Sixty years ago, a grassroots movement worked to preserve Fire Island, one of New York’s most treasured natural landscapes. Today, the movement’s legacy lives on as Stony Brook University Libraries has received a historic donation chronicling the battle that led to the creation of the Fire Island National Seashore (FINS), a United States National Seashore that protects a 26-mile section of Fire Island.
This collection, gifted by the Barbash family, tells the story of the Citizens’ Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore, a group of passionate community activists who stopped a highway from being built through Fire Island and secured its future as a national park.
The timing of this donation coincides with the 60th anniversary of the legislation that established FINS as a unit of the National Park Service on September 11, 1964. The collection includes committee meeting minutes, press releases, and correspondence with influential political figures such as New York State Governor Nelson Rockefeller and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Stuart Udall.
“We’re thrilled to bring the papers of the Citizens’ Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore into our collection,” said Jamie Saragossi, associate dean of content services at Stony Brook University Libraries. “As we mark the 60th anniversary of FINS, it’s crucial that we preserve and share these documents, which capture the passion and perseverance that protected Fire Island’s natural beauty for generations to come.”
These historic items will be housed in the University Libraries’ Special Collections, where they will join a curated selection of rare books, maps, and archival materials. To ensure that this history reaches a wide audience, the collection will be digitized and made freely available online.
“The papers are more than just documents — they’re a testament to the power of community action,” said Kristen J. Nyitray, director of special collections and university archives at Stony Brook. “They capture the voices and visions of those who dared to challenge the status quo and protect Long Island’s natural environment. We’re honored to add this collection to our archives where it will inspire and educate future generations.”
Formed in 1962, the Citizens’ Committee group of 14 volunteer citizens — led by Maurice Barbash, a homebuilder and environmental activist; and Irving Like, an environmental lawyer — worked to promote creating the National Seashore. Their efforts culminated in President Lyndon B. Johnson signing legislation formally establishing FINS safeguarding Fire Island from constructing a highway.
Cathy Barbash reflected on her family’s decision to donate their collection: “We’re honored that Stony Brook University has accepted these papers. They document strategic organized actions by dedicated citizens who came together for common good. This collection also offers valuable insights into mid-century America’s political maneuvering shaping campaign success.”
In addition to committee papers, digital files from “Protecting Ribbon Sand: Creation Fire Island National Seashore” exhibition curated Susan Cathy Barbash FINS’ 50th anniversary included.
When asked why family chose Stony Brook University Cathy Barbash stated: “Stony Brook Fire Island National Seashore integral Suffolk County fitting materials preserved close history made Plus Irving Like's papers already housed Stony Brook special collections made sense keep related collections together ease research.”
Susan Barbash added: “Fight against Robert Moses plan build highway down Fire Island epic battle While children during time memories father role struggle vivid This collection ensures story hard-fought victory preserved future generations.”
— Beth Squire