Fort Rescue

1933-1994

Saving Fort Massapeag: A Century of Preservation

(1926 - 1994)🛡️

The "rescue" of Fort Massapeag was a multi-generational effort by dedicated individuals who recognized its importance.

Archaeological Hub: The site yielded over two thousand artifacts and evidence of a wampum manufactory, confirming its historical role as a trade and cultural hub.
Key Preservationists: Figures like William Claude, Ralph Solecki, Matt Schreiner, Carlyle Smith, and local historians Ken Robinson, Charles E. Herold, and John O'Halloran worked for decades to research, document, and advocate for the site. Herold's critical 1934 action persuaded developers to fence off and protect the fort site, leading to the rerouting of Fairfax Road to protect it.
National Recognition: These persistent efforts eventually led to the recognition of Fort Massapeag as a National Historic Landmark in 1993.

William Claude’s Marsapeque Journal

Archaeologist William Claude’s original journal illustrates an incredible multi-year dedication to describing and documenting Fort Massapeag in the 1920’s and 30’s. Claude was joined by his nephew, named Kenneth Robinson who was also collecting artifacts and watched as Uncle William exhumed human remains. Robinson would inherit most of Claude's collections and later donate them to New York museums. Images courtesy of Garvies Point Museum.

Ralph Solecki and Matt Schreiner at Fort Site excavations

Solecki documented his time at Fort Massapeag with an extensive collection of photographs. This is a young Solecki at the Fort Massapeag site in the late 1930s on site. Images courtesy of The Queens Borough Public Library, Archives, Ralph Solecki Photographs.

Matt Schreiner at Shell heap

Working with Solecki, Matt Schreiner is seen here sitting next to a shell heap that may have been used for wampum manufacture at the Fort Site. Images courtesy of The Queens Borough Public Library, Archives, Ralph Solecki Photographs.

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