The annals of shipbuilding in the Port Jefferson vicinity are closely related to John T. Mather and his blood predecessors.

Mather's great grandfather was Captain John Wilsie, who built a sailing vessel in Port Jefferson as early as 1797.

Built according to his wishes, John T. Mather Memorial Hospital opened its doors on December 29, 1929 and serves the community to this day.

It is located at 75 North Country Rd., Port Jefferson Mather did not marry, devoting his life chiefly to business and philanthropic projects.

[1] The museum displays many authentic shipbuilding tools, original ship attachments and furniture settings of the period.