The Peter Matthiessen Center and Joanne Friendland Roberts, producer of “The Bonackers” documentary will hold two gatherings celebrating the centuries-old Bonacker community of East Hampton.
The first event, at Duck Creek Arts Center on the afternoon of Sunday, October 1, showcases the arts and traditions of the men and women who have fished and farmed the lands and seas of Eastern Long Island for nearly 400 years. The event will take place between 3 and 5 p.m. Participants will explore cultural arts passed down through the generations, discovering the community’s unique history and lifestyle. Wisdom-keepers, baymen and longtime locals will share tales, songs, stories and traditions — with displays of centuries-old crafts, including artwork, decoy carving, fishing traps, nets and wampum jewelry and beads. In addition, participants will learn about the important Indigenous origins of many of these art forms and techniques.
A traditional Native American blessing, sea shanties from the whaling days, and readings from Peter Matthiessen’s 1986 classic “Men’s Lives” will bring together the diverse community. Participating artists and baymen include Dave Bennett, Albie Lester, Brent Bennett, Shane Weeks, Michael Butler, Scott Chaskey, David Cataletto and Peter Van Scoyoc, and others. A panel led by Joanne Friedland Roberts will feature members of both the Bonacker and Indigenous communities of Long Island.
The second gathering at the East Hampton Historical Farm Museum will take place on Sunday, October 15, between 3 and 5 p.m. The event will open with the short concept trailer for “The Bonackers” documentary, which will be a springboard for a conversation and Q&A about the history, ongoing struggles, and resilience of not only the Bonacker community, but that of the Montaukett People and Freetown communities as well. The conversation, led by the East Hampton Historical Farm Museum’s founder, Prudence Talmage Carabine, will include Deanna Tikkanen, Bruce Collins, Audrey Gaines, Peter Van Scoyoc, and others.
Space is limited to both events. To reserve, go to matthiessencenter.org/the-bonackers.
The Arts Center at Duck Creek is located on a historic Indigenous space and was traditionally Montaukett ancestral territory, at 127 Squaw Road, East Hampton. The program is part of The Arts Center at Duck Creek’s 2023 Community Outreach Program.
The East Hampton Historical Farm Museum is located at 131 North Main Street in East Hampton.
Staff Writer on Sep 26, 2023