Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association

The Bayport Heritage Association was formed in 1983 and is dedicated to the preservation of the history of Bayport. The association has an extensive collection of archival photographs, vintage clothing, artifacts and books. Through the years, the group has been particularly active in the restoration of Meadow Croft, a John Ellis Roosevelt summer home and now a historical museum on the border of Bayport and Sayville. The association provides lectures and resources- educational, historical, environmental and social programs and services for the community and interested public. In June 2018, Blue Point joined the Association to include both communities.

Tour Meadow Croft information here.

Thursday, October 1, 2026

~ October 2026 Newsletter ~

>> Click here for the October 2026 Newsletter. <<

You can receive the monthly newsletters by email.

Just click on "subscribe" at the bottom of the Newsletter!

________________________

Summary:

House Tours: Last month for tours of the Meadow Croft estate. Trained docents will be showing the estate on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00-4:00. There have been many updates and changes in recent months as the BBPHA volunteers work tirelessly to make your experience at Meadow Croft even better. Check out the newly refurbished carriage house! How was life lived in the early 1900's? We welcome you to join us and find out.

General Membership Meetings

Please join us for our October General Membership meeting. All are welcome!

Date: October 4th, 2026
Title: The Gilded Age Murder of Stanford White and the trial of the century.
Place: Bayport Blue Point Library
Time: 2:00-4:00
Presented by: Marsha Collock

The 1906 Gilded Age murder and resulting trial of Harry Kendall Thaw for the public murder of Stanford White at Madison Square Garden over model and actress Evelyn Nesbit Thaw was labeled the "Trial of the Century." We will explore the Gilded Age conditions and lifestyles of New York City and beyond that brought these three together for a real-life story that was more dramatic than any fiction.

Save the date for the November meeting! November 8th, 2026.

Join author John Lazzaro as he discusses his book Sanatorium: Inside the Architectural Cure for Tuberculosis. John will discuss the remains of the tuberculosis hospitals in the United States. Commemorating the visionary architecture that played a vital role in combating America's first modern public health crisis. Through pictures John will share a variety of structures that symbolize the progressive ideas as well as the civic responsibility to help the people suffering during this time.

Christmas at Meadow Croft

It's time to start planning for our signature event, Christmas at Meadow Croft! This year it will be held on December 5-6th 2026, and we need your help. If you would like to volunteer with set-up or clean-up, or if you play the piano, or would like to volunteer in another capacity, please call or text our chairperson Leanne Berg. Her number is 631-235-1702. Looking forward to A Botanical Christmas!

Saturday, September 26, 2026

Notice: Postponed!! September 25th Book Talk

Local Author Linda Leuzzi: Book Talk

Join us on September 25th , at 6:30pm, in the ladies parlor at Meadow Croft for a book talk with local award winning author/journalist, Linda Leuzzi as we discuss her latest book; Car Dogs. (no registration is required)

This is a heartwarming story of friendship, courage, and finding your voice in a coming-of-age adventure with two unforgettable dogs.

What if the road to your future began in the back seat of a car—with two lovable dogs along for the ride? Car Dogs introduces Amanda Caminetti, a dreamer and aspiring filmmaker whose ordinary teenage life takes an extraordinary turn when one unusual assignment sends her on a

journey she never expected.

After a series of mishaps, including one unforgettable microwave disaster, Amanda’s parents give her a task that sounds more like punishment than possibility: drive the family dogs, Bridget and Lucky, every day and write about what she discovers. But each ride opens a new door, and Amanda soon learns that adventure can appear in the most unexpected places.

Along the way, Amanda forms an unlikely friendship with a remarkable 80-year-old woman whose past is as fascinating as any movie script. She once flew planes during World War II for Jackie Cochran, still owns a Piper Cub at the Bayport Aerodrome, and worked for the Roosevelt family at Meadow Croft. Through her stories, Amanda uncovers forgotten history, environmental injustice, and the courage to tell the stories that matter.

Warm, funny, and full of wonder, Car Dogs is an uplifting novel about family, friendship, history, and believing in yourself. For anyone who has ever loved a dog, chased a dream, or found wisdom in an unexpected place, this unforgettable story will stay with you long after the final ride.

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

~September 2026 Newsletter~

>> Click Here <<

for the September 2026 Newsletter

Here is a summary:

Summer House Tours: Tours of the Meadow Croft estate are happening NOW and running through October. Trained docents will be showing the estate on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00-4:00. There have been many updates and changes in recent months as the BBPHA volunteers work tirelessly to make your experience at Meadow Croft even better. Check out the newly refurbished carriage house! Welcome home to our new addition, Humbug (seen below). Humbug was a horse owned by the Roosevelt family. How was life lived in the early 1900's? We welcome you to join us and find out.

