The Lynbrook Historical & Preservation Society was organized in 1995, when Lynbrook's most historic house was threatened with demolition. The group's valiant effort to save the house failed when Village officials granted a demolition permit and gave developers the necessary zoning variances the developers and realtors needed to make the sale and demolition profitable.

Recognizing the historical significance of the Grist Mill Museum to East Rockaway and encouraged by leading NY State preservationists, the Grist Mill Committee voted in 1995 to form a Friends' group. On May 1, 1996 the Friends of the East Rockaway Grist Mill Museum, Inc. was incorporated.

In September 2005 the two groups voted to merge into the Historical Society of East Rockaway and Lynbrook ("HSERL") a non-profit organization conducting activities which are charitable, literary, and educational pertaining to the advancement of the history and knowledge of East Rockaway and Lynbrook.

HSERL awards annual historical-research scholarships to an East Rockaway student and a Lynbrook student. A scale model of the East Rockaway Grist Mill is used to tell the story of tide water milling on Long Island to schools, civic groups and other interested people. Members receive a quarterly newsletter and notification of cultural events and special meetings. HSERL speakers are available to tell the story of East Rockaway's and Lynbrook's history.

In order to enhance their goals and mission, HSERL has joined SPOOM, the Society for the Preservation of Old Mills. This organization publishes Old Mill News and provides information about mills, memorabilia and publications which further enhance the knowledge of all who are interested in history and milling.

HSERL is also a member of The Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities (SPLIA). SPLIA's goal is to recognize and preserve historic places on LONG Island.