Historic Fairgrounds Honored by Riverhead Central School District
Commemorative Marker and Student Museum Gallery Walk Preserve and Celebrate Important Piece of U.S. History
RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK (MAY 2023) — The Riverhead Central School District recently honored an important piece of Long Island history. The historic fairgrounds where Pulaski Street Intermediate School currently stands were recognized with the unveiling of a commemorative marker and presentation of a museum gallery walk prepared by students.
“With the unveiling of this marker, we commemorate a contribution that Riverhead brought forth to the entire country, if not the world,” said Riverhead Central School District Superintendent Augustine E. Tornatore. “As our students know, recognizing and learning from the past is how we best experience our present and move towards a prosperous future. The establishment of this marker will allow us and future generations to recognize the significance of the fairgrounds and preserve a piece of history with local and national meaning.”
The dedication honored the nationally recognized fair that drew thousands to Riverhead from 1865 to 1941 to witness and engage with groundbreaking agricultural advancements. President Theodore Roosevelt, baseball legend Babe Ruth and aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss are among the notable attendees who enjoyed the fair. The grounds stood as a home to agricultural innovation and produced technological advancements that drove the progress of the nation.
Riverhead community members eagerly gathered for the marker dedication to pay tribute to the historical landmark. They were also treated to a musical performance by Pulaski Street Intermediate School students. After the ceremony, attendees were able to further interact with this fascinating past through the thoughtful and interactive museum gallery walk created by the Pulaski Street Intermediate School fifth grade student council members and sixth grade student officers. In addition, attendees engaged with a tractor and other period-accurate set-up and items courtesy of Fink’s County Farm and other community members.
“Thank you to everyone who made this possible,” said Dr. Tornatore. “It is crucial that we and our students both engage with and preserve the history before us.”
Additional photos are on the Riverhead CSD Facebook here.
Pulaski Street Intermediate School Principal Patrick Burke speaks on the importance of the commemorative marker
Riverhead Central School District Superintendent Dr. Augustine E. Tornatore learns about the historic fairgrounds from Pulaski Street Intermediate School students during the museum gallery walk
Riverhead community members and Riverhead Central School District faculty staff enjoy learning more about the fairgrounds from Pulaski Street Intermediate School students during the museum gallery walk
A tractor from Fink’s County Farm was engaged with to immerse attendees in the period and scenery of the fairgrounds
Pulaski Street Intermediate School students provide a musical performance
Pulaski Street Intermediate School students answer the questions of interested participants in their museum gallery walk