Library Marks Century With Look at Hamlet History

Brookhaven Free Library will mark a century in its historic Beaver Dam Road building with “Walking Through History,” a community program bringing together local historians to explore Brookhaven Hamlet’s roots.

The event will be held Sunday, Sept. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the library, 273 Beaver Dam Road. Admission is free, and refreshments will be provided.

The program will trace the evolution of Brookhaven Hamlet, including its role during the American Revolution, the history of South Haven Church and other people, places and events that shaped the community.

“It’s our job as librarians to offer our patrons knowledge and understanding, and we’re so honored that this library, and the hamlet it rests in, are a piece of history we get to share,” said Grace Buchanan, the library’s education and outreach coordinator.

The panel of local historians includes Martin Van Lith, Mike Pisano, John Deitz, Richard Thomas, Meg Koch, John and Suzy Barry, Ron Kinsella, Diane Martens, Fran Lyons Darrow and Tom Williams. Their backgrounds range from historical societies and local churches to the Brookhaven Fire Department, genealogy and metal detecting.

The program also celebrates a milestone for the library itself. The Fireplace Literary Club was founded by local suffragettes in 1912 with the goal of establishing a neighborhood library. In 1926, Mr. and Mrs. James H. Post offered land for construction of the library building, which has now served the community for 100 years.

“We decided that we would honor that by giving space for local historians to come forward and present this history to the community,” Buchanan said.

The program comes as the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, giving Brookhaven residents an opportunity to explore their own community’s place in that history.