The Malverne Historical and Preservation Society celebrated its 40th anniversary Aug. 16, marking four decades of preserving the village’s history and sharing with residents the stories of the people and places that shaped their community as they inducted members for the year.
The society was founded Aug. 11, 1986, after residents pointed out that while Malverne had a village historian, it did not have an organization dedicated to collecting and preserving its history.
“We really, for a small village, did a lot,” David Weinstein, the village historian and the society’s president, said. “Neighbor helping neighbor, and that’s what Malverne’s all about.”
The organization collected memorabilia from throughout the village — from Village Hall, police and fire department headquarters, the ambulance corps and the Department of Public Works, but the growing collection initially had no home.
The organization eventually found that home in 1995, when the Landers family purchased a historic house at 369 Ocean Ave. and donated it to the society. The house, which retains much of its historic character, became the centerpiece of the society’s collection, and remains its headquarters today.
Over the years, residents have donated furniture, photos, books and other Malverne-centric memorabilia. The two-story house now features exhibits on generations of village history, with artifacts ranging from the world wars and local government to sports, schools and everyday life. Visitors can get a glimpse of what life in Malverne was like as far back as the late 19th century.
“It’s not our house, it’s their house, and they’re always welcome,” Weinstein said.
For Weinstein, preserving Malverne’s history is about more than maintaining old objects. It is about helping current and future residents understand their community and the people who helped shape it. “It’s just awesome that the present can show, tell and teach to the people about the history of Malverne,” he said.
The society’s regular programming helps keep that history accessible. It holds open houses on the third Sunday of each month, from 2 to 4 p.m., and organizes programs focused on facets of Malverne’s past, including Little League, Boy Scouts and the Malverne Midgets football team.
“Malverne’s unique, timeless traditions and culture is embedded in its history as a close knitted community,” Mayor Timothy Sullivan said. “The Malverne Historical & Preservation Society does exactly what it says in its title, graciously and through its committed volunteers and contributors for over 40 years now.”
Those events have repeatedly brought former residents and families back together. Photos and memorabilia have prompted visitors to recognize relatives, old friends and places from their childhoods, creating personal connections to the collection.
The society also welcomes private tours and groups, including former residents who return to Malverne.
As it looks toward its next 40 years, the organization hopes to continue expanding its reach and encouraging more residents to visit. The historic house is not simply a repository for artifacts, but a place where the community can reconnect with its past. Preserving Malverne’s history means ensuring that future generations can understand how the village became the community it is today.
For more information, visit MalverneHistory.org.
