Episode 82: John Strong and America's Early Whalemen

Dr. John Strong, professor emeritus of Southampton College, has spent a career pursuing the history of Long Island's Native Americans. His latest achievement is bringing to life the earliest days of American whaling, using what amounts to 17th century spreadsheets. He uncovers an East End in a whaling frenzy.

Start-up companies (called whale designs) organized by the promiment familes of the area turned to an emerging generation of Native Americans to man their boats and hunt whales off the shore. It could be brutal, bloody, and incredibly profitable.

Further Research

• America's Early Whalemen: Indain Shore Whalers on Long Island, 1650-1750
• Southampton History Museum
• Skeletal Remains Found at Construction Site (27East)
  • Shinnecock Hills Preservation Fund