History of the Gallery of Shorthand

Mission Statement –

“The affairs of a society, its organizations and governmental bodies, can be scrutinized only when its discussions are memorialized in an accurate and impartial writing.

This timeless truth led to the creation of written language in 3500 BC. It compelled Julius Caesar in 59 BC to order that the deliberations of the Roman Senate be written. And in 1873, reversing their practice of secret meetings, the United States Senate engaged official reporters to transcribe debates – preserved in The Congressional Record. This same powerful tenet is fulfilled every day i the courtrooms of this building as the Official Reporters of the US District Court capture every word of proceedings for appellate and other review.

The Gallery of Shorthand celebrates shorthand reporters, who preserve the rhetoric of society from a front-row seat at everyday and historic events, and honors those who entrust them with that solemn duty.”

The Gallery of Shorthand officially opened on September 30, 2010. It is featured prominently in the entry rotunda of the Long Island federal courthouse at Central Islip, some 40 miles east of New York City.

The Gallery was authorized by the Board of Judges as a gift to the community. The US General Services Administration (GSA) invited creation of this exhibition and provides exhibit space. The US District Court for the Eastern District of New York funded build-out of the display area and exhibit cases to The Gallery’s specifications.

The Gallery is open to the public for free viewing during usual court hours.The courthouse provides ample free parking. Long Island MacArthur Airport (Islip) is a short drive. JFK Airport and Laguardia Airport are about a 30-minute drive. A variety of hotels offer comfortable accommodations.

Group events and lectures are available at The Gallery. Onsite food service is available. Lectures are also available offsite. All exhibited items are the property of The Tursi Collection.

Visiting the Gallery

The courthouse provides ample free parking. Long Island MacArthur Airport (Islip) is a short drive. JFK Airport and Laguardia Airport are about a 30-minute drive. A variety of hotels offer comfortable accommodations.

Alfonse M. D’Amato Federal Courthouse

US District Court
100 Federal Plaza
Central Islip, New York 11722