Valley Stream Historical Society

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Valley Stream Historical Society This is the official page of events and announcements of the Valley Stream Historical Society.

VALLEY STREAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY COMPLETES ARCHIVAL AND DIGITIZATION PROJECTS TO PRESERVE LOCAL HISTORYThe Valley Stream...
10/14/2026

VALLEY STREAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY COMPLETES ARCHIVAL AND DIGITIZATION PROJECTS TO PRESERVE LOCAL HISTORY

The Valley Stream Historical Society (Society) is pleased to announce the completion of a six-week project to reorganize its archives and digitize selected materials from its collection.

In August, the Society engaged Robert Anen, the Project Archivist with the Long Island Library Resources Council (LILRC), to conduct the work at its headquarters, the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration (Restoration), on Hendrickson Avenue. The circa-1880s landmarked building was once home to the Pagan, Fletcher, and Fairchild families and has been owned by the Village of Valley Stream since 1977. Anen, who grew up in Valley Stream, earned a master’s degree in Moving Image Archiving and Preservation from NYU’s Martin Scorsese Institute of Global Cinematic Arts in 2017.

continue reading:https://valleystream.govoffice.com/vertical/Sites/%7BBC0696FB-5DB8-4F85-B451-5A8D9DC581E3%7D/uploads/2026-10.08_-_LILRC_press_release(1).pdf

Please visit the New York Heritage Digital Collections website to access Valley Stream films, videos, photos, programs, scrapbooks and more: https://valleystream.govoffice.com/vertical/Sites/%7BBC0696FB-5DB8-4F85-B451-5A8D9DC581E3%7D/uploads/2026-10.08_-_LILRC_press_release(1).pdf

Valley Stream Herald article
https://www.liherald.com/valleystream/stories/valley-stream-historical-society-reorganizes,225837

Press Releases: https://valleystreamny.gov/index.asp?SEC=17E2184D-D1F2-402C-8953-35B0520559EA&DE=5CE27F53-4382-4660-AC84-E010424FB5C9

PANORAMA - October 2026Hot off the presses...Enjoy our October issue and join us on the 28th for another fabulous lectur...
10/14/2026

PANORAMA - October 2026
Hot off the presses...

Enjoy our October issue and join us on the 28th for another fabulous lecture by Brian Merlis on Bushwick!

Panorama:https://valleystream.govoffice.com/vertical/Sites/%7BBC0696FB-5DB8-4F85-B451-5A8D9DC581E3%7D/uploads/2026-10_(Panorama).pdf

Printed Matter, Films, & Videos: https://valleystreamny.gov/index.asp?SEC=17E2184D-D1F2-402C-8953-35B0520559EA&DE=BA1068F9-8283-4A23-8485-37D7137FDFB7

Carol McKenna - Panorama Editor
Stephanie Darcy - Graphic Designer

9/11 MEMORIAL PAGEAs September 2026 comes to a close, so too do the annual tributes to those who perished on September 1...
09/29/2026

9/11 MEMORIAL PAGE

As September 2026 comes to a close, so too do the annual tributes to those who perished on September 11, 2001. Forty-four past and present Streamers were taken from us that day.

In their memory, the Valley Stream Historical Society has created a dedicated tribute page honoring those who lost their lives—a small gesture to help keep their memories alive throughout the year.

There is no need to wait until September rolls around each year to remember and honor the fallen. We invite you to share your memories of loved ones, schoolmates, friends, co-workers, or even mere acquaintances. Sharing a memory you have of that tragic time is also worthy.

You need not be a professional writer or a gifted wordsmith to contribute to this tribute page. What matters most are the words that come from the heart.

If you would like to share a thought or memory, please email us at [email protected].

9/11 Tribute Page: https://valleystreamny.gov/index.asp?SEC=17E2184D-D1F2-402C-8953-35B0520559EA&DE=D84AD97D-6E82-47EA-B01B-09FA65E55AFF

Joseph Coen, historical society trustee and archivist, organized this year's 9/11 exhibit -- an event we hope will become an annual tradition. Thanks, Joe!

