The Trust’s February Photo Letter
February 2026
Volume 3 Issue 2
We know you’re busy, so rather than sending you a newsletter with a lot of text, please take a look at our ‘Monthly Photo Newsletter’ – a ‘snapshot’ of happenings to keep you informed and up-to-date on the Trust.
The Trust thanks you for your help and support over the past 23 years.
America 250
The Three Villages played an important role in the events of the Revolutionary War. Throughout this year, there will be numerous events in our community celebrating the birth of America.
The Trust owns two important sites tied to the American Revolution: Patriots Rock – the site of the Battle of Setauket, and the Smith/de Zafra House – Brookhaven’s first Town Hall.
Recently, Suffolk County visited the ‘Rock’ to record video footage to promote its LI America 250 Celebration.
It is often forgotten that Patriots Rock was once an open meadow and part of the village green. After the Civil War, Patriots Rock was a subject of William Sidney Mount’s Girl on the Green.
Special Announcement: Coming soon as part of the America 250 celebration – The Trust’s newest Passport to Cultural and Historical Sites in the Greater Three Village Area – 76 Must See Places.
Protect the Places You Love – Don’t Miss This! We’ll be there!
The Hawkins House
The Hawkins House at 165 Christian Avenue sits adjacent to Amys Creek. Being good stewards of the environment has always been important to the Trust.
We are happy to announce that the Trust has received notification from the NYS Center for Clean Water Technology that a grant has been approved for the installation of a Nitrogen Reducing Biosystem at the Hawkins House.
This would be a second NRB for the Trust – one was installed at the Tyler House at 94 Main Street, Setauket in 2021.
Below are some photos from the Tyler House installation.
Removing one of the old cesspools.
New system, new technology.
The Trust’s Fifth Annual Ukrainian Fundraising Appeal
As you may know, the Three Village community has a deep historical connection to the people of Ukraine.
It was during the last half of the 1800’s, that a vast number of Eastern Europeans fled persecution to seek a better life in the United States. Many of these immigrants arrived in Setauket to work in a factory that employed hundreds of men, woman, and children.
Small “Factory Houses” were built by the company’s owners for the arriving workforce. The work was difficult, the hours long, and the pay low. These new Americans would persevere in the ‘land of opportunity’ and eventually see their sons, daughters, and grandchildren prosper in their adopted country.
Three of these “company homes” are part of the Three Village Community Trust’s properties and are currently undergoing restoration. These Immigrant Worker Factory House, pictured below, are a lasting reminder of the American Experience.
As the relentless war continues in Ukraine, we are constantly reminded in the news of the suffering and hardship of its people. To paraphrase the recent words of a world leader: Hopefully, we all can be inspired to make a concrete gesture to help those suffering in this senseless war.
The Trust has not forgotten the people of Ukraine! Over the past four years, we have raised over $8,000 to help the people of Ukraine. Every dollar raised went to the most highly rated aid organizations vetted by Charity Watch.
Now, as in the past Februarys, we are asking you to join us again in this humanitarian effort. As with our past fundraisers, 100% of all money donated in our 2026 Annual Ukrainian Fundraiser will go towards the relief effort.
Save the Date – Celebrating our 23rd year “Protecting the Places You Love”
Join Us for the Three Village Community Trust’s Annual Membership Meeting
Don’t miss our Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday, March 25th at 7:00pm at the Setauket Neighborhood House.
Help celebrate the Trust with some good food and conversation. Displays, speakers, announcements… and fun. Everyone is invited and… its Free.
The Three Village Community Trust
A community of volunteers working to “Protect the Places You Love.”
Trust properties and stewardships include: The Setauket to Port Jefferson Station Greenway, Patriots Rock Historic Site, The Immigrant Factory Worker Houses, the Hawkins Homestead, the Smith/de Zafra House, the Bruce House, the Steven D. Mathews Preserve, The Little Red House, the Drs. Robert and Julia de Zafra Estate, Julia’s Corner, and the Tyler House.
Trust programs and outreaches include: The Trail Steward Program, The Little Food Pantry, Chicken Hill Country Picnic, Annual Winter Coat Drive, Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, Patriots Rock Program – Culper Spy Day, Maria’s No Mow May, Simply De-Vine Awareness Program, Annual Ukrainian Relief Drive, The Trail Mix Newsletter, monthly Greenway Cleanups, Earth Day Celebration, The Trust’s Monthly Photo Newsletter, and the Stony Brook Train Station Beautification Project.
The Trust is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization of all volunteers dedicated to Protecting the Places You Love.
PO Box 2596, Setauket, New York, 11733
