On Saturday, October 18, the Landmarks Committee of the Ladies’ Village Improvement Society (LVIS) will host its annual Landmarks Luncheon at the Maidstone Club, bringing attention to a deeply significant chapter in East Hampton’s history: the story of Freetown.
Nestled just north of East Hampton Village, across the Long Island Rail Road tracks, Freetown is a historic neighborhood rooted in Montaukett Native survivance, African American community-building, and the resilient Bonac working-class spirit. The neighborhood stands as a testament to generations of cultural continuity and quiet resistance.
This year’s featured speaker, Dr. Allison McGovern, will present new findings from the Mapping Memories of Freetown Project and the Freetown Neighborhood Cultural Resources Survey — ongoing initiatives that weave together oral histories, archaeological evidence, and archival research to preserve and elevate Freetown’s enduring legacy.
Dr. McGovern, a cultural resources manager at Brookhaven National Laboratory and a leading figure in Long Island preservation, will offer insights into how local voices and lived experiences inform broader efforts in historic documentation and preservation advocacy.
A luncheon will follow the lecture at the Maidstone Club on Old Beach Lane, one of East Hampton’s most treasured historic venues.
The event begins at 11:30 AM. Tickets are $150 per person, with proceeds supporting the Landmarks Committee’s ongoing work to safeguard East Hampton’s architectural and cultural heritage. For over 50 years, the Committee has led efforts to protect the town’s historic fabric, playing a key role in the establishment of the East Hampton Village Historic Districts.