Author Archives: beth

Sunday, Nov 10th at 2pm. At the Alice Austen House Museum, 2 Hylan Boulevard, SINY 10305

The Alice Austen House Museum is a stunning seaside location. Perched on a grassy hillock overlooking New York Harbor, this Gothic Revival house is a treasured landmark. Alice Austen was a pioneering American photographer, and she lived in this enchanting house from the latter part of the 19th century until her death in the mid-20th century. The museum is a living tribute to her life and work.
As we read from “In the Heart of the Sea” we’ll hear from the welcoming and knowledgeable museum staff about Alice’s uncle Oswald Muller – a Danish sea captain. And of course, we’ll reflect on Alice’s marvelous photographs of the harbor.

Alice’s Aunt Minn was married to Oswald. Aunt Munn was a fascinating character, herself. Her first husband died at sea, and Oswald was Captain of the boat on which he died.     Aunt Minn travelled the world with Oswald, and after his death she burned a candle in her upstairs bedroom to help guide ships as they entered New York Harbor. The Alice Austen House was known to those who traversed the New York Narrows as “the First House on the Left”.
Book giveaway, too. Good for all ages.

Friday, Nov 8 at 1:00pm at the New Dorp Library,, 309 New Dorp Lane, SINY 10306

Captain Ahab should have had one of these!
Make your own nautical coffee mug! Colorful Sharpies will be on hand – and at your fingertips!
The lively librarians at the New Dorp branch will show you how to decorate your own mug with nautical imagery.

This event starts at 1pm, and it will conclude in plenty of time for you to join the library’s 2:30 book discussion on “In the Heart of the Sea”.
Come for both events, or just one… Your choice!
Book giveaway too!

Monday, Nov 4 at 2:30pm. At the New Dorp Library, 309 New Dorp Lane, SINY 10306

The lively librarians at the New Dorp Branch Library host 2 events for teens: Monday, Nov 4th at 2:30pm, and Wednesday, Nov 6th at 2:30pm.
We’ll gat into arts and crafts with a nautical theme. For example, they’ll show you how you can make bracelets using nautical knots.
They’ll also feature a Minecraft session featuring “Heart of the Sea” in-game. Lots more cool arts and crafts.

Book giveaway too. Free & fun!

Saturday, Oct 26, 1:30pm. At the Noble Maritime Collection, 1000 Richmond Terrace (on the Snug Harbor grounds), Building D, SINY 10301.

Staten Island’s Snug Harbor was home to “aged and decrepit” sailors from the early 19th century until the 1970s.
Those retired seamen (affectionately called “Snugs”) lived in a dormitory that is now occupied by the Noble Maritime Collection.
One of those sailors, Horace Sherman, wrote a story of survival on the high seas. He and some crewmates were approaching the Galapagos Islands, and they needed to procure supplies.
Third Mate Horace was sent by his captain to Post Office Bay in the Galapagos. They set off in a small rowboat with a sail. But while Horace was taking care of business, the boat drifted out to sea! To save himself and his mates, Horace attempted to swim nine miles in shark-infested waters.
It’s a wild story! Is it true? You be the judge…

Dance performance by Creation Dance Collective.
Fascinating & fun for all ages.
Our Readers: Louis Blois, John Bostrom, Vincent Vok.
Our Dancers: Melisande Echanique, Helen Levin, Alyssa Rapp – Creation Dance Collective.

Saturday, Oct 19th at 2pm, at the Noble Maritime Collection, 1000 Richmond Terrace (on the grounds of Snug Harbor), Building D, SINY 10301

Prof. John Rocco of SUNY Maritime College hosts this lively and entertaining discussion on Herman Melville’s life and work, and on his frequent visits to Staten Island. What’s more, Prof Rocco is a walking treasure trove of fun facts & lore about Melville, Moby Dick and pop culture.
Prof. Rocco has published several books of rock criticism, including “The Doors Companion”, “The Nirvana Companion” & “Dead Reckonings: The Life and Times of the Grateful Dead”. (He can weave all this together!)
At the The Noble Maritime Collection.
Good for all ages. www.statenislandoutloud.org

Fun for all ages. Book giveaway, while supplies last.