General Membership Meetings

Save the date for our first general membership meeting of the new season! In keeping with the theme of when The United States marked its 250th anniversary—the Semiquincentennial; on July 4th 2026, and celebrating 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Title: What Entertained the Founding Fathers
Presented by: Robert Viagas
When: Sunday September 27 2-4 pm
Where: BBP Library

In honor of the America 250 milestone, Robert Viagas explores the authentic dances, songs, and theatrical productions of the era. This presentation offers unique cultural samples to provide a humanizing look at the creators of the United States.
All are invited to attend and a donated item will be raffled off at each meeting. We hope to see you there for this exciting presentation. Save the Date for the October meeting:

October 4th, 2026
The Gilded Age Murder of Stanford White and the trial of the century.
Presented by Marsha Collock

Local Author Linda Leuzzi: Book Talk

Meadow Croft After Dark - Antique Appraisals

Join us for our last Meadow Croft After Dark of the season.
Title: Heirloooms & HIdden Treasures: A Show-and-Tell Valuation
Presenter: Mark Lagnese, Estate & Property Manager & guests
When: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Cost: $35.00 pp
How: Tickets sold on our website found here

This event is for BBPHA members only. Not a member, join today!

Christmas at Meadow Croft

Sunday, August 2, 2026

~ August 2026 Newsletter ~

For the August 2026 Newsletter

Click here!

Summer House Tours: Tours of the Meadow Croft estate are happening NOW and running through October. Trained docents will be showing the estate on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00-4:00. There have been many updates and changes in recent months as the BBPHA volunteers work tirelessly to make your experience at Meadow Croft even better. Check out the newly refurbished carriage house! How was life lived in the early 1900's? We welcome you to join us and find out.

If you would like to plan a tour for a group of 10 or more, email us to set a date. Our calendar is filling up with special tours and groups. If you would like to set up a time for a tour or become a docent please contact Jen at jtbudgie@gmail.com We would like to thank some special groups that have recently toured the Meadow Croft estate including: Sayville Library, Connetquot Library, The Seasons at East Northport, the Patchogue Tuesday Ladies Club, and The Women of Northport.

General Membership Meetings

Save the date for our first general membership meeting of the new season! In keeping with the theme of when The United States marked its 250th anniversary—the Semiquincentennial—on July 4th 2026, and celebrating 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Title: What Entertained the Founding Fathers
Presented by: Robert Viagas
When: Sunday September 27 2-4 pm
Where: BBP Library
In honor of the America 250 milestone, Robert Viagas explores the authentic dances, songs, and theatrical productions of the era. This presentation offers unique cultural samples to provide a humanizing look at the creators of the United States.
All are invited to attend and a donated item will be raffled off at each meeting. We hope to see you there for this exciting presentation.

FREE Concerts in the park

The Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association was proud to sponsor two FREE concerts this summer. Thank you to those community members who came out to our first concert to experience Nina Et Cetera and to those who enjoyed The Flat Leavers on July 30th. It was two great nights for all!

Special thanks go to Dave Harenberg for booking our two bands and Jenny Harenberg for the graphic design and signs for these events. We couldn't do it without you both! Thank you!

Historic Boat Tour

History on The Great South Bay

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11th, 7-10PM, $50.00 PER PERSON (TICKETS GO ON SALE AUGUST 1, 2026)

Tickets can be purchased here.

Rain date is August 12th, (no refunds).

Sayville Fire Island Ferry Terminal, 41 River Road, Sayville

The Great South Bay and Fire Island are not only beautiful parts of our community, but have amazing homes and landmarks, as well as a tremendous history to share!

We will set sail on August 11th (rain date Aug. 12) from the Sayville Fire Island ferry terminal promptly at 7pm and head out onto the bay. You must be on the ferry by 6:45pm to check in. With the sun setting in the west, we will cruise out across the bay. Our local historian, Frank Giebfried, will highlight some of the fascinating histories along the shoreline. The boat will then head east toward the new “Whalehouse Point” restaurant at Watch Hill for an hour, where you can purchase cocktails if you’d like. Then we’ll cruise back to the Brown’s River and dock around 10pm.

Although you can purchase cocktails and snacks while at The Whalehouse (there will not be enough time to order a full sit-down meal). Snacks and refreshments are allowed on the ferry. Cruisers can park at the Sayville Ferry freight parking lot across the road from the ferry for $5.00. Just let them know you’re with the History Tour.

