The Arts

Photo exhibit features army life at Plum Island fort

A new exhibit at the Suffolk Historical Society opens Saturday. (Credit: Courtesy photo)
A new exhibit at the Southold Historical Society opens Saturday. (Credit: Courtesy photo)

Life at Fort Terry, once located on Plum Island, is the subject of an upcoming photography exhibit hosted by Southold Historical Society. “Life at Fort Terry: Leisure Time in the Army” will be on view April 5 through May 17 in the Reichert Family Center’s Cosden Price Gallery in downtown Southold. 

The fort, which opened in 1897, was part of a coastal defense system designed to protect New York City and Long Island Sound from sea-based attack. It was in operation until 1948. Thousands of soldiers passed through the fort, which never saw serious action. When on base, the men serving there passed the time by participating in such recreation as sports, exercise, reading, writing letters and gambling.

The gallery is open Thursday to Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m., or by appointment. Call 765-5500 or visit southoldhistoricalsociety.org.