Sag Harbor: Discover the Historic Black Hamptons & the SANS Historic District
Where Black history, coastal heritage, and the Hamptons meet.
Long before the Hamptons became synonymous with luxury estates and celebrity retreats, Sag Harbor quietly became home to one of the most important African American beach communities in the United States. During the late 1940s and 1950s, Black architects, educators, entrepreneurs, veterans, and professionals established what is now known as the SANS Historic District—comprised of Sag Harbor Hills, Azurest, and Ninevah Beach—creating a rare place where Black families could own waterfront property, build generational wealth, and enjoy seaside recreation during an era of segregation and discriminatory housing practices.
Today, these three historic neighborhoods remain at the heart of what many affectionately call the Black Hamptons. Designated on the National Register of Historic Places on July 10, 2019, the SANS Historic District stands as a nationally recognized symbol of African American resilience, community, and cultural achievement.
Whether you’re interested in Black history, architecture, cultural tourism, or planning a Hamptons getaway, Sag Harbor offers a unique opportunity to experience one of America’s most remarkable African American heritage destinations.
➡️ Black-Owned Accommodations Nearby
What Is the SANS Historic District of Sat Harbor?
The SANS Historic District refers to the three adjoining waterfront communities that collectively shaped Black life in the Hamptons:
- Sag Harbor Hills
- Azurest
- Ninevah Beach
Together, these neighborhoods form one of the country’s best-preserved African American resort communities.
On July 10, 2019, the SANS Historic District was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its national significance as one of America’s premier African American seaside communities and ensuring greater protection for its cultural landscape.
Unlike many historic districts that commemorate events of the distant past, SANS remains a living community where many original families continue to own homes passed down through multiple generations.
Why Sag Harbor Is Known as the Black Hamptons
Throughout much of the twentieth century, many beaches, resorts, and vacation communities either openly excluded Black Americans or made homeownership virtually impossible through restrictive covenants, discriminatory lending, and segregation.
Rather than accept exclusion, Black visionaries created their own opportunities.
Beginning in the late 1940s, African American professionals from New York City—including physicians, attorneys, educators, architects, entrepreneurs, artists, military veterans, and civil servants—began purchasing lots overlooking Sag Harbor Bay. Many families pooled resources, formed investment syndicates, and used GI Bill benefits to build modest summer cottages that gradually evolved into cherished family homes.
These neighborhoods quickly became a seasonal gathering place for Black excellence.
Over the decades, Sag Harbor welcomed or was associated with numerous influential figures, including:
- Langston Hughes
- Lena Horne
- Harry Belafonte
- Duke Ellington
- Dr. Roscoe C. Brown Jr.
- David Dinkins
- Allan Houston
- B. Smith
- Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead, whose acclaimed novel Sag Harbor beautifully captures the spirit of growing up within this close-knit community.
Far beyond celebrity, however, SANS became known for its strong network of families whose contributions to education, business, medicine, public service, and the arts helped define modern Black middle-class life in America.
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The Story Behind Azurest
Azurest is the oldest of the three neighborhoods and remains the birthplace of the SANS community.
Founded in 1947, Azurest was developed through the Azurest Syndicate, organized by Brooklyn educator Maude Terry alongside her sister, pioneering architect Amaza Lee Meredith—one of America’s first licensed Black female architects.
Their vision was simple but revolutionary:
Create a waterfront community where African American families could own vacation property, enjoy the beach, and build lasting family traditions without fear of discrimination.
Amaza Lee Meredith also designed several of Azurest’s earliest homes, many reflecting the clean lines and simplicity of Mid-Century Modern architecture that still characterizes parts of the neighborhood today.
Azurest became the blueprint for everything that followed.
Sag Harbor Hills: Building a Community
Established around 1950, Sag Harbor Hills expanded upon Azurest’s success.
The neighborhood offered additional waterfront lots and quickly attracted Black families seeking both recreation and long-term investment.
Because traditional banks often denied mortgages to Black buyers, many homeowners financed construction creatively through family networks, cooperative purchasing arrangements, veterans’ benefits, and community support.
The result was a charming collection of modest cottages, ranch homes, and vacation retreats that reflected optimism, perseverance, and pride.
Today, many original homes remain alongside thoughtfully updated residences, illustrating how the neighborhood has evolved while maintaining its historic character.
Ninevah Beach: The Community’s Waterfront Gathering Place
The final chapter in the SANS story arrived in 1952 with the founding of Ninevah Beach by Brooklyn funeral director and licensed real estate broker Cottrell “Cotchie” Elias Cooper, who also helped develop Sag Harbor Hills.
Situated along the southern end of the district, Ninevah Beach became the community’s beloved gathering place.
For generations, families have celebrated holidays, reunions, cookouts, weddings, birthdays, and summer afternoons along these shores.
Often compared to Oak Bluffs’ famous Inkwell Beach on Martha’s Vineyard, Ninevah Beach represents far more than a scenic destination—it embodies nearly eighty years of African American family traditions and coastal heritage.
