Bohemia Historical Society
Recent Programs & Events
June 14, 2026
William Tmay Jr. Scholarship Award
Presented to Gabriella Grizzaffi
The Bohemia Historical Society was proud to present this year’s William Tmay Jr. Scholarship Award to Gabriella Grizzaffi at today’s ceremony. The award honors the legacy of William Tmay Jr., who devoted so much of his life to the Bohemia Fire Department and the Bohemia Historical Society — a true example of the volunteer spirit that has always been at the heart of our town.
Gabriella earned the award with a heartfelt essay reflecting on what Bohemia has meant to her: a community built on connection, tradition, and people who genuinely care for one another. She wrote movingly about how her love of music and the arts was nurtured here — in school concerts, chorus rooms, and community performances — and about a town that gave her, in her own words, “roots that keep me grounded and wings that allow me to grow.”
She brought those words to life in the most fitting way possible. Rather than simply accept the award, Gabriella shared her voice with everyone in the room, performing a beautiful song and joining her friend for a lovely duet. It was a moving reminder of exactly the talents and generosity of spirit the scholarship celebrates.
Gabriella expressed her deep gratitude to the community that raised her and to the Bohemia Historical Society for this recognition. We are honored to support her as she begins the next chapter of her journey, and we have no doubt she’ll carry Bohemia with her every step of the way.
A special thank-you goes to our Scholarship Committee, whose thoughtful work makes this award possible each year, and to Vera Trular for her dedication and care in helping bring today’s presentation to life. We are grateful for everyone who gives their time to support the next generation of Bohemia’s leaders.
Congratulations, Gabriella! 🎓
May 17, 2026 • Guest Speaker
The Town of Islip During the American Revolution
Presented by George Munkenbeck, Town of Islip Historian
The Bohemia Historical Society hosted a captivating presentation by Town of Islip Historian George Munkenbeck, uncovering the hidden — and turbulent — history of our area during the American Revolution. While many believe “nothing happened here” during the Revolutionary War, George revealed a very different reality for our local ancestors.
Highlights from the talk
- Isaac Thompson, a local patriot, and his pregnant wife were forced to live in the uninsulated attic of Sagtikos Manor while British General Henry Clinton and the 17th Dragoons occupied the rooms directly below them.
- The Islip Precinct did not officially join the United States until November 1783, living under strict British military occupation for the entirety of the war.
- The early “five families” of the area (including the Nichols and Willets) took advantage of deep-water ports like Fire Island Inlet for off-the-books trade, tax avoidance, and even collaborating with pirates like William Kidd.
- Local mariners and spies, such as Caleb Brewster and Benajah Strong, used whale boats to smuggle goods and vital intelligence across the Long Island Sound to George Washington’s forces.
▶ Watch the full presentation
April 19, 2026 • Guest Speaker
Bohemia’s Interaction with the Town of Islip, 1940–1990
Presented by Ken Nocar
A lifelong resident of Bohemia, Ken Nocar provided an insightful presentation on the community’s history and its evolving relationship with the Town of Islip. Drawing on personal experience and facts, the presentation detailed the origins of many local landmarks, services, and developments. Ken was raised in a Czech family in Bohemia, speaking Czech and living a “Czech life.”
The discussion explored this “parent-child” dynamic by highlighting early infrastructure provided by the Town of Islip, the fascinating stories behind local street names, and the pivotal zoning decisions that fueled Bohemia’s tremendous growth in the mid-20th century. Attendees were given an engaging overview of the community’s evolution and its deep-seated European-style cultural roots.
▶ Watch the full presentation