Thursday, October 1, 2026
Madeline Pearson’s dedication to East Rockaway began when she was still a student, volunteering at the village’s historic grist mill as a Girl Scout.
Decades later, Pearson still lives in the same East Rockaway home where she was born, and remains committed to preserving the community’s history and creating opportunities for local Girl Scouts. She is now the executive director of the Historical Society of East Rockaway and Lynbrook.
Her years of service earned her recognition as one of Assemblywoman Judy Griffin’s 2026 Women of Distinction. Pearson was among 18 women honored at Molloy University on July 29 for their leadership, service and impact on their communities.
Pearson’s involvement with local history grew out of her time in Girl Scouts. While in high school, she volunteered at the East Rockaway Grist Mill Museum, guiding visitors through the historic site. Later, while working with the scouts at Centre Avenue School, she met women who were involved with the local historical society, and they encouraged her to join.
She has been involved ever since. Pearson became a charter member of the organization in 1998, and went on to serve as president. Now, as its executive director, she helps organize programs, presentations and participation in community events.
The society also teaches local fourth-graders about the area’s history in an annual program that reaches seven schools in East Rockaway and Lynbrook.
Last November, Pearson helped find a permanent home at the East Rockaway Public Library for a detailed model of the Haviland-Davison Grist Mill created by longtime society member Robert Sympson. Sympson died about a month after the model’s unveiling.
“He got his goal, having his model on display,” Pearson said.
Griffin attended the unveiling, and Pearson believes it was there that Griffin took notice of her work. Still, she said she was surprised when Griffin called to tell her she had been selected for a Woman of Distinction award.
“I had no clue, because no one approached me,” Pearson said. “I was wondering, how did I get nominated?” She invited her brother, with whom she lives, and three women from the historical society to the ceremony.
Her volunteerism extends beyond historical preservation. She has remained involved with Girl Scouts for decades, helping coordinate programs including an annual square dance and Girl Scout Government Day, and encouraging scouts to take part in community ceremonies.
Her years as a scout are part of the reason she stays involved. “I had great experiences,” Pearson said. “I want to make sure the girls get opportunities too that they may not get from their families.”
Volunteering, she said, isn’t something everyone thinks about, but she hopes her work can encourage others to become involved — whether by giving young people new opportunities or helping residents connect with the history and heritage of their community.
