The Southampton History Museum is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and incorporated under the New York State Education Department.
Our mission is preservation and education: We preserve and educate about local history and culture through our unique historic sites, archives, collections, and engaging public programs.
From Boots to Breakthroughs: The Legacy of Camp Upton
Fri, Sep 26
|Veterans Memorial Hall
Step back in time as we join Brookhaven National Lab's Cultural Resources Manager, Dr. Allison McGovern in exploring the fascinating World War II history of Camp Upton, Long Island’s pivotal U.S. Army training camp.


Time & Location
Sep 26, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Veterans Memorial Hall, 29 Pond Ln, Southampton, NY 11968, USA
About the Event
Join Dr. Allison McGovern, archaeologist and Brookhaven National Lab's Cultural Resources Manager, for a compelling lecture that delves into the World War II history of Camp Upton, a major U.S. Army training facility located in the heart of Long Island. Originally established during World War I and reactivated during the Second World War, Camp Upton played a crucial role in preparing American troops—physically, mentally, and emotionally—for combat overseas.
This presentation will explore the daily life of the soldiers who passed through the camp’s gates, the rigorous training programs designed to transform civilians into combat-ready troops, and the broader military strategy that made Camp Upton a vital component of the U.S. war effort. Drawing on archival photographs, military records, and personal accounts, the lecture will bring to life the experience of those who trained at Upton during a critical moment in world history.
In addition to its military legacy, the lecture…