Girl Scouts from local troops and their families were given a hands-on history lesson as they toured the Manor of St. George, one of Long Island’s most historically significant landmarks.
About 60 girls, many from Troop 2144 of Service Unit 48, ranged in age from kindergarten to third grade and included both Daisies and Brownies. Representing area schools such as Tangier Smith, Hobart, and Woodhull, the young scouts spent the day immersed in Long Island’s rich colonial past—where battlefields, British redcoats, and America’s earliest settlers came vividly to life.
The Manor of St. George, a 127-acre estate overlooking Moriches Bay in Mastic, is the former homestead of Col. William Tangier Smith, a prominent early settler and colonial governor. It played a key role during the Revolutionary War, including the famous 1780 raid by Col. Benjamin Tallmadge, whose successful attack against British forces at Fort St. George remains a celebrated moment in local and national history. The trail taken by Tallmadge’s troops leading into the Manor was recently renovated by nine scout troops from across Suffolk and is part of a hiking path that has magnificent water and woodland views.
“The girls asked thoughtful questions, explored the grounds, and were amazed to learn that battles were fought right here in their own backyard,” said John Scott Prudenti, a Manor representative and local historian, who greeted the scouts during their visit. “It’s a rare opportunity for them to step directly into the pages of American history.”
While many local children grow up hearing about George Washington and the American Revolution, few get to walk through the same halls that once echoed with the footsteps of patriots or stand beside the ancient cannons that once guarded this coastal outpost.
“This was more than just a tour—it was a moment of connection,” said a troop leader. “The girls left with souvenirs and stories they’ll remember for a long time.”
Prudenti said he hopes educational visits like the Girl Scouts continue to grow in popularity. “This place is not just about the past,” he said. “It’s about inspiring the next generation to understand where they come from—and maybe even imagine where they can go.”
The Manor and its museum is open to the public from May through October, Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Wednesdays available for pre-arranged group tours—a perfect opportunity for schools and civic groups to engage with Long Island’s storied past. For more information or to schedule a group tour, contact the administration office at 631-281-5034.