Storms and hurricanes have long shaped the history of New York and Long Island, leaving behind tales of destruction and resilience. From the unforgettable September 1938 “Long Island Express” hurricane to the more recent Super Storm Sandy, Long Island’s coastal communities have experienced the wrath of nature time and again. To explore these experiences, an exhibition entitled “In Harm’s Way” went on display at the Long Island Museum of American Art, History, and Carriages in 2017, five years after Sandy.
If you missed the physical “In Harm’s Way” show, a new virtual exhibit now shares “In Harm’s Way” in perpetuity. Weaving together a tapestry of experiential narratives, videos, compelling photographs, and data visualization technologies, the virtual exhibit chronicles Long Island’s struggles with hurricanes and climate change from 1938 to the present day. Additionally, the exhibition showcases materials gathered from local historical organizations, government agencies, and disaster management experts, demonstrating the necessity for diverse actors to work together in the face of massive climate transformation.
The exhibition casts a spotlight on the resilience and determination of people preparing for and recovering from severe weather events. Witness the transformation of communities responding to the aftermath of devastating storms and how such actions have evolved. Through pages dedicated to the distant past, the more recent past, and the present day, viewers explore the strategies communities used to protect their coastlines and homes. Additionally, a special page dedicated to Bay Houses showcases how local community structures fare in the face of destructive weather.
“In Harm’s Way” educates and inspires viewers to take an active role in disaster preparedness and recovery efforts. By understanding the past and learning from it, communities can unite to face future challenges head-on, armed with knowledge and determination.
Principle team members in the virtual exhibition are curator Nancy Solomon, director of Long Island Traditions, and team member Heidi Yarger, a graduate student in library science and folklore at Indiana University.
Visit the “In Harm’s Way” exhibit at https://longislandtraditions.org/virtual-exhibit/.
