Long Island is known for its rich history, famous beaches, and national significance throughout many eras of United States history. Additionally, it’s known for its relatively high number of celebrities, historical figures, landmarks, and cultural touchstones it has produced over the last few centuries. It’s also no secret that some of those iconic, famous, and/or historical assets are, in and of themselves, relative “secrets” of Long Island as well.
Perhaps the best example is that of Wardenclyffe Laboratory in the tiny north shore Village of Shoreham. The Lab was one of many of the world-famous inventor Nikola Tesla but is the only one that is still extant today.
The Lab’s historical society has been devout in preserving and renovating the structure, but unfortunately faced a devastating setback on November 21, as a large fire of indeterminate cause severely damaged the lab.
A funding cause is now underway, and all levels of government are pledging to work together to not only rebuild the world-famous laboratory, but put it on a path of preservation and education for future generations to enjoy.
The current investigation into the fire shows that the north side of the building has been mostly affected, including the roof, steel girders, and a portion of a wall. The Tesla Science Center says that while “most of the laboratory’s core structure remains intact, some elements have been irreparably lost.”
The Center also says that the northern side of the roof has been partially destroyed, along with the chimney and cupola. They also say that water damage from the firefighting efforts put the integrity of the brickwork into jeopardy, especially as the colder months set in causing the trapped moisture to freeze and further damage the structure.
Thankfully, no historical artifacts and documents were lost or damaged in the fire, according to the Center. All artifacts are “safely stored offsite, in accordance with the standards set by the History and Collections Committee.”
Before the fire, a $20 million restoration project was planned for the laboratory. Although the setback from the fire is major, the Center is still committed to moving forward with the planned renovation efforts. The Center says that moving forward, they aim to “preserve as much of the original laboratory as possible, despite the loss of a portion in the fire.” They are also “devoted to maintaining historical accuracy and recognize the laboratory as a symbol of hope and innovation globally.”
In addition to the long-term restoration goals, the Center is also committed to keeping their short-term plans intact as well, including their planned Christmas tree lighting, which is still slated for December 2, 3:00p.m. to 6:00p.m.
A press conference was held Tuesday morning to publicly discuss the fire, the newly-changed restoration plan, and the path forward for Wardenclyffe. The conference was held in front of the heavily-damaged building, where the small of smoke and burned wood still hung in the air.
Marc Alessi, Executive Director of the Tesla Science Center, led the press conference and started it with a cinematic video showcasing the Center’s initiatives over the last several years.
“We are lucky to have the support of many in the community and the local foundations who have supported the lab building,” said Alessi. “We’ve had support at every level of government.
Mark Thaler, of Thaler and Associates, an architect and engineer specializing in historic preservation gave a summary of the assessment of the building.
“Thankfully, Nikola Tesla’s original building was fireproof for the most part. The original brick walls are still standing,” said Thaler. “We have lost some of the roof structure, but it will be able to be restored. We’re poised and ready to do that.”
Engineers from Cameron Engineering discussed their remediation recommendations, including “strategic wall supports, selective demolition of the roofing, and covering the top to prevent any freezing and thawing effects on the building.” Engineers said that after the remediation process, the group will take an “in-depth analysis” of the structure and “develop engineering concepts to bring the building back to its historic nature.”
New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) of the First District remarked on the one-of-a-kind historic nature of the property that happens to belong to Long Island.
“The fact that he [Tesla] was standing on this property grinding out hours to bring his incredible ideas to fruition is all the more reason we need to stay focused on its preservation,” said Senator Palumbo. “This is an incredibly important historic site, not just to this county, state, and country, but worldwide – it’s that unique. So, we will do everything we can, without question, on the state level to get the funding needed and get this project to the end.”
Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R-Baiting Hollow) of the Second District mentioned that her colleagues in Albany remark on the lab’s residence in her district.
“It’s known throughout the world,” said Assemblywoman Giglio. “There are so many supporters throughout the world to make sure that this last structure of Tesla’s is successful. We will keep doing what we’re doing to work with the Board of Directors to get this built so that our kids can enjoy the legacy of Tesla.”
Deputy County Executive Jon Kaiman (D-Great Neck) represented County Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon).
“Executive Bellone was honored to commit over $1,000,000 to the future of this site and that commitment still stands,” said Kaiman. “Buildings can burn down and be rebuilt, but the person and the history, as well as the narrative that was created over 100 years ago, will continue. We have the ability to reconstruct, but because the story behind the building is so strong and relevant, we will all stand together and continue this journey that started so long ago, and we’re [Suffolk County] so proud to be a part of that journey.”
Suffolk County Legislator-elect Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point) of the Sixth District also gave remarks on behalf of the County.
“Thank you to the firefighters for taking such care of this location,” said Lennon. “This location isn’t just local; it’s international. Moving forward, you have my advocacy going forward. It was one step backward, but it’s two steps forward after today.”
Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point) of the Second District voiced her continued support for the lab.
“Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, this Tesla Laboratory will rise as well,” said Bonner. “We will help you [the Center] raise the money and get you back to where you were. You have had my utmost support for more years than I can count. However we [the Town] can help, we will.”
Rocky Point Fire Department Chief Sean McCarrick recounted the difficulty of the night of the fire.
“We had a total of seventeen fire departments and EMS agencies respond that night,” said Chief McCarrick. “It was a very rough night with a lot of wind and rain, and it was very cold. They did a great job and I want to recognize all of them.”
Thankfully, there were no serious injuries or casualties due to the fire. One firefighter sustained minor bruising after falling off a ladder.
Alessi said of McCarrick’s leadership: “It would be a completely different day today if he did not provide the leadership that night along with the two hundred volunteers who showed up to save the lab.”
Michael Russo, President of the Board of the Center, and Jane Alcorn, a Board Member, thanked the firefighters for their heroism and the community for their consistent support throughout the years. They said that they hope to continue with “as much resilience as Tesla did.”
Alessi said that support for the museum has hardly been scarce over the years, extending not just off Long Island, but around the world.
“The world saved this location with a world-record-breaking crowdfund on IndieGoGo,” said Alessi. “We raised $1.4 million in six weeks from 108 countries, all fifty states, and a total of 33,000 donors. Never has a cultural institution and museum been started in this way. It was saved from the wrecking ball with that crowdfund. This is the first museum in our state’s history – and most likely, our nation’s history – that’s going on a brownfield that’s been remediated.”
With the $3,000,000 now required to repair the lab, it joins the prior $6,000,000 needed for previously planned renovations, bringing the new total to $9,000,000. Alessi pointed out the significance of those figures.
“Those numbers slapped me in the face: 3, 6, 9,” said Alessi. “Tesla was all about those numbers in a lot of his research. The irony is pretty overwhelming to me.”
You can donate to the restoration at this link.
About Wardenclyffe Lab
Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) is considered one of the most important scientists and inventors of the modern age. His four short years at Wardenclyffe from 1902 to 1906 represent the culmination of his career, in which he envisioned a “World Wireless System.” His experiments resulted in the invention of Alternating Current (AC) of electricity, that is used today. AC electricity can be transmitted over a long distance, and with it, Tesla pioneered X-ray technology, remote control, and wireless communication. However, since Tesla could not bring his ideas to fruition fast enough to beat other inventors – including Guglielmo Marconi and his telegraph system – his financial backers abandoned him. He lost the heavily-mortgaged Wardenclyffe in 1915, and his career never reattained the height that it did during his four years at Wardenclyffe.
