The Railroad Museum of Long Island has a new shed to store a prized antique apparatus thanks to Eagle Scout Sean Maki of Baiting Hollow.
Sean, 16, a member of Boy Scout Troop 94 said when it came time to think of an Eagle Scout project, he immediately though of the Railroad Museum. He’s a lifelong fan of the place, he said.
“When I was younger, I used to come here a lot,” he said Tuesday at the museum on Griffing Avenue, where the 10-foot by 12-foot shed he made was officially presented to the organization. “I’ve always been into trains. I like this place a lot.”
The museum will store a vintage 1800s fire hose cart in the handsome new shed, which Sean built with the help of his father John, a Scout master, other Scout masters and fellow Troop 94 Scouts.
The troop recognized Sean and fellow Scouts DJ Doherty and Alexander Boulier at an Eagle Court of Honor June 23 at the Schiff Scout Camp in Wading River.
To attain the rank of Eagle Scout, a member must earn at least 21 merit badges, exhibit Scout spirit, an ideal attitude based upon the Scout oath and law, service and leadership. An Eagle Scout is required to complete an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. The project must must benefit an organization other than Boy Scouts of America — any religious institution, any school, or the community at large.
DJ built benches for the Ridge Firemen’s Museum and Alexander did a clean-up at the Brookfield Cemetery in Manorville.
Only 4 percent of Boy Scouts are granted the rank of Eagle Scout after a lengthy review process.
“It’s not like I joined Scouts to become an Eagle Scout,” Sean said Tuesday. “It just snuck up on me. I’m proud to be a part of Scouting,” he said.
Next year, he’ll be entering 11th grade at Riverhead High School, where he volunteers as a peer leader for the Riverhead Community Awareness Program.
He’s thinking about studying engineering in college. “I like to know how things work,” he said.
Photo: Denise Civiletti
County Legislator Al Krupski, whose office is across the street from the museum, stopped by Tuesday to check out the new storage shed.
“You’re setting a good example for everybody,” the legislator told Sean.
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