Whaling on Long Island By Nomi Dayan, Executive Director of The Whaling Museum The story of whales and the whalers who followed them is inextricably tied with Long Island's rich maritime history. Before the Long Island Expressway, strip malls, golf clubs, and suburban sprawl, calls of "Thar she blows!" rang out from Long Island harbors and ships. This book chronicles the rise and fall of whaling on the island and describes local whaleship fleets that traveled to the far corners of the world, the personalities behind local enterprises, and the villages whose cultures and economies grew from the industry. Be transported to a time when whalers roamed the streets between journeys, shipbuilders worked in the harbors, captains charted their expeditions, and whaleship masts seemed to pierce the clouds in Long Island's pursuit of the largest creatures in the world.
The Sailing Circle 19th Century Seafaring Women from New York by Joan Druett and Mary AnneWallace
This book was published in 1995 by the Three Village Historical Society & the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum. It is about the special women who sailed with their captain husbands on merchant ships and whalers to keep their families intact. There are some wonderful old photographs and pictures in this enchanting look at the past. Price $4.95
Whaling Towel / Placemat
“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch, we are going back from whence we came.” —John F. Kennedy
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Toys of Olde For All Ages!
The Window to the Street by Harriet G. Valentine
This book is based on the diary of Helen Rogers who grew up at 6 Spring Street, Cold Spring Harbor. Helen started the diary in 1843 when she was fifteen years old and in addition to describing how people dressed, the food they ate, recipes and who got married she also recorded when whaling vessels and other boats came into the harbor. This book is a wonderful glimpse into the past. Price $10.00
Cold Spring Harbor: Rediscovering History in Streets and Shores by Terry Walton
This book was published in 1999 by the Whaling Museum Society, Inc. A celebratory book! Learn about our town's glacial era origins, early dwellers, 19th century architecture, and harbor history of whaleships, coastal traders, and excursion steamers out of New York. Includes journal quotes and plentiful archival prints and photographs, and mentions ship captains' houses and other details that can be observed on a walking tour today. If you live locally, you will especially enjoy this book to understand how and why Cold Spring Harbor looks and functions the way it does! Price $12.95
Mark Well The Whale by Frederick P. Schmitt
Frederick P. Schmitt was the fourth Curator of the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum from 1971-1981. This well-written book, published in 1971 and again in 1986, tells the story of the whaling industry in Cold Spring Harbor including the founders, the whalemen, and the whaleships. The author poured over a staggering amount of original local documents, including whaling logs and journals, to tell the story of the nine ships which sailed from Cold Spring Harbor around the world in search of whales. Price $10.00
In Their Hours of Ocean Leisure by Richard C. Malley
This book was published in 1993 by the Whaling Museum Society, Inc. It is specifically about the glorious scrimshaw collection at the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum. The book is a visual delight for those who want to learn more about this art. Price $14.95