Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society

31 BELLPORT LANE BELLPORT NEW YORK 11713
PO BOX 47 TEL 631.776.7640 www.bbhsmuseum.org

December, 2012

Dear Fellow Society Members and Friends,

Greetings!

While the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society campus of eight historic buildings escaped with
minor damage to the gazebo and candelabra pine, we know that many Long Islanders had a
dramatic and painful reminder of the fragility of our Long Island community during and in the
aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The constant vigilance and protection of our local treasures
continues for the months and years ahead. Our shared past of summer residents, artists, writers, composers, photographers on location, the baymen and farmers whose fortunes rely
on the accessible natural resources in our area, sailors, scooterers, hunters... all tell a story, weaving the tapestry of our local history. The BBHS is dedicated to the preservation of this
extraordinary past, the maintenance of our buildings, and the safekeeping of a fascinating
collection of Long Island memorabilia, pictures, documents and other historic records.

In 2012 the BBHS sponsored an amazing trip to two World Heritage Sites in Cuba attended by
members and friends. The summer antique show continues its success. This year’s 2012 Gala
opening of “A Bellport Tale,” celebrating Bruce Weber’s photographs, raised record contributions
for our curatorial and endowment funds. The Society’s fall lecture series included talks on opera
world etiquette, and the Hope Diamond, to name a few, and they were an informative success.
Through the hard work of the Board, our public /private development strategy has obtained
grants for the restoration of the Sperry gyroscope exhibition, and the roof on the Blacksmith
Shop, and we’ve received a sizeable matching grant for the restoration of the Ralph Brown
building.

Our membership drive and annual appeal funds the operating budget, and we need your help.
The two largest expenses are utilities and insurance, both necessary in order to continue
operations. We are most grateful to our members and thank you for your continued support!
Please consider when renewing increasing your fellowship, if possible. The Society asks that
you consider a special Holiday gift in addition to your renewal. If you support us but are not a
member, please consider joining the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society. Membership
numbers and active participation are critical in securing public and private funding, and
extremely important to the capital campaign we will be launching for contributions to the
restoration of the Ralph Brown Building.

We express our deepest gratitude to past president Victor Principe for his leadership in moving
our organization to a higher standard of professionalism.

So...what’s next? In 2013, we plan to host another important art exhibition, featuring
Brookhaven artist Malcolm Morley, with a gala opening. Our new Museum Program committee
will design and host tours of the Barn Museum. Other programs designed to tell the historic
Bellport-Brookhaven story will be announced with the 2013 calendar, so keep your eyes out for
that! The return of the Antique Show will kick-off next year’s season.

Your past generosity is very much appreciated and we hope we will continue to be worthy of
your support. Best wishes to all of you and your families this Holiday Season.

Yours truly,

Anna Lou Fletcher
President

Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society is a 501-c-3 tax exempt organization