Nearly two dozen daring Polar bears took a dip in the Long Island Sound over the weekend. On Sunday, January 8th, the Smithtown Historical Society held its first annual Polar Bear plunge at Long Beach in Nissequogue. Those who were brave enough to dive into the water, averaging around 44-45 degrees, didn’t stay long enough to swim a few laps.
The air temperature hovered around 14 degrees and with wind gusts making it feel more like 10 degrees below zero. While the water temperature was in fact warmer than the air, the average polar bear could only stay for a quick dip before running out of the water seeking the comfort of warm blankets and hot chocolate.
“This was my first time participating in a Polar Bear Plunge, and what better way to do that than the day after a blizzard! Thank you to the brave souls who plunged with me today in support of the Smithtown Historical Society. I could not be happier that they feel the Society is worth taking part in such a tradition and I hope they will join us again in 2018 along with many others!” – Marianne Howard, Smithtown Historical Society Executive Director
Historical Society Executive Director Marianne Howard, Board Secretary Kathryn Tusa, Board Member Tom Hancock, and six staff members from the Smithtown Library were among the bold and daring to take the plunge.
The first annual Smithtown Historical Society Polar Plunge was made possible by partner, Bill Professional Painting LLC as well as the Nissequogue Fire Department who aided in making the event safe and successful. The Town of Smithtown Parks Department and the Smithtown Historical Society’s Board of Trustees, Staff, and Volunteers were also a big part of the organizing process.
About the Smithtown Historical Society
The Smithtown Historical Society works to preserve the historic properties in our town and we seek to expand and improve upon programs for both adults and children while sharing Smithtown’s rich history. All these activities require funding, and we have been fortunate enough to have the support of our wonderful friends and neighbors in Smithtown. Our community, which plays a vital role in supporting our cause and through the years, has helped build our Society.