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A Legacy Worth Preserving
By the early twenty-first century, soaring Hamptons real estate values placed increasing development pressure on these historic neighborhoods.
Community leaders, historians, architects, preservationists, and longtime residents united to protect the area’s unique cultural significance.
Their efforts culminated in the successful listing of the SANS Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019.
This recognition celebrates not only remarkable architecture but also the extraordinary story of African Americans creating opportunities for homeownership, recreation, and community despite systemic barriers.
Today, preservation organizations continue working to ensure that future generations understand why the SANS community occupies such an important place in American history.
Things to Do in Sag Harbor
Although known for its beautiful waterfront setting, Sag Harbor offers far more than beaches.
Walk the Historic SANS Neighborhoods
Stroll through Azurest, Sag Harbor Hills, and Ninevah Beach to appreciate the area’s unique blend of Mid-Century architecture, waterfront scenery, and living history. Remember that these are residential neighborhoods, so visitors should respect private property and neighborhood privacy.
Relax at Ninevah Beach
Ninevah Beach remains one of the area’s most meaningful gathering places. Whether enjoying the shoreline or simply taking in the peaceful surroundings, visitors can appreciate the legacy that generations of families have helped preserve.
Explore Historic Main Street
Sag Harbor’s walkable downtown features locally owned boutiques, cafés, bookstores, galleries, and restaurants overlooking one of Long Island’s oldest working harbors.
Visit Eastville Community Historical Society
Just minutes away, Eastville preserves the history of one of Long Island’s oldest African American and Native American communities. Walking tours, exhibits, the historic St. David AME Zion Church, and Eastville Cemetery provide deeper insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Explore the Southampton African American Museum
Located a short drive west in Southampton, this museum highlights African American history on Long Island through rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and community events.
→ Visit Southampton African American Museum
Annual Events and Cultural Experiences
Throughout the year, Sag Harbor and the surrounding East End celebrate African American history, arts, and culture through a variety of recurring events.
Visitors should watch for annual programs such as:
Eastville Community Historical Society Jubilee
The Eastville Community Historical Society hosts its signature Juneteenth Jubilee and its long-running annual Fish Fry Fundraiser. The celebration frequently features community honorings, keynote speakers, and collaborative gatherings at regional cultural spaces like Guild Hall.
Hamptons Black Arts Council (HBAC) Exhibits
The Hamptons Black Arts Council (HBAC), founded by curator Storm Ascher, operates as a nomadic nonprofit organization that presents rotating, context-specific exhibitions and programming across various host institutions on Long Island’s East End. Because HBAC does not have a permanent brick-and-mortar gallery, its exhibitions are hosted in partnership with local historic and cultural spaces.
The Eastville Community, Sag Harbor, Walking Tour
This tour explores one of America’s earliest working-class communities composed of African Americans, Native Americans, and European immigrants. Eastville Community, Sag Harbor, New York
- Sears Roebuck Catalog House: Housed by the Eastville Community Historical Society at 139 Hampton St. Built in 1925, it serves as the heritage museum.
- St. David AME Zion Church: Built in 1839. It was a known stop on the Underground Railroad.
- Ivy Cottage: Located at 165 Hampton St. A popular 20th-century resort for African Americans vacationing in the Hamptons.
- How to take it: Download the digital guide via the Sag Harbor Partnership mobile app or schedule guided group options by emailing eastvillechs@gmail.com
Because schedules vary from year to year, it’s always worth checking local organizations before your visit.
Where to Stay Near Sag Harbor
Unlike many resort destinations, the SANS Historic District remains primarily a residential community rather than a commercial hotel district.
As a result, there are no traditional Black-owned hotels located directly within Sag Harbor Hills, Azurest, or Ninevah Beach.
However, visitors have several excellent options.
Vacation Rentals Within the SANS Community
Many longtime homeowners occasionally rent their historic cottages and family homes through platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO.
When searching, use terms such as:
- Sag Harbor Hills
- Azurest
- Ninevah Beach
- SANS Historic District
Many listings proudly reference the neighborhood’s remarkable history. If you owned or know of a black-owned vacation rental in the area, please contact us to have it featured.
Black-Owned Accommodations Nearby
Experience Black-Owned Luxury on Long Island’s North Fork | Check Availability
Just a scenic ferry ride from Sag Harbor, Arbor View House Bed & Breakfast combines historic Victorian elegance, award-winning hospitality, and Caribbean-inspired charm—making it an ideal home base for exploring the Black Hamptons. This award-winning Black-owned property serves as an excellent base for exploring both the North Fork and Sag Harbor via Shelter Island.
Be sure to explore additional Black-owned accommodations throughout Long Island and New York State here on Black Hotel Guide. Also explore our Martha’s Vineyard listing for authentic black-owned stays.
Did You Know?
