Dedicated to Heritage
Esther Green, Frank Pharaoh, from Collective Identity
A painting by Cappy Amundsen from the collection of the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum
The Eastville Community Historical Society of Sag Harbor was founded in 1981 and chartered by New York State in 1986 to preserve the history of the working-class community of Eastville and to tell the story of St. David AME Zion Church. The church remains in its original location, built in 1839 by African Americans and Native Americans on Eastville Avenue. It is widely believed to have been a stop along the Underground Railroad. Its founding Pastor, Rev. P. Thompson, was a noted Abolitionist and friend of Frederick Douglas. The Society also owns, upkeeps, preserves and protects the adjacent century-old cemetery in which African and Native Americans of the earlier St. David's church membership are buried, many of whom were Sag Harbor Whalers.
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From the early 1800's until the mid 1900's, the section of historic Sag Harbor known as Eastville was home to a multi-ethnic population of free Blacks, European immigrants and Native Americans. The area evolved through many economic changes, including two devastating village fires, the rise and fall of the whaling industry, the development and decline of factories, and a boom in the tourist and resort business. Today Eastville retains its ethnic mix, while preserving its modest character amidst the glamour and wealth of the Hamptons.
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The Eastville Community Historical Society had its beginnings out of a concern for preservation of the St. David A.M.E. Zion Church as an historical site in Sag Harbor, and was instrumental in restoring the exterior of the building, the tin ceiling and also in restoring and preserving the stained glass windows of the church.
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We also held our meetings in the parish house and our Annual Fish Fry on its grounds for over 30 years, beginning in1985. Both the church and the adjacent cemetery have been included in historical tours of Sag Harbor in general, and the Eastville community in particular.
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The Eastville Community Historical Society moved its headquarters to 139 Hampton Street in 1996, now called the Heritage House, originally a 1925 Sears & Roebuck catalog house. and continues to raise funds for the maintenance of the church and cemetery. In addition, exhibitions are regularly hosted at the Heritage House. Please come visit!
Become a Legacy Supporter Today!
Your contributions to the Eastville Community Historical Society are TAX DEDUCTIBLE!
Our EIN #:11-2596518
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Eastville is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
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Our Legacy Supporter Categories are as follows:
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Executive Director’s Circle: $10,000
Past President’s Circle: $5,000
Heritage Hero: $2,500
Descendants Donate: $1,500
Art Advocate: $1,000
Benefactor: $500
Friend of Eastville: $100
Yearly Family Supporter: $80
Yearly Individual Supporter: $65
Yearly Youth/ Senior Supporter: $35
Other: Your choice! All donations are appreciated.
Consider making a making a donation today!
Make a safe and secure
donation using PayPal,
or send a check to:
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Eastville Historical Historical Society
PO Box 2036
Sag Harbor, NY 11963
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
A Commitment to SANS
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An excellent article can be found in the Sag Harbor Express on this talk. CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO IF YOU MISSED THE TALK!
Walking Tours of Eastville
Walking tours are offered by the ECHS, by contacting us at 631-725-4711 or at eastvillechs@gmail.com
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YOU ARE INVITED TO TAKE A SELF-GUIDED TOUR using Eastville's walking tour through this guide, presented as a collaboration here thanks to Sag Harbor Partnership.
Another great way to experience the Eastville community is by using your phone or other mobile device to download the Sag Harbor Partnership's Walking Tours of Sag Harbor, available for both Apple and Google devices. You can also see Eastville's tour on the Partnership's website.
Don't miss their other Sag Harbor tours as well!
Location and Hours
Eastville Community Historical Society
139 Hampton St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Plan your visit by appointment for researchers, exhibits, tours or programs.
Call 631-725-4711or eastvillechs@gmail.com
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Our Mailing Address:
PO Box 2036, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Long Island Historical Societies - formerly, Association of Suffolk County Historical Societies (ASCHS)
Eastville Community Historical Society is a member of ASCHS, which offers special tours and programs for all those interested in the history of the towns, villages, and communities of Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. Its president is Georgette Grier-Key, who is also the Executive Director of the ECHS.