In the early 20th century, eugenics was at the forefront of scientific discourse in the quest to understand human genetics. On Long Island and throughout the nation, eugenicists were granted unfettered access to conduct experiments on prisoners, psychiatric patients, Coney Island circus performers, Native American communities, and more, all in an effort to legitimize a false science.
The origins of the eugenics movement can be found within the Eugenics Record Office in Cold Spring Harbor, NY, under the direction of Charles Davenport from 1910-1939.
The work conducted there directly led to the forced sterilization of thousands of American citizens, the passage of anti-immigration laws, and sparked a deadly global movement that directly inspired the murderous Nazi regime to commit heinous acts under the banner of eugenics.
Mark A. Torres’s new book Long Island and the Legacy of Eugenics: Station of Intolerance (History Press, 2025), tells this tale.
Upcoming Event
Mark Torres will speak on “Long Island’s Legacy of Eugenics” at the hybrid program of the Nassau County Historical Society on Sunday, January 19 at 2 pm.
Torres will explore the New York influences and ghastly consequences that emanated from the Eugenics Record Office for decades and spread throughout the world.
The program will take place online and at the Jericho Public Library at 1 Merry Lane in Jericho, NY, just south of Route 25 (Jericho Turnpike).
Register for the Zoom event on the Jericho library’s website. The in-person and online program are free. The snow date (if needed) is January 26.
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