Eastville Community Historical Society: 41st Annual Fish Fry, July 25th, 4 to 7 PM

ANNOUNCES THE 41^stANNUAL FISH FRY

Saturday, July 25, 2026

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Four-Decade Sag Harbor Tradition to Honor Society’s Founding Fathers, Elders, and Dedicated Preservation Leaders Michael A. Butler and Martin Butler to name a few.

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The Eastville Community Historical Society (ECHS) is proud to announce its highly anticipated Annual Summer Fish Fry, a cherished community tradition spanning over four decades. Held on the historic grounds of the ECHS Heritage House and the adjacent St. David A.M.E. Zion Church, this signature outdoor fundraising event brings together local residents, historians, and summer visitors to celebrate and preserve the unique multicultural tapestry of Sag Harbor’s historic Eastville neighborhood.

This year, we are celebrating the society’s founding fathers and elders, along with the dedicated caretakers who continue their vital work. Confirmed honorees include Michael A. Butler, the society’s current Preservation Director for the Historic St. David A.M.E. Zion Cemetery, and Martin Butler, the collections coordinator. Together with the community’s esteemed elders, these leaders will be honored for their lifelong dedication to safeguarding and honoring the rich heritage, narratives, and sacred grounds of the Eastville community.

Originating in 1985 on the lawn of St. David A.M.E. Zion Church, the annual fish fry has evolved from a small neighborhood gathering into a premier summer fixture on the East End. The event serves as the primary fundraiser for ECHS, with all ticket proceeds directly supporting the ongoing preservation and maintenance of critical landmark sites, including the Heritage House and the St. David A.M.E. Zion Church—widely recognized as a vital safe haven and stop along the Underground Railroad.

Attendees will experience an authentic, old-fashioned Southern-style culinary feast. The menu features freshly fried fish, including whiting and catfish, prepared alongside a selection of classic soul food sides such as homemade coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, and artisan local desserts. Beyond the food, the multigenerational block-party atmosphere will feature live musical performances, fine art exhibitions, and guided historical tours detailing Eastville’s historic working-class community of African Americans, Native Americans, and Irish immigrants.

“Our Annual Fish Fry is much more than a fundraiser; it is a living celebration of community, resilience, and shared history. This year, as we honor trailblazers like Michael A. Butler and Martin Butler alongside our founding fathers, leaders, and beloved community elders, we are reminded that our preservation work is built on a deep foundation of personal dedication and ancestral legacy.”

The event will take place on Saturday afternoon, July 25, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, rain or shine, at the Historic St. David AME Zion Church, 33 Eastville Avenue and ECHS Heritage House Museum’s new exhibition It Is Writtenwill be open for viewing, located at 139 Hampton Street, Sag Harbor, along with the NYS Museums traveling exhibition Revolutionary New York is on view at the Historic St. David AME Zion Cemetery.

Tickets are priced at $50 per person and include a full dinner, beverages, for the fish fry and access to all historical tours and programming will be free but we always welcome donations. Due to high demand and limited capacity, advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended as this historic fish fry tickets regularly sells out. Our partner and caterer is Chara’s Kitchen & Catering.

All Are Welcome!

We are also thankful for Suffolk County’s 250 grant

for our performance of Ona Judge; A Journey’s Freedom by Carolyn Brown.

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Founded to preserve the diverse history of the Eastville neighborhood in Sag Harbor, the Eastville Community Historical Society (ECHS) discovers, preserves, and disseminates the history of the working-class community that was uniquely composed of African Americans, Native Americans, and Irish immigrants.

ECHS maintains the historic St. David A.M.E. Zion Church (circa 1840) and the Heritage House, offering exhibitions, educational programs, and community lectures throughout the year to foster historical awareness and cultural appreciation.

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Dr. Georgette Grier-Key

Eastville Community Historical Society, Executive Director and Curator

Twitter: Eastville CHS

Phone: 631.725.4711

Mail: P.O. Box 2036, Sag Harbor, NY 11963

Heritage House: 139 Hampton Street, Sag Harbor NY 11963

Preservation League of New York, Trustees Council

http://www.preservenys.org

NYS 250th Commemorative, Commissioner

https://nysm.nysed.gov/revolutionaryny250/about-commission

Long Island Historical Societies, Advisor