Author Mark Torres will explore the local characters, influences, landmarks and ghastly consequences that emanated from the Eugenics Record Office at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory for decades and spread throughout the world.
In the early 20th century, eugenics was at the forefront of scientific discourse in the quest to understand human genetics. On Long Island and throughout the nation, eugenicists were granted unfettered access to conduct experiments on prisoners, psychiatric patients, Coney Island circus performers, and at Native American reservations–all in an effort to legitimize a false science. The origins of the eugenics movement can be found in Long Island, NY, under the direction of Charles Benedict Davenport, from 1910 to 1939. The work conducted there directly led to the forced sterilization of thousands of American citizens, the passage of anti-immigration laws, and sparked a deadly global movement that directly inspired the murderous Nazi regime to commit heinous acts under the banner of eugenics.
Torres is the author of ‘Long Island and the Legacy of Eugenics: Station of Intolerance,’ will speak about the eugenics movement and the role of Cold Spring Harbor on Saturday, April 5 at the Suffolk County Historical Society’s Book & Bottle Lecture, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. This event will feature a book sale and signing.
Historical society members admitted free; non-members $8. Includes light refreshments. Registration and prepayment required. Call 631-727-2881 x100 to register.
The Suffolk County Historical Society is located at 300 West Main Street in Riverhead.
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