The Sag Harbor Historical Society’s popular Friday on the Porch series will continue on Friday, July 26 with “The Great New England Hurricane of 1938” by NBC meteorologist Chris Gloninger.
Taking place at the Annie Cooper Boyd House in Sag Harbor at 5 p.m., Gloninger, who was born and raised in Sag Harbor and is a graduate of Pierson High School, will cover how the major hurricane of 1938 impacted the East End and its lingering effects that can still be felt today. The Boston-based meteorologist will also discuss changes since 1938 and how we would fair today if we received a storm of that magnitude.
“This week is particularly interesting to me as it will feature my nephew Chris Gloninger, currently an NBC Meteorologist in Boston, presenting important and historic information about the Hurricane of 1938-one that has long gone down in the history books and has changed the face of our village,” Nancy Remkus, SHHS Trustee, shared. “My father Joseph Remkus – Chris’s grandfather, was a local Bayman in Sag Harbor. I’m not sure if it is a genetic pull of the tides and the wind – or just happenstance – that all of my family has a great love of the weather.”
Gloninger’s interested in the weather was first piqued when Hurricane Bob hit Long Island in 1991. In just second grade, he knew that one day he wanted to be a meteorologist. Gloninger attended Plymouth State University, where he received his BS in Meteorology. He continued his studies with the American Meteorological Association, earning his Certified Broadcast Meteorologist accreditation.
“Chris has taken this love to the next level and has been an active TV meteorologist and storm chaser for many years,” Remkus said.
Throughout his career, Gloninger has covered historic flooding, ice floes, EF4 tornados and hurricanes, including Irene, Lee, Sandy, Harvey, Irma and Florence, broadcasting on location in extreme conditions. This led to his awareness for preparation, which in turn could help diminish the effects of disastrous weather on the public, infrastructure and communities. Recently, he earned his MS in Emergency Management from Millersville University of Pennsylvania.
Gloninger has been recognized for his work several times, including with three Emmys, several Emmy nominations, Wisconsin Broadcast Awards, an Edward R. Murrow award and two NBC GEM awards.
“The Sag Harbor Historical Society’s ‘Fridays on the Porch’ is a great way for our community and visitors to come together-rub elbows and talk about the fascinating history of our village!” Remkus noted. “The Annie Cooper Boyd porch is a lovely setting where you can be a part of the Sag Harbor summer scene-watching the people walking by while sipping a glass of wine and some light refreshments.”
The requested admission donation is $20, which includes complimentary beer, wine and refreshments.
“We are excited for him to come home and share his expertise with us-including photos and thoughts about the meteorological future here in Sag Harbor,” Remkus added.
Additional ‘Fridays on the Porch’ include “The History of Pie – Sample the Possibilities” by Rev. Karen Campbell on Friday, August 9 and “Antiques Show and Tell” with Randy Kolhoff, owner of Black Swan Antiques on Friday, August 23.
Annie Cooper Boyd House is located at 174 Main Street in Sag Harbor. For more information, visit sagharborhistorical.org.