Reminder: Passengers must be on the ferry by 6:45 to check in.

There are only a limited number of seats to this event so plan early!

Christmas at Meadow Croft

Meadow Croft After Dark

Tavern Night with Diane Schwindt
Historic Tavern Cook/Educator
August 8, 2026

Diane Schwindt is the resident cook at the Ketcham Inn in Center Moriches. She focuses on different areas of Colonial Life. Diane will be teaching and lecturing within our carriage house about how taverns were vital to a community. She will be showing different tools and materials that were authentic to the time. Come with your appetite since Diane will be sharing samples of the famous George Washington cake as well as honey mead.

This event is for MEMBERS ONLY. Not a member, no problem!
You can join the Heritage Association by clicking here.
Space is limited; we will be selling only thirty tickets. The cost is $35 per person. The link to the ticket sales can be found here. Just scroll down on our website to find this item.
Diane has been featured in the magazine Edible, as well as in Newsday and on News12. She is a wealth of knowledge and will be leaving time for questions and answers.
Event Schedule:
6:00-6:30: Enjoy a refreshing cocktail or mocktail in our Carriage House.
6:30-8:00: Lecture/demonstration.
Signature Drink of the Evening: Gin Rickey
Enjoy a refreshing drink that dates back to the 1900’s. While originally made with bourbon or whiskey it received its name after gin was being made in bathtubs during prohibition which made it easier to come by. A gin rickey starts with nice cold gin followed by some citrusy lime juice and topped off with club soda. A lime garnish will finish it off! Non-alcoholic drinks will also be served.
Save the Date: Coming in September, our final Meadow Croft After Dark…
Saturday September 12th, 2026 6:00-8:00pm
Antiques Roadshow and information session.
We will have Mark Lagnese with us sharing the best ways to find out about both your antiques at home and what to look for while out antique hunting. Each guest will have a chance to bring one item for Mr. Lagnese to appraise and answer your questions about. There will be a signature cocktail and time for questions. Keep your eyes open for ticket sales and information in our September newsletter.

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

~July 2026 Newsletter~

Click here for the Newsletter dated July 2026

Summer House Tours: Tours of the Meadow Croft estate are happening NOW and running through October. Trained docents will be showing the estate on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00-4:00. There have been many updates and changes in recent months as the BBPHA volunteers work tirelessly to make your experience at Meadow Croft even better. Check out the newly refurbished carriage house! How was life lived in the early 1900's? We welcome you to join us and find out.

Christmas at Meadow Croft: Christmas in July?? Yes! It's time to start planning for our signature event, Christmas at Meadow Croft! This year it will be held on December 5-6th and we need your help. If you would like to volunteer with set-up or clean-up, or if you play the piano, or would like to volunteer in another capacity, please call or text our chairperson Leanne Berg. Her number is 631-235-1702.

FREE Concert in the park

The Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association is proud to sponsor our second FREE summer concert of the year! Thank you to those community members who came out to our first concert to experience Nina Et Cetera. It was a great night for all!

We are excited to welcome all of you to Bayport Memorial Park on July 30th from 6:00-8:00 (weather permitting) for some wonderful music featuring The Flat Leavers. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets, refreshments and bug spray! This is for families of all ages. Dancing is encouraged. We hope you can join us for our second FREE concert of the summer!

Historic Boat Tour

Historic Boat Tour: The Great South Bay is not only a beautiful part of our community, but it has amazing homes and landmarks located on the bay as well as a tremendous history to share!

This year's historic boat cruise will share the history of the Great South Bay and the communities located there. We will set sail under a full moon on August 11th, 2026 from the Sayville Ferry dock. With the sun setting, we will cruise out to the bay as local Historian Frank Giebfried will provide a guided tour and then the ferry will cruise back to the Brown's River ferry dock under a beautiful full moon.

Information on purchasing tickets and other important information about the cruise will be in the August Newsletter. There are only a limited number of seats to this event so plan early!

