Lecture: The Tragedy of the Pelican at Southold Historical Museum

Join us on Thursday, May 8, for a captivating lecture titled “The Tragedy of the Pelican” presented by Mia Certic, executive director of Montauk Historical Society. The lecture will take place at Southold Historical Museum’s Maple Lane Campus starting at 1 p.m.

The lecture will delve into the tragic incident that occurred on Sept. 1, 1951, when a fishing vessel named Pelican capsized off the Montauk Point Lighthouse amidst a freak storm. Out of the 64 people onboard, 45 were lost, including the captain, and 18 bodies were never recovered.

The Montauk Historical Society has been researching this incident for the past four years, seeking survivors, family members of the victims, and others with stories to tell about the Pelican. The lecture will address how the disaster occurred, the measures taken by the Coast Guard to prevent such incidents in the future, and the reasons it took over 70 years to recognize the tragedy and create a memorial.

The lecture is free to attend, but donations are gladly accepted. Please RSVP in advance.