Suffolk County Historical Society located in the heart of Riverhead village is an amazing treasure trove of historical items and amazing photos. They are taken care of, categorized, and preserved well. They receive general support from many sources for the management and sharing of our local history.
They are digitized and the entire photo collection should be online for viewing in some fashion or another.
Instead it was hard to access. A week in advance for a library appt.. and the 9 photos I wanted a copy of are restricted to use only on paper or digital for a fee of $20 each... so $180 I thought and ok'd. I agreed to the fee, willing to have them added to our super busy 20 year website on our islands historic homes...( A site that is free to all listed mansions and and takes no advertising.. all a gift to the thousands who enjoy the site for decades. We pay all fees and hosting for years)... Despite that... was told it would now be $1800 for the 9 photos of interest. Apparently the digital fee is to buy to look at again and not share online. They went on to be more restrictive.. stating that they did not want me putting the order in via email, or fax or even in person, Unless I came back again for another appointment.. and None were available until 2 weeks from my call... all to be sure they were correct. I think I took pretty good notes on the mansion names and photo IDs since that is what I do.
Benefactors gave the SCHS an amazing collection of photos... and other items to take care of and promote our Long Island culture.. but sadly they sit in a place few go to and actually see. Trying to make them available was not easily done.
So now.. I dub the Suffolk County Historical Society the Suffolk County Hoarder Society. Availably to only a few as the years run out and our locals miss out.
Not cool SCHS. read more