Long Beach Historical Society In 'Dire Straits' To Raise Money

LONG BEACH, NY — For more than four decades, the Long Beach Historical Society has been showcasing the city adjacent to the Atlantic from its earliest days.

There are photos and artifacts from the past, but the organization is urgently needing money to stay open for future generations.

For those who visit the vintage-looking house at 226 West Penn Street, they'll find a turn-of-the-century telephone and an old-time radio as just an example of the time machine feel. The museum also features many photos from one of Long Beach leading landmarks-- the boardwalk. The museum's location dates back more than 110 years.

"Because of COVID, we have not been able to have our fundraiser-- the main one-- the Boardwalk Fair," co-president, Long Beach Historical Society, Jeanne Browne, told "Patch AM" on Thursday. "For the past three years, we have not been able to do it. So, we're in dire straits now."

She said they have many passionate volunteers who keep the museum alive. While struggling, Browne said they have reserve money in place for these situations.

"The board thoughtfully put aside in case of a rainy day, and this is the rainy years," she said.

Although they seek the public's help, they don't have the manpower to send out mailers urging donations. Browne said they will hold a gala dinner honoring one of the society's founders and a former city manager, who was a proponent of the organization.

Money from tickets and raffles will go toward keeping the historical society solvent.

To find out more, or to donate, you can check out their website: longbeachhistory.org

They also have a GoFundMe page.

You can watch the full "Patch AM" interview with Browne above.