East End Library Pays Tribute To Launch Of Book About Montauk’s History

Montauk Library is hosting a book launch in celebration of the release of “Images of America: Montauk” on Saturday, May 23rd. The launch will begin with an open house at 6 p.m., where attendees can enjoy light refreshments. Guests can also walk through an exhibit featuring photos from the book.

Robin Strong is a co-author of the book, along with the Montauk Library. She is the archivist at Montauk Library and also has deep family roots in Long Island, specifically in the Hamptons and Montauk. Growing up in East Hampton, Strong became interested in local history. Not only has working at the library and organizing the archival collections taught her immense knowledge about Montauk, but she also has a strong family connection there. Strong’s great-grandfather, Captain James G. Scott, was the keeper of the Montauk lighthouse from 1885 to 1910.

“It is my hope that through the photographs and memorabilia featured in the Montauk book that people will learn about times in Montauk’s past,” Strong said. “This book is invaluable in preserving Montauk’s rich and varied history for future generations as well as an inestimable tool for researchers and educators and that will enrich Montauk’s collective history.”

The co-author noted that one of her favorite things about writing the book was meeting long time Montauk residents, who not only shared their photos and memorabilia with her, but also interesting stories about growing up in Montauk during the 1920’s and onward.

A few key highlights of “Images of America: Montauk” include how the LIRR brought the first wave of tourists to Montauk, the development of the fishing industry and also how Montauk played a key role as part of the Eastern Costal Defense Shield during World War II.

“The Board of Trustees at the Montauk Library is extremely pleased with Images of America: Montauk,” shared Joan Lycke, Board President. “We are looking forward to sharing this historic celebration with everyone in the community.” Lycke said that the book is a must for every home in Montauk and the entire East End.

The launch will also include a slide presentation and Q & A session with Strong.

Montauk Library is located at 871 Montauk Highway in Montauk. For more information, visit www.montauklibrary.org.