About Us
The Fire Island Pines Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2010. Our mission is to collect, preserve, display, and celebrate the rich and colorful history of Fire Island Pines for present and future generations.
As a designated Pines organization, we work closely with the many institutions, community groups, and local businesses that shape life in the Pines today.
We believe every community has a responsibility to preserve and share its history. Doing so celebrates achievement, strengthens identity, and offers future generations both inspiration and guidance. Failing to do so risks loss and erasure—an especially urgent truth for LGBTQ+ communities, whose stories have often been overlooked, suppressed, or deliberately targeted.
Our work centers on gathering the stories and artifacts of the people, organizations, and events that shaped the Pines; preserving them digitally; and sharing them through our website, walking tours, special presentations, social media, and a documentary podcast launching in 2026. We also serve as a resource for historians, researchers, museums, media, and other institutions seeking to understand and interpret this extraordinary community.
Our work is made possible through the generosity of supporters like you. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation using the link below.
In 2024, Bobby gave a talk at the Long Island Museum on The History of Fire Island Pines. Check it on YouTube.
Our Founder
The Fire Island Pines Historical Society was founded by Bobby Bonanno in 2010. Although he had no background as a historian or archivist, Bobby saw the compelling need to capture, preserve and share the vital history of the Pines and took action. It was a labor of love that he bore willingly for more than a decade before stepping down as President in 2024.
Check out his story here:
Our Board
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John Dempsey
PRESIDENT
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Bobby Bonanno
FOUNDER
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Bo Fridsberg
TREASURER
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Bill Hildebrandt
BOARD MEMBER
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Gianfranco Lentini
BOARD MEMBER
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Virun Rampersad
BOARD MEMBER
Our Community
We are powered by the Fire Island Pines community members and our supporters. Without their help we would not be able to do what we do. On June 7th, 2025, we held our inaugural community event and fundraiser at the Pines home of our President, John Dempsey. We were humbled by the large and enthusiastic turnout that made the event a huge success. Below are some photos from a memorable evening.
