Efforts to Preserve Bethel AME History Under Way

An archaeological dig and a book project are two of the ideas planned to help preserve the history of and culture surrounding Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Setauket, according to a story published Saturday in Newsday.

Simira Tobias, whose sixth great-grandfather was one of the founders of the church, recently arrived in Setauket only to find that the neighborhood in which her ancestors lived was becoming gentrified. She and Harlem resident Vivian Nicholson-Mueller, with whom she shared a fourth great-grandfather, are planning to write a book about their ancestors. And the local heritage group Higher Ground is working with an archaeology professor to complete a four-week dig in the area to solidify the church and its surroundings as an historic area within Setauket.

"There's a lot of money encircling this small area," Tobias told Newsday. "Usually money wins out, but hopefully, this time will be different."

Click here to read the full story from Newsday (subscription required).