Book and Bottle lecture: ‘Long Island and the Legacy of Eugenics’

BOOK & BOTTLE LECTURE: “Long Island and the Legacy of Eugenics: Station of Intolerance,” with author Mark Torres. Saturday, April 5, 2025 – 1:00 pm. 

In the early 20th century, eugenics was at the forefront of scientific discourse in the quest to understand human genetics. On Long Island and throughout the nation, eugenicists were granted unfettered access to conduct experiments on prisoners, psychiatric patients, Coney Island circus performers, and at Native American reservations–all in an effort to legitimize a false science. The origins of the eugenics movement can be found in the Eugenics Record Office, an otherwise nondescript administrative building at Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, NY, under the direction of Charles Benedict Davenport, from 1910 to 1939. The work conducted there directly led to the forced sterilization of thousands of American citizens, the passage of anti-immigration laws, and sparked a deadly global movement that directly inspired the murderous Nazi regime to commit heinous acts under the banner of eugenics.  Author Mark Torres will explore the local characters, influences, landmarks and ghastly consequences that emanated from this small Long Island facility for decades and spread throughout the world. This event will feature a Book Sale & Signing. Members Free; Non-Members $8. Includes light refreshments. Registration and prepayment required. Call 631-727-2881 x100 to register.