Historical Society Welcomes Author

On Wednesday, June 13, The Garden City Historical Society welcomes author Paul J. Mateyunas to the Historical Society Museum. A native of Long Island's North Shore, Mr. Mateyunas's new book, North Shore Long Island: Country Homes, 1890-1950, was released in April by Acanthus Press. Please join the Historical Society for a free, book signing and fascinating lecture, titled "History of the North Shore's Golden Age, Old Westbury and the Whitney's," at 7:30 p.m., 109 Eleventh Street.

Mr. Mateyunas's lecture will focus on the great estates of the North Shore with emphasis on nearby Old Westbury and Wheatley Hills. The North Shore became legendary in the early Twentieth Century, immortalized by the Great Gatsby, and synonymous with society and grand scale living. Old Westbury, one of the earliest communities settled by the estate families and birthplace of American polo, was at the heart of the region during the Golden Age, a fascinating period in our area's rich history.

Paul J. Mateyunas has been captivated by the architecture of Long Island since his early youth. Schooled in the arts both in the United States and Italy, Mr. Mateyunas holds degrees in art history and business, and has become a noted North Shore historian whose expertise lies in art, design and architecture. His interest in preserving and educating people about Long Island's Country House era has led him to work as a restoration consultant and in real estate for Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty, Locust Valley, where he specializes in assisting his clients buy and sell old estates. With his wealth of knowledge, he has become a one-stop shop for his clients and customers who desire fine living on Long Island, managing everything from finding the perfect home to advising on its restoration and renovation.

Mr. Mateyunas uses his knowledge of the Island's rich architectural and social past to write about local architecture for Elements magazine and as an author for Acanthus Press. He has been curator of several exhibitions and often lectures on the subject while finding time to fundraise for several nonprofits and charities of which he is an active supporter.

Mr. Mateyunas's June 13 lecture, 7:30 p.m. at the Historical Society Museum, 109 Eleventh Street, is graciously underwritten by Coach Realtors, 116 Seventh Street, Garden City, 746-5511. Light refreshments and hors d'oeuvres served.