Long Island History: How Did We Get Here?
Long Island History: How Did We Get Here?
Long Island History: How Did We Get Here?
Long Island: How Did We Get Here? is an interdisciplinary project 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.
This history project is intended to advance public understanding of Long Island’s history as it relates to many of the quality of life issues the Long Island region faces today. The project's work products, to be found on this webpage, include six (6) short-form videos that provide historical overviews of key topics, and one hour-long documentary on the impact and legacy of structural racism on Long Island's public education system. Supporting these topic videos are timelines of key milestones and historic events. Also included are class modules and lesson plans, research briefs, and presentations created by research fellows.
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 21st-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.