Meadow Croft After Dark

Tavern Night with Diane Schwindt
Historic Tavern Cook/Educator
August 8, 2026

Diane Schwindt is the resident cook at the Ketcham Inn in Center Moriches. She focuses on different areas of Colonial Life. Diane will be teaching and lecturing within our carriage house about how taverns were vital to a community. She will be showing different tools and materials that were authentic to the time. Come with your appetite since Diane will be sharing samples of the famous George Washington cake as well as honey mead.
Space is limited; we will be selling only thirty tickets. The cost is $35 per person. More information and the link to the ticket sales will be in the August newsletter.
Diane has been featured in the magazine Edible, as well as in Newsday and on News12. She is a wealth of knowledge and will be leaving time for questions and answers.
Event Schedule:
6:00-7:00: Enjoy a refreshing cocktail or mocktail and explore the house.
7:00-8:00: Lecture/demonstration in the carriage house.
Signature Drink of the Evening: Gin Rickey
Enjoy a refreshing drink that dates back to the 1900’s. While originally made with bourbon or whiskey it received its name after gin was being made in bathtubs during prohibition which made it easier to come by. A gin rickey starts with nice cold gin followed by some citrusy lime juice and topped off with club soda. A lime garnish will finish it off! Non-alcoholic drinks will also be served.
Save the date for September's After Dark Event:
Antique Appraiser Mark Lagnese
September 12th, 2026 6:00pm-8:00pm

Monday, June 1, 2026

~June 2026 Newsletter~

Click here for the June 2026 Newsletter!

Summer House Tours: June 6th starts the Meadow Croft Estate house tours. They are given every weekend starting in June and running through October. Trained docents will be showing the estate on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00-4:00. There have been many updates and changes in recent months as the BBPHA volunteers work tirelessly to make your experience at Meadow Croft even better. Check out the newly refurbished carriage house! How was life lived in the early 1900's? We welcome you to join us and find out.

FREE Concert in the park

The Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association is proud to sponsor our first FREE summer concert of the year! We have received all of the permissions and permits and are excited to welcome all of you to Bayport Memorial Park on June 25th from 6:00-8:00 (weather permitting) for some wonderful music featuring Nina Et Cetera.

Please bring lawn chairs or blankets, refreshments and bug spray! This is for families of all ages. Dancing is encouraged. We hope you can join us for our first FREE concert of the summer!

Save the Date: the next FREE concert will be on July 30th, 2026.

Summer Solstice Walking Tour

Once again, Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association's Frank Giebfried will be your guide for an evening stroll that marks the beginning of the summer season. This is a BBP Library program and you will need to register with the library to join the walking tour.

The evening begins at 6:00pm in the BBP Library where light snacks and refreshments will be served until 6:30pm. Once the walking tour begins, you will explore the sites of historic boarding houses such as the Monterey Hotel, Avery's Five Mile Look, and the South Bay House, which originally stood on the grounds of the Library. You will also visit the homes of Edward Megill, Volunteers of America co-founders Maud & Ballington Booth, jazz clarinetist Johnny Mince, and Noble Prize recipient Raymond Davis Jr., for whom the library community room is named.

There are 2 dates available and space is limited. Tuesday June 23rd or Wednesday June 24th with a rain date of Thursday June 25th. You can register by phone by calling the library at 631-363-6133 and dial 3 for the main desk. This tour will last about 2 hours. Join the Heritage and explore the many old locations of Blue Point on the longest day of the year!

Membership Dues:

New members are always welcome! Support your communities and keep our history alive!

Payments/ checks can be mailed to:

Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association

PO Box 4

Bayport NY 11705

Please include your name, address and email on all correspondence. Checks can be made payable to the BBPHA. You can also make payments directly from our webpage which can be found here. Any questions can be directed to bbphistorical@gmail.com Thank you for supporting us!!

Membership type:

Annual/family: $25.00

Senior: $10.00

Corporate: $100.00

Donation: $_____

Monday, May 25, 2026

Gardeners Needed! May 28, 2026

Calling all Volunteers!

On Thursday May 28th, 2026 at 10:00 the BBPHA, in conjunction with Seatuck Environmental Association, are looking for volunteers. We are looking for a handful of volunteers to help with a native planting project at Avery’s 5-Mile Look at the foot of Blue Point Ave. The Heritage has been involved with this community project for about 7 years. There are many groups who have donated their time and resources to make this project happen , including assistance and approval from The Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County Legislators and the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The wall that was recently restored at the foot of Blue Point Avenue once surrounded one of our most beautiful hotels and boarding houses in Blue Point: Avery's 5-Mile Look. This lavish dwelling burned down in 1939 but the original fountain and restored wall are still in place and now with your help, we will incorporate native plantings in the area. You’ll be working under the guidance of “Seatuck Environmental Association”, along with the Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association. Please join us if you are able! Contribute to your community and keep history alive!

Date: 5/28/26

Time: 10:00am

What you’ll need: gloves and shovels (if you have) and the love of planting.

Thank you!

Monday, May 11, 2026

Reminders: May 11, 2026

General Membership Meeting

Our May General Membership meeting is open to all and held at the BBP Library. There is also a raffle at every meeting. Please join us for this informative meeting:

The May meeting, the last one until the fall, will be about the history of the Long Island Railroad.

