About Us

Our Mission

The mission of the Amityville Historical Society is to preserve, exhibit and promote the rich historical heritage of Amityville and surrounding communities. We are dedicated to discovering, collecting, and interpreting the historic objects, documents, photographs, and other material that will continue to inform and bring pride to our heritage. We strive to encourage interest in the preservation of our past. The Amityville Historical Society maintains the Lauder Museum which is in a landmark building where artifacts associated with the area’s history are curated and displayed. We seek to illuminate our legacy through educational programs, exhibits and social activities. We work with others to maintain the character of the community by supporting efforts to preserve historic structures and spaces. In addition to artifacts, the Museum has an extensive collection of photographs, postcards, historical local newspapers, local genealogy records and maps.

Our Beginnings

The Amityville Historical Society was formed in 1969 by a community group concerned with the preservation of the village’s rich and colorful past. They became increasingly concerned that important elements of the community’s heritage were being lost and that insufficient regard was being given to the impact of those losses. In particular, it was the number of Amityville’s older buildings and homes falling prey to the “wrecker’s ball” that galvanized many far-sighted members of the community to subsequently found the Amityville Historical Society. Through the efforts of William T. Lauder, the Society was able to acquire The Franklin National Bank Building, originally the Bank of Amityville – constructed in 1909, which in 1973 became the Lauder Museum. The Museum is a community, cultural and educational institution where artifacts of Amityville’s past are collected, preserved and exhibited. We strive to encourage interest in preserving our rich heritage and ensure that future generations are made aware of the past and taught to cherish it.

Historical Amityville

Amityville means “Friendly village” known for its charming older homes. It was first settled in the 1600’s as primarily a farming community with ties to fishing and boating industries. Salt Hay was an important agricultural product with many uses such as feed for livestock, as well as insulation for ice blocks for summer use. Farms and fishing gave way to the needs of summer visitors in search of the comforts of the sea breezes at the large hotels by the bay. Many early visitors were prominent members of society, celebrities, businessmen, artists, and musicians.