The James N. Maclean Nassau County American Legion Memorial Collection Library at Hofstra University

“The founder of the Library, the late James N. MacLean, was a retired attorney and a former Army Officer in World War I who had a long history of service to God and Country. He was an outstanding Legionnaire, founder and Past Commander of the Massapequa Post No. 1066. In 1944, he was elected as Commander of the Nassau County American Legion. In 1951, he realized his dream of creating a library resource center pertaining to the history of New York and Long Island. As the first General Chairman, he donated much of his time and energy over the years to help establish a continual growth pattern for the library and to ensure its success.

In 1970, his efforts were rewarded that upon the recommendation of the Nassau County and the approval of Hofstra University the collection was given the title, ‘The James N. MacLean Nassau County American Legion Memorial Collection Library’. Later he was given the title of ‘General Chairman Emeritus’. In 1976 he reported to Post Ever Lasting, leaving the Library in the hands of the Legion.

The Memorial Collection Library is legacy to future generations. Since the founding in 1951, the Library has grown from a few volumes and documents to over thousands. This is one of the largest Libraries dealing with the history of Long Island and New York State. Due to the rarity of this collection, it is necessary to keep it under strict security, therefore no book and/or document can leave from the Library.

The Memorial Collection provides a most unique and everlasting opportunity to pay tribute to living or deceased comrades, family members and friends. Request for donation form may be made from the Post Adjutant.”

Note: Courtesy of Robert Tom Riordan PCC, Post Adjutant