West Islip Historical Society

Mission Statement:

The mission of the West Islip Historical Society is to operate and maintain a museum and to discover, preserve and share West Islip’s History through education, collection, and display of historical objects.   

In October 2007, several people attended an exhibit of West Islip memorabilia at the library.  Old maps, books, newspapers, scrapbooks and other items were there on loan from the  George Weeks Memorial Library and the West Islip Museum.  These two collections were housed at the Community Center on Higbie Lane.

Attendees were invited to come to come back to the library and share their stories and memories of growing up in West Islip.  We quickly realized that we all shared an interest in preserving West Islip history - and from that group - the West Islip Historical Society was formed.

The founding members are Nell Brosnan, Konny Lang, Terry Alleg,  Katie Hafele, John Oleksiuk, John Paserb, Gail Gyarmathy and Carolyn Agenjo.  Tom Spain, Donna Gerek, Joy Grimes and Joy Mangiaracina joined us soon after.  We regret to announce that John Oleksiuk and Konny Lang have since passed away, but their contributions to the group will be long remembered.

We currently gather at the West Islip Library for regular meetings, and occasionally gather for impromptu projects.  We welcome all who would like to join us - annual dues are $25. Contact us at the email address below for information or to discuss a donation.   We are currently planning exhibits for the West Islip History Center in the renovated LaGrange Building, which is open to the public on Sundays and Tuesdays from 12noon to 2pm.  We hope to extend hours in the future.

Currently serving as officers are:  President, Lynn Luttenberger; Vice-President, Gail Gyarmathy;  Secretary,  Bob Raimondi; Treasurer, Jim Lundie.