First Lady Designates Brookhaven as Preserve America Community

Recognized for its effort in preserving special places and telling the nation’s story, the Town of Brookhaven was designed a Preserve America Community by First Lady Michelle Obama.

This designation allows Brookhaven to use Preserve American logos on educational and promotional materials, and it will be listed in a web-based directory that showcase’s the town’s efforts and heritage tourism destinations.

There are currently three other Long Island communities to receive the Preserve America stamp of approval: Oyster Bay Hamlet, Shelter Island and Great Neck Plaza.

According to the town, more than 850 Preserve America Communities have been designated in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories, including historic neighborhoods within large cities and tribal communities.

“I thank the First Lady for recognizing Brookhaven Town’s efforts to preserve our heritage and tell the story of our 356 year history,” said Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko, in a statement. “We have many fine examples of restored historic properties including the Longwood Estate in Ridge, Hobbs Farm in Centereach; and the Swan River Schoolhouse in East Patchogue that are open to the public and used for educational programming.”

Preserve America is a federal program that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy priceless cultural and natural heritage. The Town of Brookhaven is home to 46 Town-designated landmarks, 23 New York State Registered Landmarks, 33 National Register Properties, and one National Historic Landmark. 

According to the town, another important component to the designation is a focus on cooperative projects between government and not-for-profits, including Hobbs Farm, the Swan River Schoolhouse, the Long Island Music Hall of Fame building in Port Jefferson, the historic photo exhibit at Town Hall and the Terryville Union Hall/Cumsewogue-Terryville Historical Society.