Making a living connection to lessons they are learning about in the classroom, fourth-grade students from across the Three Village Central School District came together in late April to reflect upon the community’s early start and celebrate Founder’s Day.

During a two-day event held at Setauket Elementary School, the students were able to learn about how the area began as a working community more than 360 years ago. Led by members of the Three Village Historical Society and the Town of Brookhaven, they studied the beautiful Vance Locke murals that grace the walls of the school’s auditorium, which visually documents the community’s growth. Additionally, they learned about the importance of the wooden sculptures – the New York State Coat of Arms and images of Benjamin Tallmadge and Richard Woodhull – which are affixed to the exterior of the building.

Throughout the remainder of the program, the students were led on a walking tour of the community. With the assistance of their teachers and community volunteers, they visited seven local sites rich in historical importance, including the Frank Melville Park and Sanctuary, Patriot’s Rock, the Caroline Episcopal Church and Cemetery, and the Amos Smith House.