Located in the heart of Bay Shore, New York- the Bay Shore Historical Society offers visitors a hands-on look at the town’s past. Based in the Historic Gibson-Mack-Holt House, which was built in 1820, the society works to preserve local history and share it with the community. Over the years, it has become a part of the town that offers residents and visitors a chance to step back in time and learn about the people, events, and culture that has shaped Bay Shore.
The original architecture of The Gibson-Mack-Holt House has period furnishings and carefully preserved details that give visitors a real sense of what life was like in the early 19th century. Walking through the rooms, it’s easy to imagine families cooking, working, and spending time together nearly 200 years ago. The house stands as a symbol of Bay Shore’s dedication to keeping its history alive.
Leading the organization is Barry Dlouhy, president of the Bay Shore Historical Society, who has volunteered in this position for 14 years. He explains that his main role is administrative, but he is also deeply connected to research and sharing the history of our town.
“My main role is to keep the house going as a museum and to try to get as many people here as possible,” Dlouhy said.
He describes a typical day as checking mail and emails responding to inquiries about local history, and helping organize events.
“Very often we have inquiries, like, for example, today a gentleman called, and he’s inquiring about his grandfather’s store, a gas station that used to be up on Fifth Avenue by Entenmanns,” Dlouhy said.
The historical society offers numerous opportunities for volunteering and getting involved for anyone. Whether it’s sorting through photographs, helping create new advanced databases for archives, or supporting and helping out with events. Community engagement is a big part of this organization.
“We need people to help us in our archives. We need people to help us with the different materials we have. We want people to understand the value of history,” Dlouhy said.
“Bay Shore has such a rich history, it goes back to the 1600s. It’s important that people realize things existed and that things were different than they are now,” Dlouhy said. “This museum is a little gem. People don’t believe how much we have and how much is available.”
Between the historic house, exhibits, and community events, there’s plenty for visitors to explore that allows them to connect with Bay Shore’s story and help keep it alive for future generations.
“It is the officers, trustees, volunteers, members, and donors who enable the Bay Shore Historical Society to fulfill its mission of preserving and sharing Bay Shore’s history,” Dlouhy said.
For those interested in exploring the past in a historic setting, the Bay Shore Historical Society meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Bay Shore Brightwaters Library, hosting speakers and authors who share insights on historical events, both within the New York area and across Long Island. Two events that will be coming up are on June 25 at 7p.m. , au
thor Alyson Richman will present her novel The Time Keepers at the Bay Shore Library, combining literature and history. Then, on July 19 at 5:30 PM, the society’s Annual Dinner will be held at Captain Bill’s.
The historical society is located at 22 Maple Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706, and welcomes visitors on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Admission is free, and visitors can take guided tours of the museum or use the reference library. The tours are led by volunteers who know the stories behind the artifacts.
