000-04:00

In May our Youth History Librarian, Adele Bennett, visited the fourth grades at North Elementary School. She made a local history presentation about the historical landmarks in Brentwood. Adele brings the local history quilt and enlarged photographs to show the children during her program. The program is interactive giving the kids a chance to ask about the historical landmarks in their town. One of the highlights the kids enjoy is hearing Adele ring the original school bell. This bell was used at the Octagon Schoolhouse and is part of the Local History Department's collection.

Brentwood Landmarks: Part 1

2008-05-05T17:04:00.000-04:00

This is our fourth podcast. Join Adele Bennett as she tells you about the landmarks in Brentwood, New York. Listen to her stories about the Fire Department, Railroad Station and the Quanahassett Hotel.

An Oral History with Andy Wittman, a long time resident of Brentwood, New York

2008-04-30T15:52:00.000-04:00

An oral history of Andy Wittman a long time resident of Brentwood. As a youth he worked for the Koehlers at their General Store in Brentwood. As an adult he volunteered at the Brentwood Fire Department. Listen to his life in Brentwood, New York.

Fire Island Ghosts and Indian Stories Podcast

2008-04-21T13:10:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday April 16, 2008 at 7 pm former National Park Service Ranger Dick Barrett told his legendary tales of unexplained happenings that have occurred at Fire Island. Listen to these tales on your MP3 player or computer.

Do you remember Brentwood when.....

2008-04-16T14:43:00.000-04:00

Monday, June 23th 4-6 pm
Calling all former residents or residents who have lived in the Brentwood Community for most of their life we would like you to join us for a High Tea and to reminisce about Brentwood in the old days. Bring your stories, memorabilia and old photographs for a delightful afternoon at the Brentwood Library. For more information please call 273-7883 ext 347. Registration begins Friday, April 25th.

Brentwood Yearbooks

2008-04-16T14:33:00.000-04:00

Starting with the 2007 editions the library will purchase Brentwood's Middle Schools Yearbooks. The Yearbooks do not leave the library but they can be viewed at the library. Currently the library's collection includes the Brentwood High School Yearbook from 1957 to present.

Long Island Memories Digitization Project

2008-04-16T13:28:00.001-04:00

Long Island Memories is a digitization project sponsored by Long Island Library Council. The library has chosen part of it's collection to make available to the public through this project
Here you will find postcards, documents, letters, books, and photographs about Brentwood's history. If you intend to use any of the collection for commercial reasons please call Brentwood Public Library, 631-273-7883.

Brentwood Oral Histories Podcasts

2008-04-16T12:53:00.000-04:00

Dorothy Freund was a long time resident of Brentwood, NY. She married Theodore Freund, the butcher at Koehler's General Store. Meet Dorothy and hear about Brentwood in the 1930's.

Local History Programs

2006-12-13T20:41:00.000-05:00

What kind of programs would you like to see the Local History Room offer in the future?

Welcome to Brentwood Public Library's Blogs

2006-10-27T09:38:00.000-04:00

We're setting up these blogs to keep our patrons informed of breaking news and features we think you might find interesting. You can also give us feedback by commenting on our postings