Seaford museum presents history of Fire Island Lighthouse

The Seaford Historical Society recently invited author and south shore Long Island resident Angela Reich to make a presentation on the history of Fire Island and the infamous shipwreck of The Elizabeth off New York Harbor.

Reich’s presentation was one of the highlights of an April 11 meeting at the Seaford Historical Museum, where she delved into the book she wrote on the subject, entitled “Shipwreck of Hopes.”

Also during the meeting, the historical society announced that it has received a $50,000 grant to replace the damaged roof of the museum, with renovations scheduled to begin on April 15. The museum was built in 1893 as a two-room schoolhouse and became the Seaford Historical Museum in 1976. Since then, the property has been maintained by the historical society.

At the event, Reich told the museum audience that she worked as a Fire Island docent for more than 11 years, dedicating five of those years to researching and working on her novel, which was published in November 2018.

“I just decided to knock on the door, basically, and ask to become a docent, and I just got so into it that I couldn't stop,” Reich said.

She discussed the Fire Island Lighthouse — a popular landmark on the Great South Bay that was originally built in 1826 at 74 feet high at, what was then, the end of the island. The lighthouse served as a literal beacon of hope to ships importing and exporting goods through New York Harbor.

Only steps away from the original, the current lighthouse stands at 150 feet tall. According to Reich, architects realized the lighthouse needed more height to help guide lost boats. A lighthouse served as an important safety measure to prevent shipwrecks during a time when breeches buoys and poorly crafted lifeboats were the only life saving devices.

In her book, she described “Wreck Valley,” the stretch of water under Long Beach and above New Jersey, which, without the presence of a lighthouse, was the site of many shipwrecks.

The shipwreck of The Elizabeth in 1850 was known around the world and remained in the newspapers for months afterwards. Family members of author Margaret Fuller, who wrote “Woman in the Nineteenth Century,” were passengers on that ship.

The ship’s original captain fell ill and unexpectedly died early on during the voyage, leaving the sailing to an inexperienced first mate, which, in part, was to blame for The Elizabeth’s shipwreck, Reich explained. Eight people died, although some records show two others died too.

Reich also illustrated the importance of the Fire Island Lighthouse and how it still stands today, the evolution of its architecture and the variation of its uses, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of early life-saving services, capturing the audience with laughter and zingers.

“Between 1878 and 1914, Fire Island alone, their seven (emergency live-saving) stations aided 721 vessels and saved 7,086 lives,” Reich said. “The numbers are massive.”

Audience members were encouraged to ask questions, sparking discussion about Fuller and her writings, the search for survivors of The Elizabeth and the remodeled emergency-at-sea system.

Judy Bongiovi, historical society president since 2015, kicked off the April 11 meeting by thanking the group’s supporters, including Nassau County Legislator Michael Giangregorio for the $50,000 grant for the museum’s roof repairs. The historical society has been seeking the grant since October 2023 but due to new community policies for grants, the process took longer than expected. Bongiovi did not specify the process, but mentioned it was a “long winded procedure.”

“Mr. Giangregorio came to the rescue and hand-delivered the check to my home first because he knew what I’d been through,” Bongiovi said.

The money comes from the County’s Hotel/Motel fund that gives money through grants, which are designed to help bolster education, tourism and organizations that promote Nassau County history.

“I was pleased to join members of the Seaford Historical Society, to present them with a $50,000 grant check to replace the roof of the Seaford Historical Museum,” Legislator Giangregorio said in a statement. “The Seaford Historical Society plays a pivotal role in educating our community and students on the Town’s maritime and farming history. I am grateful to be playing a small role in assisting the Historical Society in replacing the roof so that they can continue with their mission of keeping Seaford’s history alive.”

The museum’s artifacts are precious and expensive, according to Bongiovi, and the grant will help to preserve them. Bongiovi also expressed hope that the grant will help the museum continue to draw speakers and presenters like Reich and entertain scouts coming to see the artifacts.

Reich’s book is available for purchase on amazon.com for $12.06. She sold signed copies of her book at the April 11 museum event, which also featured a $5 raffle and prizes. Reich announced that 20 percent of the money that was raised from the books and raffle would go toward the historical society.