Long Island History: How Did We Get Here?

Long Island History: How Did We Get Here?

Relating history can take more than one approach. The Long Island: How Did We Get Here? project is intended to advance public understanding of Long Island’s history as it relates to understanding the origins of our multi-layered system of local governance and five critically important, interconnected subjects that are central to quality of life issues the Long Island region faces today. Rather than seeking to provide a comprehensive history of the region, the approach this project takes is to supply historical context that can inform discussion and debate as it relates to specific public policy concerns that are vital to the Island's well-being.

When presenting the history of Long Island, the story often starts as far back as the retreating Ice Age glaciers that deposited sediments and sculpted the landscape beneath our feet, this project however, focuses primarily on Long Island’s modern suburban history, from the early 20th century to the present.

This project's work products, made available here on the University’s website, include seven (7) videos that provide historical overviews of key topics, including one that is a deep-dive, hour-long documentary on the impact and legacy of structural racism on Long Island's public education system (available upon request); one that is a 13-minute video on how the region’s multi-layered systems of local governments were created; and five (5) medium-length videos on the critical issues of public education, energy, environment, land use/housing and transportation. In addition to these videos, timelines of key milestones and historic events are provided. Additional work products developed by project research fellows include class modules and lesson plans on the history of civil rights on Long Island, which are appropriate for 4th through 8th-grade students. Other materials, such as research briefs, summaries, and presentations created by the research fellows, are available to researchers upon request. Lastly, the additional resources page includes links to other research done on Long Island’s history and various historical documents. 

This history project is an interdisciplinary effort of Molloy University, involving the Ed.D. program of the School of Education and Human Services, the Department of Political Science and History, the Sustainability Institute, the Molloy Office of Community and Government Affairs, and the Office of Advancement.

Our intent is for this information to inform public forums and seminars, and elevate the public discourse on the topics of concern to Long Island. 

To effectively address challenges facing our region today, we step back and first take an unflinching look at the lessons from history, by asking ourselves, Long Island: How Did We Get Here? This pioneering initiative seeks to reinvigorate the study of our regional history by infusing its lessons into the realm of public policy on Long Island.

With the generous support of a $1.5 million grant (2018) from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, nineteen doctoral candidates, Gardiner Research Fellows, were recruited from Molloy’s School of Education and Human Services. Under the guidance of faculty research advisors, historians, and interdisciplinary content experts, they conducted empirical research from a historical lens on important regional topics, such as education, land use, housing, poverty & the working poor, institutional racism, criminal justice, healthcare, and governance. More about the project.

Issue Videos and Timelines of Events

Education — Many Long Island schools have been recognized for their excellence, but the challenge is to provide equitable access to an excellent education for all students.

Energy — Long Island is at the forefront of the transition to clean renewable energy. It is a State leader in solar installations and EV adoption, and is the planned location for significant offshore wind development.

Environment – Long Islanders feel a deep connection to the beauty of our natural environment. Long Island has provide leadership on key environmental issues including toxic pesticides, open space preservation, drinking water protection, and recycling.

Local Government — To effect change on Long Island, it is important to understand the way our multiple levels of local government are structured and the responsibilities of each.

Land Use and Housing — Long Island was the birthplace of the auto-dependent suburb, with a legacy of segregated communities, but also has developed a movement calling for smart growth, affordable housing, and transit-oriented development.

Transportation — Long Island has a history of leading in transportation, including one of the first railroads in the U.S., the world’s first limited-access highways, and the first transatlantic flight. Our region continues to work to adapt and modernize our transportation system to face 21^st-century needs.

Additional Resources For Educators and Researchers

Here you will find the social studies module and lessons, and other materials developed by the Gardiner Research Fellows.