Michael A. Butler

is an artist, historian, humanitarian who continues to leave his mark on Sag Harbor.

“I believe in being active in the community,” said Mr. Butler. “People need to step up sometime and have an impact on the environment they’re part of. It’s part of the legacy you leave behind.”

Mr. Butler has been on the board of the Eastville Community Historical Society for over 20 years, serving as president, vice president, and recording secretary. He is also the chairperson of the St. David AME Zion Church cemetery, a member of East Hampton’s Anti-Bias Task Force, a lifetime member of the NAACP, as well a former board member of the East End AIDS Wellness Project and a former member of the Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreation Center.

Born on Staten Island and raised in Queens, Mr. Butler’s family has been visiting Sag Harbor for many years. His great, great, great grandfather is recorded to have lived in Oyster Bay in 1785. His father, Charles Butler came to Sag Harbor sometime between 1922 and 1923, and his mother Margaret Burwell’s family started summering here in the 1930’s. “My great uncle Jimmy Harris came here first. My family would stay on his boat, and then he bought property on Division Street and later, Eastville where he built and bought eight cottages,” said Mr. Butler. “Seven generations of my family have summered here.”