East Hampton Historical Society: History Matters, Dec 2022 / Curator’s Corner / Volunteer Spotlight / Gifts Online

December 2022

History Matters

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Letter from the Director

Dear Friends,

Thank you for being a great friend to the East Hampton Historical Society. Since starting as Executive Director almost a year ago, I’ve had wonderful opportunities to tag along on school field trips to the Marine Museum, the Moran Studio, Mulford Farm, and our other historic sites. I’ve been incredibly impressed with how our children engaged with the past. Here’s some of what I’ve learned during my conversations with students:

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History helps us connect with our community. After finding out about East Hampton’s past, kids expressed a greater sense of pride in where they lived, and a desire to serve as ambassadors for the community today. Students whose families came from Colombia, Ecuador, and other countries were also heartened to learn that East Hampton has always been a place for newcomers, even when it was founded almost 375 years ago.

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History helps us understand how events in the past made things the way they are today. After visiting the Historical Society, students developed a deeper understanding of East Hampton. For example, they could articulate how human interactions affected ouroceans and bays and they learned how East Hampton’s history of slavery led to the development of Freetown.

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History provides us with role models. Whether it is Thomas and Mary Nimmo Moran inspiring students to pursue their artistic passions or fishermen peacefully protesting during the “Bass Wars,” East Hampton’s history provides a reservoir of possibilities for children today.

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History enables us to become good citizens. When visiting Mulford Farm, many kids learned about the Declaration of Independence for the first time, and while spending time in the “Town House” museum – where our Town Trustees formerly met – students developed a greater understanding and appreciation for the role of local government today.

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As the enclosed Annual Report illustrates, it’s especially vital for the East Hampton Historical Society to help children develop a deep understanding of the past. As the historian, Arthur Bestor wrote, “deprive me of my historical consciousness, and in the most literal sense, I do not know who I am.” Without your support, our children simply won’t have the tools they need to succeed.

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Your investment makes a huge difference. Please make a gift to the East Hampton Historical Society today.

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Sincerely,

Steve Long

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Mary Mallios

Tell us about yourself and your connection to East Hampton.

I first came to East Hampton in 1968! At 18 years of age, I knew I had to be part of this town. Like many of us, I had taken summer shares in a house which further spurred my quest. Luckily, in the seventies, I convinced my parents to purchase a home despite mortgage interest rates at 14%. What really drew me at first was our beaches. I have always been curious as to why I am so drawn to the water. I love walking and reading near the water. I read that our atmosphere in East Hampton contains negative ions, a name given to a small molecule that’s gained a negative electrical charge, are found in extremely high concentrations near the ocean? These molecules pass through us and are mood stabilizing. Well, I am certainly charged with happiness! So, year-round… calm waters, storms, dancing waters, I go! In addition to protecting our Town’s natural beauty, I’m grateful for those who have protected and preserved our built environment, as well.

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How did you first get involved with the Historical Society?

A few years ago, I was approached by a friend that the Historical Society needed help at the Antiques Fair. I must say I was slightly intimidated, not sure how I would be received. I was delightfully surprised how welcoming they all were! That welcome opened my door. And to add, how wonderful it is to meet new people and to work together as a community. So, I say to all, join us and let’s play.

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What motivates you to volunteer in the community?

So why Historical society? There are so many organizations out here requiring help. How to choose? My interest in history knows no limits. Enjoying every inch of East Hampton, how can we ignore historical legacy? It’s important that we preserve the past for future generations. My interest encompasses the how, when, and why artists, artisans and architects came to East Hampton and built the community we know today.

Do you donate your time to any other organizations? If so, which ones and what spurred your interest in them?

I have volunteered for many causes… President of the Parents Association at the UN International School, fundraising for scholarship for the Hellenic Medical Society and other endeavors. Education is dear to my heart.

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Which of the Historical Society’s sites do you find most interesting? Why?

Like so many, we watched the restoration of the Moran Home and Studio for years. It nearly fell apart after Hurricane Sandy. And the color of that building, what were they thinking? I had to find out. I am currently one of the educators at the Moran Home and Studio. It has been so much fun learning about Thomas Moran. What a character! He was the first artist in the 1800’s to be an East Hampton superstar. His legacy is amazing. I invite everyone to come when we are open to learn about Thomas and his wife, Mary Nimmo Moran, who was also a renowned artist. Aren’t we all curious about what happened in East Hampton in the past? Lucky that we have the Historical Society to help provide us with that historical perspective.

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CURATOR’S CORNER

Welcome to our new Collections Manager, Daniel Menzo

It is an honor to join the East Hampton Historical Society as the Collections Manager. My first visit to the East End was 10 years ago when I was visiting Montauk with my partner in late November 2012. I will never forget our scenic drive on NY 27, gently curving along as we passed through the towns, gasping each time another windmill came into view. It feels so great to now make that drive each day, and to have joined a wonderful team!

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Over the past few years, I’ve have worked with some incredible collections. For my M.A. in Photographic Preservation and Collections Management, I interned at the George Eastman Museum in Rochester where I learned firsthand how to handle historical objects and care for collections. I also interned with the Greater Patchogue Historical Society, rehousing and digitizing part of their Chapman Brothers glass plate negative collection. I worked as the Collections and Exhibitions Registrar at the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn until life took me in another direction as I started my PhD in 2019. Currently, I am also a PhD Candidate in Art History & Criticism at Stony Brook University, and my dissertation looks at the archive of Benjamín de la Calle, an early-twentieth century studio photographer from Colombia.

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Part of the fun of joining a new organization is learning about the collection, both what it entails and how it’s been understood and documented over the years. I recently came across this miniature portrait on a shelf at the Osborn-Jackson House. I was struck by the object, both as a Collections Manager and as an art historian, and as someone with a strong curiosity for stories. Who was this young girl, and who was this portrait made for? But also, how did this object arrive here: here within our collection, but also here on this shelf, seemingly out of place (a common puzzle to solve for museum folks). Thankfully, I just read former curator Jay Graybeal’s 1988 “Collection Registration Report,” which traces the history of the Society’s collection from its start in 1921. Noticing how the numbering system on the back differs from our current schema, I will use the report as a first step in trying to regain intellectual control over the object and its story within our collection.

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While portraits are cherished for how loved ones are portrayed visually, I am also intrigued by the language on the back on this object: “Eliza M ___ likeness taken when about two years and a half of Age…” Miniature portraits like this one pre-date photographic examples that would eventually dominate throughout the nineteenth century. I’m especially interested in how the illustration uses the phrase “likeness,” which is language photographic technologies would employ, as well. I enjoy a tactile connection with the past knowing someone once held this portrait in their hands, recalling the likeness of their loved one. And the little pet in her lap is of course an extra treat!

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Branding Survey

As the East Hampton Historical Society celebrates its Centennial, we’re reflecting on our past and plans for the future. To better understand what people think about the Historical Society and how we serve our community, we want to hear from stakeholders like you. Please help us improve by taking this very brief survey. It should take only three minutes.

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We’re grateful for your time and input!

Survey

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Scott Bluedorn: Ars Simia Naturae

Through December 13, 2022

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Art Imitates Nature is a solo exhibition of Scott Bluedorn’s work focused on the natural world and the human niche within it relating to landscape, artifice, culture, psychological projection and changes within ecosystems brought about by climate disruption. Through a range of media including drawings, paintings, assemblages, sculptures and design objects, the artist conveys a diverse range of perspectives that seeks to answer the question, “What is our relationship to ourselves and the larger cosmos we inhabit?”

Hours: 12pm – 5pm, Friday-Sunday and by appointment

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