Letters

David Rung’s recent letter regarding the proposed Southampton Village Historical Walking Tours [“Wasted Dollars,” Letters, November 20] seems to misunderstand the intent of this initiative. The idea is not to recreate Google Maps or offer a generic navigation tool. Rather, this project envisions self-guided historic walking tours of Southampton Village — particularly within the village business district — designed to celebrate and share our community’s rich history.

Southampton has many remarkable stories to tell, from its founding to the many historic landmarks that define our identity today. Many visitors and even some residents are unaware of the depth of that history.

Working with Village Historian Mary Cummings, this initiative will highlight important historic sites and give people an informative and exciting way to explore them at their own pace. This not only brings our heritage to life but also encourages residents and visitors to spend more time in the village, thus supporting our local restaurants, shops, cultural institutions and year-round economy.

Like all village initiatives, this is about strengthening our community, not political posturing or wasteful spending. A thriving, walkable village benefits everyone, preserving both our small-town charm and our long-term economic health.

Mr. Rung’s concerns are misplaced. This is about celebrating Southampton’s history and connecting it to the present-day village. Having grown up here, I personally cannot think of anything more engaging. As a child, my mother would take my sister and brother and I through the village, making a point of visiting the Pelletreau Silver Shop, Hildreth’s (the oldest department store in America) and telling us about the Presbyterian Church’s historic significance, among others.

Historic landmarks serve as vital connections to our past and foster community pride while providing invaluable insights into cultural heritage and local traditions. They offer opportunities for education and community engagement, and attract tourism, which can help the local economy.

As a reminder to Mr. Rung, this was also part of the adopted Village of Southampton Comprehensive Plan, which highlighted a “heritage trail” that would speak to Southampton Village’s rich history.

I hope he will recognize the value of an effort that honors our past while supporting our future.

Nancy Kane

Southampton Village

Kane is a communications consultant employed by Southampton Village — Ed.