Family History Day’s family friendly activities will include museum tours, a Civil War encampment, the Village’s Colonial Crawl History Tour, and nostalgic crafts and games from the past for children of all ages

Lindenhurst, NY –The Lindenhurst Historical Society invites one and all to continue celebrating our Nation’s 250th Anniversary with a Family Fun History Day Saturday July 25^th from 1PM to 5PM at Irmisch Historical Park.  Whether you love local history or enjoy nostalgia, there are crafts, games and activities for the young and young at heart.

Irmisch Historic Park located at the intersection of South Broadway and South Third Street is home to three of the Village’s museums, each managed by the Lindenhurst Historical Society. Family Fun History Day attendees will be invited to tour each museum; the 1901 Restored Long Island Railroad Depot and Freight House Museum where visitors can experience life in Lindenhurst at the turn of the 20th century; reminding all that the Lindenhurst we know today, first known as Breslau, owes its beginning to the arrival of the railroad.  The site also features a c.1958 “Hack” railroad cabin car that visitors can climb aboard. The Old Village Hall Museum invites visitors to tour exhibits that help tell the Lindenhurst story from the mid 1600’s through the late 20^th century.

Civil War buffs can tour a Union soldier encampment on the grounds of Irmisch Historic Park. To help visitors envision what life was like for Civil War soldiers, veterans, and civilians, the 119th New York Willis Company H. Civil War living historians will be on hand to provide context and authenticity to help educate and inform visitors about the Civil War.

The park will also feature a reprise of Lindenhurst Village’s Colonial Crawl History Tour fresh from its debut at the Village’s Liberty Day Celebration. Attendees can make stops at 13 stations each representing a different period in American history as told on large panels that interpret national events during each era and how they connected to life here in Lindenhurst.

Young visitors can learn what their 18^th and 19^th century counterparts turned to for fun and entertainment— no iPhones, Wi-Fi connected consoles or streaming platforms….youngsters of all ages are invited to come outside and engage in yesteryear’s pastimes……crafters can learn embroidery, players can master a game of marbles or DIYs can learn to build and sail their own balsa wood sailboat…..and for some friendly competition, join in the sacks races and bring a friend for the three legged races.

So, plan on joining the Society for a Lindenhurst day of history, fun and games—right here in our community’s own historical backyard at Irmisch Historic Park —bring a chair if you wish or a blanket for a picnic of your own. For more information, please call the Lindenhurst Historical Society at 631-506-8431 or email lindenhursthistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Fundraising to support the restoration is now underway with Bricks and Minifigs — Donors will receive a Lego kit to build their own Gatling Gun replica

The Inc. Village of Lindenhurst and the Lindenhurst Historical Society are pleased to announce their on-going effort to preserve and protect all things Lindenhurst with the restoration of a well-recognized and iconic community historic object –our WWI Gatling Gun- gifted in 1921 to Lindenhurst by the War Department. 

In 1922, the monument containing the Gatling Gun was completed, standing at the intersection of South Wellwood Avenue and Montauk Highway – marking the southern “gateway” into Lindenhurst and its downtown since.   The Gatling Gun was part of a larger volunteer community project conceived in 1919 and dedicated to recognizing Lindenhurst WWI servicemen.  The Gatling Gun’s complementary Monument Plaza featuring a 7’ granite obelisk topped with an eagle and bearing a bronze plaque inscribed with the Honor Roll – the names of 101 servicemen and 4 merchant marines is located at Monument Plaza in the center of Lindenhurst’s downtown- South Wellwood and Hoffman Avenues. 

A restoration plan has been developed and will include much-needed rust remediation, metal reconditioning and repainting that will accurately depict the Gatling Gun’s original paint color.  Discussion continues with a Pennsylvania wheelwright to provide period-appropriate wooden wheels that will replicate the carriage’s original wheels.

A fundraising campaign to support the restoration has partnered the committee with Bricks and Minifigs – West Babylon.  Bricks and Minifigs’ creative Brick Specialists have designed a Lego model of the Gatling Gun that was on display during the Village’s Liberty Day festivities.  Donors who contribute $100.00 to the restoration effort will receive their own kit to build a smaller Lego replica of the Gatling Gun.  For more information on how to donate or participate please email info@villageoflindenhurstny.gov or Lindenhursthistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

The Village of Lindenhurst recently recognized Trish LaFlare and June Cullinane for their exceptional leadership and dedicated service during their 2023-2026 term as Co-Presidents of the Lindenhurst Rotary Club.

Throughout their tenure, LaFlare and Cullinane exemplified Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self,” leading numerous community initiatives, charitable projects, and volunteer efforts that strengthened the Village of Lindenhurst and improved the lives of its residents. Their commitment to service, collaboration, and civic engagement has left a lasting impact on the community.

“The Village is grateful for the leadership, dedication, and countless hours of volunteer service that Trish LaFlare and June Cullinane have given to the Lindenhurst Rotary Club,” said Deputy Mayor Maryann Weckerle. “We also want to extend our congratulations to incoming President Gaye Kienle.”

Pictured here (left to right): Deputy Mayor Maryann Weckerle, Trish LaFlare, June Cullinane, and Trustee Douglas Madlon.

The Lindenhurst Veterans of Foreign Wars Wade-Burns Post 7279 recently celebrated its 80th anniversary with an Open House event that included a special ceremony honoring the Post, its Past Commander Thomas A. Kelly, and the Kiwanis Club of Lindenhurst’s “Hometown Heroes” Program.