Poetry at the Pagan & Open MicPagan-Fletcher Restoration143 Hendrickson AvenueValley Stream, NY 11580Sunday, August 23, ...
08/15/2026

Poetry at the Pagan & Open Mic

Pagan-Fletcher Restoration
143 Hendrickson Avenue
Valley Stream, NY 11580

Sunday, August 23, 2026
5pm - 7pm

Join us for a poetry reading! Two featured poets will read their work, followed by an open mic and time for networking. The event will be outdoors, weather permitting. Seating indoors, in the event of rain.

Brooklyn native Doreen (Dd.) Spungin, author of the collections "Tomorrow Smells Invisible" and "Don't Take the Laughter," (Words with Wings Press) hosts events for PPA on Long Island. Her poetry can be found in print an online. Several of her poems have been set to music by New York composer, Julie Mandel. Spungin lives on Long Island with her supportive husband, Neil. She lives for love, prays for peace, and writes for sanity!

Linda Trott Dickman is an award-winning poet and author of eight books. She is the Northport Arts Coalition's coordinator of poetry. Trott Dickman works with poets of all ages at the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association and Samantha's Li'l Bit O'Heaven coffeehouse. She also helped establish the Poetry Path in Northport, New York.

Newsfeed: https://valleystreamny.gov/index.asp?SEC=17E2184D-D1F2-402C-8953-35B0520559EA&DE=33CB115F-D26E-400C-8832-91BD5478C8FE

poster by Jaclyn Kunz

Poetry at the Pagan & Open MicPagan-Fletcher Restoration143 Hendrickson AvenueValley Stream, NY 11580Sunday, Auugust 9, ...
08/01/2026

Poetry at the Pagan & Open Mic

Pagan-Fletcher Restoration
143 Hendrickson Avenue
Valley Stream, NY 11580

Sunday, Auugust 9, 2026
5pm - 7pm

Join us for a poetry reading! Two featured poets will read their work, followed by an open mic and time for networking. The event will be outdoors, weather permitting. Seating indoors, in the event of rain.

Na'Quel has a cadence and a poetic style that is wildly his own. He fuses his passion for words and life to move his audiences with a different vibration. His expanding work is a spectrum of his personal observations and thoughts on subjects like racism, relationships, injustice, politics, parenting, technology, nature, and intimacy. Meeting Amiri Baraka at his New Jersey home, and sharing a poem with him and the others present, are two highlights of his life. He believes poetry is "my mind running wild and loving the chase."

Chip Williford is the 2025-2027 Suffolk County Poet Laureate, director and co-host of Poetry Street at The Free Riverhead Public Library, Long Island Poetry & Literature Repository board member, member of Northport Arts Coalition and a Northport Arts Poetry Path Exhibit sponsor. He is an ambassador for the poetry division of fuwimu.com (Fund With Music) and co-curator and co-editor of Celebrating Jupiter, an Anthology of Poems by Black Poets on Long Island, which will be published on October 17, 2026.

newsfeed:
https://valleystreamny.gov/index.asp?SEC=17E2184D-D1F2-402C-8953-35B0520559EA&DE=33CB115F-D26E-400C-8832-91BD5478C8FE

VALLEY STREAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY AWARDED GRANTS FROMNEW YORK STATE’S CONSERVATION GRANT PROGRAMVALLEY STREAM, N.Y. — Jul...
07/23/2026

VALLEY STREAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY AWARDED GRANTS FROM
NEW YORK STATE’S CONSERVATION GRANT PROGRAM

VALLEY STREAM, N.Y. — July 23, 2026 — The Valley Stream Historical Society is proud to announce that it has been awarded two grants through the 2026 New York State Conservation Grant Program: a Site Assessment Grant and a Preservation Supplies Grant.

The grants were administered by the Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN) in partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), with support from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional funding for Long Island projects, including Valley Stream, was provided by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation.

The Society credits the successful grant applications to the dedication of longtime trustee and historical society archivist Joseph Coen. "The Society is thrilled and deeply grateful to receive these grants," stated Coen, who recently retired after more than 30 years as archivist for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn.

The 2026 NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Grant Program offered three funding opportunities for New York State collecting institutions: Conservation Treatment Grants, Preservation Supplies Grants, and Site Assessment Grants. Applications were received from organizations in 46 New York counties, with 129 awards totaling $88,569 recommended for funding.

The Valley Stream Historical Society was one of the organizations selected to receive two grants: a $1,000 Site Assessment Grant and a $600 Preservation Supplies Grant.

