From a letter sent out by the Tottenville Historical Society:

“In 2008, The Tottenville Historical Society and the Preservation League of Staten Island will jointly publish Tottenville: The Town the Oyster Built. A Staten Island Community, Its People, Industry and Architecture. Barnett Shepherd, Staten Island’s noted scholar and author, will write the book.

This comprehensive book will be based on the findings of the Tottenville Historic Resource Survey, a three-year project of extensive research and documentation. Tottenville: The Town the Oyster Built will be a valuable resource for schoolchildren, historians, and scholars. This book will be illustrated with many rare and never-before-published photographs and prints. It promises to educate and entertain and to become a treasured family keepsake.”

However, the publication of the book is dependent upon $20,000 of funds to be raised; $15,000 has already been raised to pay for the $35,000 publishing cost.