It is one of the few independent, family-owned newspapers still existing in the United States.

[citation needed] The newspaper was founded by George Burling in 1885.

[4] The broadsheet is regularly filled with several pages of letters to the editor, because of its policy to publish "every letter to the editor it receives exclusively, with the exception of those sent anonymously, or those judged to be proselytizing, an invasion of privacy, libelous, or obscene."

It is one of the first and only newspapers in the nation to print all letters received (that meet these requirements).

The paper has reported on emerging issues surrounding development, land preservation, and historic preservation, and it contributes to East Hampton's level of civic activism and engagement in these matters.