Great Neck Historical Society

Welcome

Welcome to the Great Neck Historical Society - your source for information, photos, events,
and all things related to the fabled history of this Gold Coast area. Since its founding, Great
Neck has gone through an evolution that transformed it from a rural farming and fishing area
to a summer artist colony and suburban retreat to a thriving, sophisticated metropolis of
commerce, culture, and education. Home to captains of industry and Broadway actors, Great
Neck has always been renowned for its excellent schools, community-minded citizens,
diverse population, parks, cultural activities, and all the things that enrich life.

Great Neck has one of America's most fascinating histories, beginning with its early days as a
forested area inhabited by the Matinecock Indians and developing into today's thriving
community. In the mid-1600s, Great Neck - or Mad Nan's Neck, as it was originally called,
was a small, primarily Dutch and English settlement. Today, its residents can trace their
roots back to a multitude of countries. Hundreds of celebrated men and women have called
Great Neck their home, including stage and film stars Paul Newman, Alan King, Sid Caesar,
and Francis Ford Coppola; writers F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ring Lardner, and Eugene O'Neill;
musicians George M. Cohan, Richard Tucker, and Morton Gould; artists Louise Nevelson,
Larry Rivers and Fairfield Porter; Business leaders Walter Chrysler, William K. Vanderbilt
Jr, and Harry F. Sinclair; and athletes Whitey Ford, Floyd Patterson and the Huges sisters,
Sarah and Emily. It has a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, a church with glorious
Tiffany stained glass windows, and schools that have been recognized as among the very top
in the nation.

Saving the Past for the Future

The Great Neck Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to collecting,
preserving and presenting the history and heritage of the Great Neck peninsula. We share
information through our programs, printed materials, and other media, as well as this
website. We also support leadership efforts from all the villages in our community that share
the goals of safeguarding the history of Great Neck.

Please explore our website and discover the intriguing details of our vibrant history, past
and present.

Great Neck railroad station c. 1907

Proudly show off
the history of
your home!!

Do you live in an older
home?
or

Is it architecturally
significant?

or

Did a local notable reside
there?

The Great Neck Historical
Society is now recognizing
our significant homes and
public places with elegant
plaques.

Find out more about our
Recognition Program by
clicking on our History page

For all the latest news about the Great Neck Historical Society, "like" us on Facebook. We'll be posting
links to our latest photo contest pictures, programs, and links to articles about us in the press.