Bay Shore Historical Society

The Bay Shore Historical Society was founded in 1985 by Mary Rogers McDonald with the express intent of collecting, preserving and sharing the rich history of the Bay Shore community. In 1985, the Society acquired Dr. Mary Holt’s former c. 1820 residence on East Main Street located just west of Southside Hospital.  As the oldest Main Street tradesman’s house remaining in Bay Shore, it became the center of the society’s activities.  In 1986, the historic house was loaded on a flatbed truck and moved to 22 Maple Avenue, its present location. The house was carefully restored over the next five years, with the majority of the work being done by the society members.

In 1994, the Diane Collins Macelroy Memorial historical reference Library at the Gibson-Mack-Holt House was established by society charter member Priscilla Hancock, who still serves as the archivist and reference volunteer. As a result of donations of historic items, the library has more than doubled in size since its inception. Its archives provide researchers in search of information on aspects of Bay Shore history with answers and insights.

Archives Hours: By Appointment

Address: 22 Maple Ave., Bay Shore, NY 11706

Website: https://www.bayshorehistoricalsociety.org/

Contact: (631) 665-1707

bayshohissoc@optonline.net