The Bay Shore Historical Society will have our first meeting of 2026 on Thursday, January 15, at 7:00 pm at the Bay Shore - Brightwaters Public Library (1 South Country Rd., Brightwaters, NY).

Our guest speaker, Dr. Chris Verga will present "Nazis of Long Island: Sedition, Espionage & the Plot Against America". We will dive into how the greatest threat to the United States war effort during World War II was located in Yaphank, New York. The German American Bund was able to contribute to a growing American fascist movement. Fueled partially by Nazi Germany’s financing of propaganda, thousands of New Yorkers embraced the ideals of an American Reich through retreats such as Yaphank’s Camp Siegfried, which groomed Nazi sympathizers to be ready for the fascist overthrow of the American republic. In opposition to Nazism, multiple local citizen groups fought to combat the Bund’s organized efforts to undermine America.

Dr. Chris Verga is a Bay Shore resident and a Bay Shore Historical Society member. He is a High School Social Studies Teacher, Adjunct Professor, and historical researcher. Dr. Verga has written several books about often-overlooked aspects of Long Island History. He is a local history columnist for Greater Long Island Media and the Fire Island News.

Reminder, the Bay Shore Historical Society sponsors educational programs of historic significance throughout the year. Programs are held on the third Thursday night of the month at 7:00 PM at the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library. Our educational programs are free of charge, and all are welcome! Stay up to date with our 2026 meeting schedule at: https://www.bayshorehistoricalsociety.org/programs-news