Acclaimed restaurateur, author, and lifestyle icon B. Smith operated one of Sag Harbor’s best-known waterfront restaurants for nearly two decades. Her restaurant became a beloved gathering place for both locals and visitors and it remained an important part of the village’s modern African American cultural history up until it closed. The seasonal eatery operated along the Long Wharf for 17 years before closing its doors ahead of the 2014 summer season.
Getting to Sag Harbor
Located approximately 100 miles east of New York City on Long Island’s South Fork, Sag Harbor is accessible by several transportation options.
Visitors can:
- Drive from New York City
- Ride the Long Island Rail Road to Bridgehampton and continue by taxi or rideshare
- Take the Hampton Jitney from Manhattan
- Arrive by ferry through Shelter Island
- Travel by private helicopter or seaplane
Summer weekends are especially busy, so advance planning is highly recommended.
Visitor Etiquette
The SANS Historic District is first and foremost a residential neighborhood.
Visitors can help preserve its welcoming atmosphere by following a few simple guidelines:
- Respect private homes and driveways.
- Keep noise to a minimum.
- Stay on public streets and designated beach access points.
- Ask permission before photographing private residences.
- Support local businesses whenever possible.
- Remember that you’re visiting a living historic community—not an outdoor museum.
Thoughtful tourism helps preserve this remarkable legacy for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sag Harbor, New York
What does SANS stand for?
SANS refers to Sag Harbor Hills, Azurest, and Ninevah Beach, the three adjoining historic African American neighborhoods that form the SANS Historic District.
Why is Sag Harbor called the Black Hamptons?
Because for generations it has served as one of the Hamptons’ most important African American vacation communities, attracting Black families, professionals, artists, and cultural leaders from across the Northeast.
Is the SANS Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places?
Yes. The SANS Historic District was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 10, 2019.
Can visitors walk through the SANS neighborhoods?
Yes. Visitors may explore the public streets while respecting that the neighborhoods are private residential communities.
Are there Black-owned hotels in Sag Harbor?
There are currently no traditional Black-owned hotels within the SANS Historic District itself. Most accommodations inside the community consist of privately owned vacation homes available seasonally. Several Black-owned lodging options are available nearby and throughout Long Island.
What makes Sag Harbor historically significant?
Sag Harbor represents one of America’s best-preserved African American waterfront communities, where Black families overcame segregation and discriminatory housing practices to establish lasting neighborhoods centered on homeownership, recreation, and community.
Why Visit Sag Harbor
Sag Harbor is much more than a picturesque Hamptons village.
It is one of America’s most enduring stories of Black perseverance, vision, and community-building.
From the pioneering founders of Azurest to the generations of families who have gathered on the shores of Ninevah Beach, the SANS Historic District stands as a powerful reminder that history is not only found in museums—it is lived, protected, and celebrated by the people who continue to call this remarkable place home.
Whether you’re exploring Black heritage sites, discovering the history of the Black Hamptons, relaxing along the waterfront, or searching for nearby Black-owned accommodations, Sag Harbor offers an unforgettable journey through one of the nation’s most inspiring cultural landscapes.
The SANs community (Sag Harbor Hills, Azurest, and Ninevah Beach) was built on the vision of two sisters who turned a piece of “undesirable” woodland into a premier destination for Black families. Click for more info. . .
Founding Families & Visionaries
The community’s origin is tied to the Azurest Syndicate, formed in 1947 to help Black families secure land and financing when traditional banks often refused them.
- Maude Terry: A Brooklyn schoolteacher who first envisioned a private Black beach community while vacationing in the nearby Eastville neighborhood. She negotiated the initial land purchase from the Gale family.
- Amaza Lee Meredith: Maude’s sister and a pioneering African American female architect. She designed the subdivision layout and at least two of the original homes, including the Terry Cottage, which is still owned by the family today.
- The Richards Family: Descendants of Maude Terry (including her daughter Iris and son-in-law Frederick Richards) who were instrumental in the early days and remain active in the community.
- Prominent Residents: Over the decades, SANS became a “who’s who” of Black excellence, hosting figures like Lena Horne, Harry Belafonte, Duke Ellington, and Tuskegee Airman Roscoe
Preservation Efforts
As property values in the Hamptons skyrocketed, the community faced “mansionization”—where smaller, historic cottages are demolished for large modern estates. Local advocates have fought to protect its character:
Preservation Long Island: An advisory group that helped name SANS one of the “Seven to Save” endangered sites.
National & State Recognition: In 2019, the SANS Steering Committee successfully led the effort to place the district on the National and New York State Registers of Historic Places.
Local Landmark Status: In December 2022, the Village of Sag Harbor adopted a local zoning law to provide stronger protections against demolition and ensure new development respects the neighborhood’s scale.
Key Organizations:
SANS Sag Harbor Organization: The primary group leading preservation and documentation.
Eastville Community Historical Society: A local partner that preserves the broader history of Black and Indigenous people in the area.
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