Local history: The Vanderbilt behind Motor Parkway

THE BOOK "Willie K. Vanderbilt II: A Biography," by Steven H. Gittelman (McFarland & Co., $38 paper.)

WHAT IT'S ABOUT Vanderbilt, great-grandson of railroad and shipping magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt, is best known for building the Long Island Motor Parkway, the first limited-access highway in America, and for sponsoring the Vanderbilt Cup races to help develop American auto racing.

THE AUTHOR Gittelman, a Huntington resident, is on the board of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, which occupies Vanderbilt's 47-acre Centerport estate. "You can't work in a house with a guy like Willie without wanting to get to know him better," the author says.

STRANGE FACT Though Willie was descended from one of the wealthiest American families, Gittleman found "he had no money." While waiting to inherit part of the family fortune in his 40s, Willie tried to sell jewelry and real estate that belonged to his wife and her family.

WHEN | WHERE Gittelman discusses Willie K. Vanderbilt and signs copies of the book Wednesday, Aug. 25, at the Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Rd., Centerport. The event is free, but call 631-854-5579 to reserve a seat. For more information, go to vanderbiltmuseum.org