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Local professor’s new book is a 400-year history of Peconic Bay

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The Suffolk County Historical Society’s Book & Bottle event this month will feature a work with quite a bit of sprawl — four centuries’s worth, to be more specific.

On Thursday, Sept. 24, Southold resident and Pace University history professor Marilyn Weigold will discuss her latest work, “Peconic Bay: Four Centuries of History on Long Island’s North and South Forks.” She will also sign copies for participants. 

Her book covers the evolution of the area in a variety of historical and social contexts, from the rise of the local fishing industry to the modern tourist economy to a growing military presence in the wake of 9/11. Ms. Weigold did much of the research at the Suffolk County Historical Society itself.

“It’s a beautifully written book,” said historical society librarian Wendy Polhemus-Annibell.

The event begins at 6 p.m. in the historical society building, which is located at 300 West Main St. in Riverhead. Wine and cheese will be served.

Admission is free for members of the historical society and costs $5 for non-members. Ms. Polhemus-Annibell said attendance will be capped around 50 people, and demand is high.

“It’s filling up,” she said.

Professor Weigold’s book is published by Syracuse University Press and was released about two months ago. Ms. Polhemus-Annibell said it is sold out at Burton’s Bookstore in Greenport, but Historical Society will sell copies at the event. It is also available on websites such as Amazon.com.

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