LIMM Hosts Local Author for Signing and Presentation

The Long Island Maritime Museum (LIMM) will feature author John J. Stevens in a presentation and book signing on Saturday, Jan. 15.

Author of the newly released book Fire Island, Stevens will be giving a presentation of his new novel followed by a book signing. Fire Island is a novel in the genre of historical fiction. The story takes place from November 1857 to November 1858 on Fire Island and is a story about the origins of the United States Lifesaving Service (USLSS).

“It is such a great honor to host a writer that is so deeply involved in the maritime history of Long Island,” said LIMM Director Natasha Alexenko. “Mr. Stevens’ book fits in perfectly at the Museum and we are so glad to open this opportunity to the public.”

The inspiration for this book happened over 15 years ago. “I took a tour at Fire Island National Seashore about 15 years ago and a Ranger told stories of the Surf Men and their heroic efforts,” said Stevens. “I looked into it and it inspired me.”

A Long Island native, Stevens began his career as a staff writer for The Long Islander newspaper. He is the founder and president of Bullfrog Communications, Inc., a digital communications company specializing in website design. Fire Island is his first novel.

Stevens is the writer, director and producer of the one-hour public television documentary Freedom’s Glory: The Restoration of the Little Jennie, about one man’s obsessive quest to restore the American-built Chesapeake Bay oyster dredger. He is also the writer and director of the one-hour public television documentary How Sound is Long Island Sound, about the ecological condition of Long Island Sound, and Alive in an Urban Harbor, about the revival of species in New York Harbor.

The book is available at FireIslandNovel.com, Amazon, BN.com and the Book Revue in Huntington.

This presentation is free to LIMM members and $4 for adults and $2 for children and seniors. The presentation is included in the price as well as admission to the Museum. Books will be available for purchase at the Museum the day of the presentation. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to view the Long Island Maritime Museum’s permanent exhibit on the USLSS. This event will take place at the Long Island Maritime Museum library.

The , which operates under an agreement with Suffolk County Parks, serves to preserve Long Island's maritime history and heritage for educational purposes.