Collecting, Preserving, and Celebrating the History of Fire Island Pines

Fire Island Pines is a legendary LGBTQ+ community on Fire Island, known for its modernist architecture, natural beauty, and culture of freedom and resilience. The Fire Island Pines Historical Society collects, preserves, and celebrates the stories, artifacts, and people that have shaped this unique place for over seven decades.

  • About Us

    The Pines Historical Society is a 501 (c)-3 organization dedicated to capturing, preserving, and sharing the history of the Pines.

    Learn More About Us

  • The Archives

    We have an extensive collection of stories covering the rich history of the Pines, from its origins as a naturists’ retreat to the socially conscious, LGBTQ+ community it is today.

    Explore The Archives

  • Events

    We offer historical Walking Tours of the Pines, as well as talks on a variety of topics including art, architecture and history.

    Learn More About Our Events

  • Finding Fire Island

    LAUNCHING IN 2026: a documentary series Finding Fire Island: Our Story that describes the issues and events that have shaped the Pines.

    Learn More About Finding Fire Island

  • Fire Island Art: 100 Years

    COMING IN 2026: A first of its kind book presenting the art history of Fire Island surveying the rich tapestry of visual artworks in all mediums created here since the 1930s

    Learn More About Fire Island Art

  • Pines Organizations

    Read about the history of Pines organizations that make up our community.

    Learn More about Pines Organizations

Search the Archives

Featured
The Pines and the Fight Against AIDS
The Pines and the Fight Against AIDS

The Pines was Ground Zero for both the start of the AIDS epidemic and the world’s response to it. As we mark World AIDS Day on December 1st, we look back on the journey that brought us to the point that AIDS is no longer a fatal disease, and on the profound role members of the Pines community played in making that possible. These warriors banded with others from across the country to overcome immense resistance and reshape how medical research is conducted and expand the social-service systems we rely on today. In this way, they improved the lives for millions of people. Today, with the LGBTQ+ community once again under siege, it is essential that we honor and carry forward the stories of some of America’s greatest heroes..

Pines Profile - Guy Smith (b. 1970)
Pines Profile - Guy Smith (b. 1970)

Major dance parties have long held profound social, emotional, and cultural significance within the gay community. In many ways, they are rituals of freedom, resistance, and belonging, that are deeply woven into the fabric of LGBTQ+ culture. Over time, this spirit has given rise to some of the most spectacular and imaginative celebrations in the world. For more than three decades Guy Smith has been at the center of this, bringing his unique blend of technical mastery, psychological insight, and creative vision, to craft immersive experiences that evoke joy, liberation, and connection.

Pines Profile - Eric L. Sawyer (b. 1954)
Pines Profile - Eric L. Sawyer (b. 1954)

“Eric is a true hero.  What he did – and still does -- the sacrifices he makes and what he has accomplished for our community, is simply remarkable.”

- Jim Pepper, Former Board Member GMHC, and Founder of Stonewall Community Foundation.