Dave Morrison, Historian

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Time: 2:00-4:00pm

Dave Morrison, retired LIRR branch manager and railroad historian, will present LIRR history with a focus on the Montauk Branch. Drawing from 50 years of research, he will cover its 19th century origins, branches, station history, and share rare photos. Join us for this informative and interesting meeting.

Saturday, May 2, 2026

Newsletter for May 2026

See the May 2026 Newsletter Here

>>>> Click here! <<<<

General Membership Meetings

Our May General Membership meeting is open to all and held at the BBP Library. There is also a raffle at every meeting. Please join us for this informative meeting:

The May meeting, the last one until the fall, will be about the history of the Long Island Railroad.

Dave Morrison, Historian

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Time: 2:00-4:00pm

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

~ April 2026 Newsletter~

April 2026 Newsletter

>> Click here! <<

General Membership Meetings

Our April General Membership meeting is open to all and held at the BBP Library. There is also a raffle at every meeting. Please join us for this informative meeting:

Our April meeting will explore the Roosevelt girls. In 1891, John Ellis Roosevelt and his wife Nannie moved their family into their summer estate in Sayville. Daughters Pansy and Gladys were ten and two years old, respectively, and baby Jean was born at Meadow Croft that year. These active, intelligent, and creative girls were active in our local community as well as in the upper-class society of NYC. Join local historian Frank Giebfried as we explore the lives of these fascinating Gilded Age women: their marriages, travels, triumphs, and unfortunate tragedies.

The Roosevelt Girls of Meadow Croft

Frank Giebfried, BBP Historian

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Time: 2:00-4:00

The May meeting, the last one until the fall, will be about the history of the Long Island Railroad.

Dave Morrison, Historian

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Time: 2:00-4:00pm

Dave Morrison, retired LIRR branch manager and railroad historian, will present LIRR history

with a focus on the Montauk Branch. Drawing from 50 years of research, he will cover its 19th

century origins, branches, station history, and share rare photos. Join us for these informative and interesting meetings.

_______________________

Murder Mystery at Meadow Croft

Back by popular demand! The BBPHA is proud to bring back a Clue-like Murder Mystery event held at Meadow Croft. This will be a repeat performance (with a new twist). Our last performance was a sellout crowd and well received. A fun time was had by all! Put your investigative skills to work as you move from room to room at Meadow Croft and uncover "who did it?" "in what room?" and "with what weapon?"

Save the dates of April 25th and May 9, 2026. Tickets will go on sale through our own website on April 11th. If anyone is interested in volunteering, please reach out to our chairperson Beth at abclamarca@gmail.com. This should be a fun evening for families, friends and detective sleuths! See the flyer below for more information and the preview of the event in "The New York Herald" newspaper article from 1910. Get your tickets early as space is limited.

Saturday, March 21, 2026

General Membership Meetings, March & April 2026

General Membership Meetings

Our March General Membership meeting is open to all and held at the BBP Library. There is also a raffle at every meeting. Please join us for this informative & interesting meeting:

Join us for a local history event with Brittany Cutrone, proprietor of Laughlin Vineyard and granddaughter of Barney Laughlin. Learn the rich history of her family’s vineyard, their long-time connection with the Roosevelt family, and the legacy left by her grandfather through old letters, postcards, and personal memories.

Postcards from Papa: Letters, Legacy, and the Land We Tend

Brittany Cutrone

Loughlin Vineyard, Proprietor

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Time: 2:00-4:00

BBP Library

The Roosevelt Girls of Meadow Croft

Frank Giebfried, BBP Historian

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Thursday, October 1, 2026

General Membership Meetings

Christmas at Meadow Croft

Saturday, September 26, 2026

Book Talk Postponed

Local Author Linda Leuzzi: Book Talk

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

General Membership Meetings

Local Author Linda Leuzzi: Book Talk

Meadow Croft After Dark - Antique Appraisals

Sunday, August 2, 2026

General Membership Meetings

FREE Concerts in the park

Historic Boat Tour

Christmas at Meadow Croft

Meadow Croft After Dark

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Historic Boat Tour

Meadow Croft After Dark

Monday, June 1, 2026

FREE Concert in the park

Summer Solstice Walking Tour

Monday, May 25, 2026

Calling all Volunteers!

Monday, May 11, 2026

General Membership Meeting

Members First Look

Saturday, May 2, 2026

General Membership Meetings

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

General Membership Meetings

Murder Mystery at Meadow Croft

Saturday, March 21, 2026

General Membership Meetings