The Inc. Village of Lindenhurst and the Lindenhurst Historical Society are pleased to announce their next joint effort to preserve and protect all things Lindenhurst. Currently underway is an endeavor to restore a well-recognized and iconic community historic object –our WWI Gatling Gun- gifted in 1921 to Lindenhurst by the War Department.
In 1922, the monument containing the Gatling Gun was completed, standing at the intersection of South Wellwood Avenue and Montauk Highway – marking the southern “gateway” into Lindenhurst and its downtown ever since. The Gatling Gun was part of a larger volunteer community project conceived in 1919 and dedicated to recognizing Lindenhurst WWI servicemen. The Gatling Gun’s complementary Monument Plaza, featuring a 7’ granite obelisk topped with an eagle and bearing a bronze plaque inscribed with the Honor Roll – the names of 101 servicemen and 4 merchant marines is located at Monument Plaza in the center of Lindenhurst’s downtown, South Wellwood and Hoffman Avenues. Both monuments sit at opposite ends of South Wellwood Avenue, and both monuments have remained focal points in Lindenhurst, each a testament to the volunteer spirit that built this community and a visual reminder of our time-honored tradition to salute and honor our community’s veterans-those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who came home to build our country.
Discussion regarding the Gatling Gun’s restoration and refurbishment began last year and, after a pause, has begun again this year. The committee, chaired by Deputy Mayor Maryann Weckerle, includes Village Historian Anna Jaeger,
Village Museum Director Marianne Guglieri and Historical Society members Philip Santoli, Pete Guglieri and Lynda Distler. The committee’s efforts are endorsed by Suffolk County Legislator RJ Renna and NYS Assemblyman Kwani O’Pharrow.
Recognizing that the Gatling Gun and the site itself have undergone several restoration efforts over the past century, the committee maintains that its goal is to be as accurate as possible with restoration and seeks to utilize best practices to renovate the Gatling Gun to its original grandeur. The committee has consulted with Town of Babylon Historian Mary Cascone, the Museum of American Armor, and the Long Island Carriage Museum in order to learn and consider restoration methods that will not only accurately restore the Gatling Gun but also add to its longevity. A restoration plan has been developed and will include much-needed rust remediation, metal reconditioning and repainting that will accurately depict the Gatling Gun’s original paint color. Discussion continues with a Pennsylvania wheelwright to provide period-appropriate wooden wheels that will replicate the carriage’s original wheels.
A fundraising campaign to support the restoration, partnering the committee with Bricks and Minifigs – West Babylon, is now underway. On Friday, June 19, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Bricks and Minifigs will host an event where friends and families are invited into their store in the Great South Bay Shopping Center. For an admission fee of $40.00, families will be encouraged to create their favorite Lindenhurst location, building, store, or site using the Legos Bricks and Minifig staff will have on hand. Participants will have the option to keep what they have built or lend it to create a display planned for the Village’s Lindenhurst Liberty Day, Saturday, July 11, 2026, celebrating the country’s 250th Anniversary.
In addition, Bricks and Minifigs’ creative Brick Specialists have designed a Lego model of the Gatling Gun that will be on display at both events. Donors who contribute $100.00 to the restoration effort will receive their own kit to build a Lego replica of the Gatling Gun. For more information on how to donate or participate, please email info@villageoflindenhurstny.gov or Lindenhursthistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
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