On May 18, 1946, a group of 50 local overseas combat veterans established the Lindenhurst VFW Wade-Burns Post 7279. The Post was proudly named in honor and memory of Lindenhurst servicemen United States Army Corporal John M. “Jack” Wade and United States Navy Seaman First Class Edward J. Burns, who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II.

Over the last 80 years, Wade-Burns Post 7279 has played a vital role in preserving the memory and sacrifices of America’s veterans through the observance of Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and other commemorative ceremonies within the Lindenhurst community. The Post has also been a steadfast supporter of veterans, youth organizations, civic initiatives, and charitable causes, including assisting residents and families affected by Hurricane Sandy.

In September 2019, the Post hall, located on North Delaware Avenue, suffered a devastating fire that forced it to close its doors. With assistance from the Village of Lindenhurst and the Town of Babylon, the hall was able to reopen in 2024.

In celebration of its 80th anniversary, the Post held an Open House welcoming the public to enjoy light refreshments while exploring the history of the VFW and viewing the recently renovated hall. The celebration also included a special ceremony recognizing Vietnam veteran Thomas A. Kelly for his five years of dedicated service as Post Commander (2019–2025) during the hall’s rebuilding effort, as well as the Kiwanis Club of Lindenhurst’s “Hometown Heroes” Banner Program for its inspired implementation and their continued commitment to this patriotic initiative, which has raised and donated more than $200,000 to veterans organizations.

The ceremony also featured patriotic song selections performed by local musicians Gerry Ferretti and George Formes, as well as a brief history of the founding of the Post presented by Village Historian Anna Jaeger.

Mayor Lavorata said, ““The history of Wade-Burns Post 7279 is deeply woven into the fabric of our community. This anniversary celebration recognizes not only the bravery of our veterans, but also the countless ways the Post has supported Lindenhurst families and organizations throughout the decades.”

Pictured here (left to right): Representative from Congressman Andrew Garbarino’s Office Joe Cardinale, Suffolk County Legislator RJ Renna, Kiwanis Member Hon. Gaetan B. Lozito (Ret.), Post Quartermaster Chris Geackel, Post Event Chairman Richard Tibbetts, Past Post Commander Thomas A. Kelly, Deputy Mayor Maryann Weckerle, Trustee Douglas Madlon, Mayor Michael Lavorata, Trustee David Collins, and Village Administrator Joseph Barone.

Elected officials, including Mayor Michael Lavorata and Trustee Doug Madlon, recently joined the Lindenhurst Chamber of Commerce to celebrate a ribbon cutting ceremony welcoming Birdhouse to the community.

Birdhouse offers a wide range of programming tailored to young families, including children’s music and movement classes, kids yoga, postpartum yoga, caregiver wellness sessions, parenting workshops, and community events; creating a welcoming space for connection, growth, and well-being.

Be on the lookout for Birdhouse’s partnership with the Lindenhurst Farmers Market this upcoming season!

Welcome to the neighborhood, Birdhouse!

Lindenhurst Mayor Michael Lavorata was recently sworn in as President of the Suffolk County Village Officials Association (SCVOA) Executive Board. Having served on the Executive Board since 2022, Mayor Lavorata now succeeds outgoing President, Village of Brightwaters Mayor John Valdini. The SCVOA’s mission is to inform, support, and advocate on behalf of the 32 villages of Suffolk County.

Mayor Michael Lavorata said, “It’s a privilege to take on this role and continue working alongside such dedicated village leaders across Suffolk County. I look forward to strengthening collaboration among our communities and advancing the shared priorities that support our residents and local governments.”

Pictured here (left to right): Village of Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri; Suffolk County Legislator (LD15) Jason Richberg; Village of Lindenhurst Mayor Michael Lavorata; and Village of Brightwaters Mayor John Valdini.

The Village of Lindenhurst is pleased to announce that the playground at Village Park has officially reopened.

Thanks to favorable temperatures and sunny weather, the Department of Public Works was able to complete temporary patchwork to address hazardous areas of the playground’s rubber surfacing.

The Village is currently in the bid phase for a full replacement of the playground’s rubber surface, which has deteriorated in certain areas due to the high volume of use the park receives. This temporary repair allows the playground to safely remain open while the larger project moves forward. Updates on the full replacement project will be shared as they become available.

Thank you to our Department of Public Works for their hard work in completing this much-needed improvement!

The Village of Lindenhurst proudly hosted the “Loving Lindenhurst” Art Reception last night at the Lindenhurst Memorial Library, bringing together families, residents, and our Junior Mayors for a wonderful evening celebrating community pride.

Attendees had the opportunity to view the many creative and heartfelt projects submitted by students, each showcasing the unique ways they love Lindenhurst. The event was a great success and a true reflection of the talent and spirit within our community.

A special thank you to the Lindenhurst Memorial Library, and especially Library Director Lisa Kropp and Assistant Director Caitlin Sempowich, for their hard work and dedication in coordinating this memorable event!

The Village of Lindenhurst proudly celebrated Arbor Day with the help of students from the Lindenhurst School District by planting a new tree at the Meridale Park Triangle.

Students joined Village representatives in planting an Eastern Redbud tree, a species native to Long Island known for its vibrant spring blooms and environmental benefits. Eastern Redbuds support local ecosystems by providing food for pollinators, improving soil health, and enhancing the beauty of community green spaces.

This hands-on event gave students the opportunity to learn about the importance of environmental stewardship while making a lasting contribution to their community.

The Village extends its sincere thanks to Keith Arco and Al Lopez of the Village’s Horticulture Department for their guidance and assistance in making this Arbor Day celebration a success