Friday, July 10, 2020, @ 2:00 PM EST on Zoom
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.
What happens when research reveals that community “fact” is actually fiction? Whether fueled by misinformation or misconception, many historians face situations with false stories perpetuated through oral history, poorly researched books, and social media.
Mary Cascone will share experiences from her municipality, when long-held community stories were disproven and how residents have reacted.
From recognition that a popular place name is not the original or accurate name, to the realization that a national figure or personality was not part of the community, uncovering the truth is not always popular or accepted.
SPEAKER: Mary Cascone
Mary Cascone has worked in the Town of Babylon, Office of Historic Services, since 2006, and was appointed Town Historian in 2014. Her projects for the Town of Babylon have included seven local history books, creation of the Town of Babylon History Museum, restoration of the U.S. Life-Saving Station at Oak Beach, installation of over 20 historic markers, and has contributed to local history topics for local news outlets, newsletters, and podcasts.
Mary is looking forward to writing more local history books and celebrating the Town of Babylon’s 2022 Sesquicentennial – 150th anniversary. She is a graduate of The University of Michigan, with a degree in sociology, and received a master’s degree from the Palmer School of Library and Information Science, at Long Island University, with a certificate in archives and records management. Mary has spent many years developing – and continues to expand – a unique skill set to research the people, places, and events of the Town of Babylon communities.
In 2015, Mary was honored with the Gertrude Van Kirk Woman in Government Award from the Town of Babylon and received distinction as a Registered Historian from the Association of Public Historians of NYS in 2018. She is a member of the Suffolk County Historic Trust Committee, an active advisor to the Babylon Town Historical Society, and a member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Josiah Smith Chapter, Patchogue, NY.
In their spare time, Mary and her husband are restoring an 1871 home in the village of Babylon.