Wantagh Preservation Society

The Wantagh Preservation Society (WPS) is a non-profit organization based in Wantagh, Long Island. It maintains the Wantagh Museum and engages in other activities to improve the historical and environmental values of the community. The Wantagh Preservation Society (WPS) was founded in 1965, and maintains the museum grounds that include: Old Wantagh Rail Road Station, “Jamaica” Parlor Car, and the recreated 1904 Wantagh Post Office. The Wantagh Museum resides in three structures, The Station, The "Jamaica" Railroad Car and the Recreated 1904 Wantagh Post Office. The Station was built in 1885 and originally stood on Railroad Avenue, east of Wantagh Avenue. In 1966, The Station was moved to its current location to save it from demolition when the Wantagh Railroad service was expanded. After this move, The Station was restored to its 1904 appearance, and in 1982, the Wantagh Preservation Society opened the structure to the public as a museum. The ticket booth in The Station was restored to reflect the presence of Emma Whitmore, the first woman to serve as ticket agent in the Wantagh Station.

The museum contains collections and artifacts that are significant to Wantagh’s local history. Some of the preservation society’s collections have been digitized by New York Heritage, and can be viewed through the NY Heritage portal: https://nyheritage.org/organizations/wantagh-preservation-society

Archives Hours: By Appointment

Address: PO Box 132, Wantagh, NY 11793 (Mailing); 1700 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, Long Island, NY 11793 (Location)

Website: https://www.wantagh.li/museum/

Contact: (516) 826-8767

wantaghmuseum@gmail.com