East Hampton
Whaling and Maritime Heritage
East Hampton’s history has long been shaped by the sea. From lifesaving stations and shipwrecks to powerful hurricanes and the region’s whaling traditions, its coastal heritage tells a story of livelihood, danger, resilience, and change. Explore Sean Mahoney’s writings on the people, places, and events that connect East Hampton to the waters that surround it, with links to each story in full.
The Amagansett U.S. Life-Saving Service Station
For generations, lifesavers along Amagansett’s Atlantic shore braved dangerous waters to rescue mariners in distress. Explore the history of the Amagansett U.S. Life-Saving Service Station, from its 19th-century origins and evolution into a professional lifesaving operation to the remarkable restoration of its 1902 station—now preserved as a museum celebrating East Hampton’s maritime heritage.
Hurricanes Unleashed on East Hampton
East Hampton’s coastal setting has made it vulnerable to some of New England’s most powerful storms. Explore the devastating impacts of the Great New England Hurricane of 1938 and Hurricane Carol in 1954, from flooded roads and damaged landmarks to dramatic changes along the shoreline—and the resilience of the communities that rebuilt in their wake.
Remembering Hurricane Carol
On August 31, 1954, Hurricane Carol tore across eastern Long Island and New England with winds exceeding 100 mph, leaving widespread destruction in its path. From flooded roads and damaged homes to massive power outages and loss of life, revisit one of the region’s most destructive hurricanes and the lasting lessons it left for East Hampton and coastal communities throughout the Northeast.