Farmingville, NY – On July 19, Supervisor Ed Romaine was at the historic, Town-owned Swezey Avey House (c. 1844) in Yaphank to visit with members of the Yaphank Historical Society. The Supervisor was given a tour of the house to see the recent restorations that have been completed. The members also provided the Supervisor with good news regarding the archives that they expect will be coming back to the Swezey Avey House in the near future.
The Yaphank Historical Society, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024, operates the Swezey Avey House. Located at 19 Mill Road in Yaphank, it was the home of Van Rennsaler Swezey who, with his brother Daniel, operated the Swezey Mills on Upper Yaphank Lake near the house. It was in the Swezey family until being sold to Brookhaven Town in 1965. Pictured left to right are Supervisor Ed Romaine with members of the Yaphank Historical Society, including Recording Secretary, Kayann Donaldson; Treasurer Audrey Kessler; President, Robert Kessler and Robert Von Bernewitz, who is in charge of the Yaphank Historical Society’s newsletters and serves as the docent who handles public tours of the Swezey Avey House.
The Society’s mission is to collect, interpret, and preserve the history of Yaphank and its surrounding area. They also encourage and aid in the preservation of historical buildings and landmarks. The Yaphank Historical Society maintains its headquarters at the house, as well as a research room and exhibit space. For more information about the Yaphank Historical Society and the Swezey Avey House, call 631-924-3401, email info@YaphankHistorical.org or visit their website at www.YaphankHistorical.org. To learn more about other historic sites in the Town of Brookhaven. Go to the Town website.
