Sunflowers for Ukraine/Photo Project by Brooke Walsh

The Three Village Community Trust’s nineteenth century Immigrant Factory Houses at 148 Main Street, Setauket have a deep connection to today’s Ukrainian crisis.

During the late 1800’s, a vast number of Eastern Europeans fled persecution to seek a better life in the United States. Many of these immigrants arrived in Setauket to work in a local manufacturing plant. Small “Factory Houses” were built by the owners of the plant for the arriving workforce. Though the work was difficult and the pay low, these new Americans would become part of the “American Experience.”

The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine. Today, as the Ukrainian crisis unfolds, it symbolizes hope, determination, and solidarity for a free and independent people.

The Three Village Community Trust, in support of the Ukrainian people, asked artists and crafts people to do an art installation of a sunflower(s) at its different properties. During the Spring of 2022, artists contributed their work, raising awareness and support for an independent Ukraine.

The photographer and artist Brook Walsh visited the various installations on Trust properties and recorded each contribution.

We are thankful for Ms. Walsh’s efforts to create a lasting record of “Sunflowers for Ukraine.”