STEP ONE: PRESERVATION (STEP TWO: RESTORATION)
We have been so lucky to be a part of NYU's Regional Media Legacies Project (RML), made possible with support from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation. RML fellows Robert Anen and Claire Fox have been working on a collection of 16-mm and 8-mm films dating from 1925 to 1964 from the Shelter Island Historical Society's archive. Their work has helped preserve the films, and protect them from mold damage and other forms of film decomposition. This work has allowed us, for the first time, to see what is on the film! Some of the subjects include, the aftermath of the 1938 hurricane, Beach Club footage at the Prospect Hotel from the 1930s, home movies of Shelter Island families, the 1964 groundbreaking of the Shelter Island Library, and more. We are so grateful for their contribution to the preservation of our Island's history.
Robert Anen considered the work on this film collection a great privilege because his family has deep ties to Shelter Island. His grandparents, Louis and Pat Abruzzino, spent many years living on West Neck Road during the summer through the 1950-1970s. Anen is also related to the Gulluscio family through his grandfather’s sister, JoAnn, who is married to Robbie Gulluscio.

Now is where you come in!​
If you recognize any of the folks in the slideshow, please email Archivist Rachel Lucas at [email protected]. Thank you!

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The Shelter Island History Center's main floor and lower level are ADA accessible.
​Only Service Animals are welcome at The Shelter Island History Center. ​