"The Site Assessment Grant will help preserve the Society's two antique gas pumps, dating from 1918 and 1920, which stand in front of Raustein's Gas Station," Coen explained. "Raustein’s, which opened in 1920, was relocated from 139 North Corona Avenue to the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration in the 1980s. The Preservation Supplies Grant will enable the Society to purchase much-needed archival materials to better protect and preserve Valley Stream's historical collections—safeguarding our community's legacy for future generations."

click here to read complete press release:https://valleystream.govoffice.com/vertical/Sites/%7BBC0696FB-5DB8-4F85-B451-5A8D9DC581E3%7D/uploads/2026-07.23_-_VS_Historical_Society_Press_Release.pdf

SOUTH HIGH MUGSThe long-awaited South High mugs have arrived! The historical society is thrilled to present this new pie...
06/26/2026

SOUTH HIGH MUGS

The long-awaited South High mugs have arrived!

The historical society is thrilled to present this new piece of art, meticulously drawn by artist James Napoleon (South High Class of 1973). Napoleon, known for juxtaposing man-made objects or structures in otherwise natural settings, implements a story-telling approach inspired by illustrators such as Edward Hopper, Robert Weaver, and Rockwell Kent.

James' rendition of South High is filled with miniature treasures: the TWA Boeing 707 ascending from nearby Idlewild Airport; the creek traversing the landscape behind the school; light peaking out of the once open courtyard (enclosed in 1963); and students mingling on the veranda off the lobby. So much to cherish in this carefully crafted image of our mid-century gem.

Please consider purchasing a mug and supporting the historical society. The mug can be purchased two ways:

• at the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration, home of the Valley Stream Historical Society, on Sundays from 1pm-4pm, at 143 Hendrickson Avenue, Valley Stream

• from the Valley Stream Historical Society's on-line Country Store: https://valleystreamny.gov/index.asp?SEC=17E2184D-D1F2-402C-8953-35B0520559EA&DE=DCDC0DBD-28BF-4923-832D-100C7EFCAF79

Our Mission Statement: To bring together people who are interested in the history of Valley Stream and to collect & preserve historical records for the purpose of educating & fostering interest in our community.

About James Napoleon: https://valleystreamny.gov/index.asp?SEC=65DD1B78-3AB4-4708-AA56-8F26CB8EE332&DE=7A4B1CFF-15CE-480A-838F-A432DD8FFF2B

POETRY @ the PAGAN & Open MicPagan-Fletcher Restoration 143 Hendrickson Avenue Valley Stream, NY 11580 Sunday, June 28, ...
06/20/2026

POETRY @ the PAGAN & Open Mic

Pagan-Fletcher Restoration
143 Hendrickson Avenue
Valley Stream, NY 11580

Sunday, June 28, 2026 5pm - 7pm

Marsha M. Nelson is an award-winning poet, playwright, and screenwriter. She is the author of two poetry books, “Night Visions” and “Al Rise-Stand Up Holy Gates.” Her poem, “I Thought It Was Love” won the Nassau County Poet Laureate Society 2016 contest. Her poetry has appeared in numerous literary magazines and anthologies. Marsha was nominated in 2018 for the Blue Light Press Pushcart Prize for her poem, “Hairpins and a Box of Chocolates,” and was the third prize recipient in the Super Poem Contest at Walt Whitman Birthplace 2018.

Stephanie Laterza is the author of the poetry collections Verás (Broadstone Books, 2023) and The Psyche Trials (Finishing Line Press, 2019). Her novels, The Lunasole Class (Alien Buddha Press, 2024) and The Boulevard Trial, were honored as Finalists of the 2025 American Legacy Book Awards in the categories of LGBTQ+ Fiction and Thriller: Legal, respectively. Stephanie’s most recent poetry has appeared in Flapper Press and is forthcoming in an anthology by Flowersong Press. Follow Stephanie on Instagram .

newsfeed: https://valleystreamny.gov/index.asp?SEC=17E2184D-D1F2-402C-8953-35B0520559EA&DE=33CB115F-D26E-400C-8832-91BD5478C8FE

poster by Jaclyn Kunz

Address

143 Hendrickson Avenue
Valley Stream, NY
11580

Opening Hours

1pm - 4pm

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