Next Meeting - Tuesday, April 24, 2-4pm

at the W.I. Library

Check out the links on the sidebar for items posted in 2007 through 2009.  Please visit our Facebook page for newer photos and recent events. Email wihistory@optonline.net  for information.      

(it isn't necessary for you to be a Facebook member to view the photos) 

Come to the library in October 2011 and see the West Islip history memorabilia exhibited on the Community Room Walls 

PAST EVENTS

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Memorial Day 2011

Over 30 people gathered in the rain at 8am to honor David Ruland, the Revolutionary War veteran who is buried in the Weeks-Muncy Cemetery on Boulevard Avenue. 

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Memorial Day 2010 

 Over 30 people, including Islip Town Historian Rob Finnegan in full colonial garb, gathered at the Weeks-Muncy Cemetery to honor West Islip's only known Revolutionary War veteran, David Ruland.  Read more about this patriot here  http://www.wipublib.org/muncyyard/grave20.htm 

September 20, 2009 - West Islip Country Fair  

Thanks to members who manned the table, and supporters who donated raffle gifts, this was a very successful exhibit.  Many people stopped to view the maps that hung on the fence, and ask questions about our group.  We hope new members will join us.

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J.DiPalma, C.Agenjo, K.Crumlish, G.Parrington, L.Carter, D.MacGilvray, S.Flotteron, J.Mangiaracina, R.Finnegan, K.Lang

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2009 - we gathered to place flags on the graves at the littleWeeks-Muncy Cemetery - then met at the Paul Bellew School for the ceremonies after the parade to present  a memorial wreath.

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Remembering West Islip….

There have been many changes as West Islip grew and developed into the community we know today. Although there is no mention of West Islip in a NYS Gazetteer from 1860, it does appear on old maps from that time. In 1874, it is noted as a place with people of “wealth and ease” and in 1885, it is mentioned as a suburb of Babylon, having 398 residents. By 1930, there were 734 residents, and today we number over 30,000.

Most of the large estates, historical sites and farms are gone now, but many people still remember them.

The West Islip Historical Society wants to gather your stories, photographs, and local memorabilia. Let’s not forget what our community was like as it grew. Join us in this effort to preserve those memories, and share them with others.

Our meetings are usually on Thursdays (alt.  day and evening meetings) at the West Islip Library, 3 Higbie Lane, West Islip.   

At some of our meetings, we've enjoyed having members talk, sharing their memories.  Everyone enjoys these stories - we hope more people volunteer this way!  Come a little early if you have photos to be scanned. 

 (Meetings and Programs start on the half-hour but come early if you have items to discuss or contribute.)  For more information, please call the Library at 661-7082 or email us:      wihistory@optonline.net