Long Island Traditions uses oral interviews, photography, participant observation, historical research and artifact analysis to document cultural traditions passed down within families and communities. Rather than responding to a specific situation, Long Island Traditions' research projects focus on a particular tradition, such as a kind of music or craft, that is part of an individual's cultural background.

Traditions are generally defined as a way of doing something that is shared by other members within a group related to ethnic heritage, recreational or occupational activity, religion or place of residence. Research project range in length from several months to several years, based on the goals of the project.

In addition Long Island Traditions documents the vernacular or "everyday" architecture of a community, through oral histories and historical research. The goal of these long-term projects is to preserve the historical sites that reflect a community's social and economic history.

© 2008, 2007-2001 Long Island Traditions