The Sayville Historical Society was formed in August on 1944 by a group of four people who, after seeing a small notice in the Suffolk County News asking for people interested in establishing a historical society, hoped to "acquire a collection of local relics and mementos of other days." This included antiques, genealogical information and photographs to put on display in a converted two-story barn. Clarissa Edwards, one of the first elected officials, and her cousin later donated land and three of the buildings that now serve as the Society's home, with a fourth building donated by the Town of Islip in 1966. The Society's collection has grown to encompass 1500 pieces of clothing, 1000 photographs, furniture and a brilliant map collection.