Whitaker Historical Collection
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Library’s Local History Room
Consisting of books, diaries, scrapbooks, deeds, genealogies, postcards, photos, school yearbooks, and file folders of newspaper articles, this invaluable reference preserves the history and people of Southold since its settlement in 1640.
This collection was dedicated during Southold’s 300th anniversary celebration in 1940 and presented to the library for safekeeping in perpetuity. It is named in honor of Reverend Epher Whitaker, affectionately known as Southold’s Grand Old Man. He served as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church 1851-1892 and pastor emeritus until his death in 1916. Throughout his life, he encouraged the townspeople of Southold to preserve their heritage for future generations.
Open to the public:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 1 - 4
Call Us:
Email Us:
whitakercollection@gmail.com
Genealogy Links
- AncestryPlus (In-Library use only)
- Use HeritageQuest in the Library
- Use HeritageQuest from Home
- Family Search
- National Archives and Records Administration Genealogy Page
- Ellis Island Database
- Military Personnel Records
- Vital Records New York State
- Vital Records United States
- Suffolk Historic Newspapers
- Peconic Bay Shopper
- Suffolk Topic Guides: Genealogy