While Native Americans were the first people to whale in New York, Europeans arriving on the shores of New York quickly came to see these ocean mammals as a valuable commodity. Starting in the 1640s, Long Island towns such as East Hampton and Southampton formed local shore whaling companies, leading to the whale becoming New York’s first “cash crop.” This industry would then help drive the local economy in the 19th century as young men traveled the world, pursuing whales for their oil and bones. Today, whales continue to attract New Yorkers, though no longer for hunting but rather for whale watching. This presentation by Tara Rider, Senior Lecturer at the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University will explore how whaling has shaped New York’s maritime communities and culture.

Free and open to the public. Lite refreshments will be served.