Community History

Tucked along the northeastern edge of Sag Harbor, Ninevah Beach is one of the historically Black beachfront communities in the Hamptons.  Established in the early 1950s, Ninevah became a haven for African-American families seeking summer refuge, ownership, and belonging during a time when access to many beaches and resorts was restricted by segregation.

The Founding of Ninevah

Developed in 1952 as an independent seaside subdivision in Sag Harbor, Ninevah Beach emerged from modest plots sold primarily to Black New Yorkers. Including not only professionals, educators, and civic leaders, but also hardworking public servants such as firefighters, nurses, and transit workers, who shared a dream of creating a coastal retreat of their own. Many of these early founders saved and sacrificed to build that refuge, often relying on private financing or community lending, as traditional banks routinely denied mortgages due to redlining. 

What emerged was more than a neighborhood. With its quiet lanes, relaxed atmosphere and shared beach access, Ninevah offered an inclusive, family-centered space that celebrated culture, creativity, and connection.

A Summer by the Bay

By the mid-20th century, Ninevah Beach had become a beloved summer gathering place. Families spent their days swimming, boating, relaxing on the sand, hosting cookouts, and watching sunsets over Peconic Bay. It was, and remains, a community where neighbors greet each other warmly, children play freely, and weekends feel like a reunion.

A Living Heritage

Today, Ninevah Beach remains a cornerstone of Black coastal history in Sag Harbor and is part of the village’s Historically Black Beachfront Communities (HBBC) overlay district, alongside Sag Harbor Hills and Azurest. Descendants of original homeowners, along with newer residents, work together to preserve the strong sense of community that defined its founding. While Ninevah has evolved over time, it remains a diverse, welcoming neighborhood where neighbors value inclusion, stewardship, and shared heritage.

In 2019, Ninevah Beach, together with Azurest and Sag Harbor Hills, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, affirming its national significance as a symbol of African-American perseverance and community building.

Continuing the Story

Ninevah Beach endures as a living legacy, and a reminder that freedom, family, and fellowship are timeless values.

Rooted in history, strengthened by unity, and forever embraced by the sea.

Ninevah Beach is a private community. Use of its roads and beaches is limited to residents and invited guests only.