Farmingville, NY – On November 5, Supervisor Ed Romaine and Councilwoman Jane Bonner were at the Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School in Rocky Point for the unveiling of a milestone plaque in recognition of the achievements at RCA Radio Central. The first broadcast from Rocky Point was on November 5, 1921 when President Warren C. Harding pressed a button in the White House and officially opened the facility which remained active until its closing in 1978. Joining Councilwoman Bonner were members of the Rocky Point Historical Society, the Long Island Section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Rocky Point High School (RPHS) History Club. The Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School is located on the Rocky Point State Forest Preserve, which at one time was RCA property.
Supervisor Romaine said, “The development of radio technology and Brookhaven Town are forever joined in history. This plaque will remind future generations of the people and places that helped to bring worldwide communications into everyone’s home and right in the palm of our hands.”
Councilwoman Jane Bonner said, “This commemorative plaque represents Brookhaven Town’s important contributions to the development of worldwide radio communications. I thank the IEEE, Rocky Point Historical Society and Rocky Point School District for recognizing the historic achievements that are part of our rich history.”
Pictured left to right are Paul Martinez, Rocky Point School District Buildings and Grounds; Jonathan Hart, principal of Rocky Point High School; Unidentified RPHS staff; Dr. Scott O’Brien, Superintendent of the Rocky Point Union Free School District; Rich Acritelli, club advisor; Unidentified student; Unidentified student; Unidentified student; Unidentified student; Suzanne Johnson, President of the Rocky Point Historical Society; Arnie Stillman, Chairman of IEEE Long Island Section; Councilwoman Jane Bonner and New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio.
The IEEE Milestones in Electrical Engineering and Computing program honors pivotal technical achievements for the benefit of humanity. It is a program of the IEEE History committee. The Milestones Program, established in 1983 in conjunction with the 1984 Centennial Celebration, recognizes technological innovation and excellence. For more information on the Milestone Program go to www.ieeegh.org or contact the IEEE History Center at 732-562-5468.
