The Southampton Historical Museum, on Meeting House Lane, was once called The Southampton Colonial Society, which was organized in 1898 and incorporated in 1910. The society now has more than 12 historic structures including The Rogers Mansion, a one-room schoolhouse, a barn, paint store and others. The museum also owns The Thomas Halsey Homestead built on or about 1648, which can be found down the street from the other structures.
The Village of Southampton was incorporated in 1640. The Halsey Homestead was built on Main Street at the south end shortly after. The weathered cedar simple salt-box exudes rustic charm. It can be seen behind a weathered picket fence of the same silvery muted color. During the colorful summer season, it is home to the Thomas Halsey Gala, which takes place on the lawn, surrounded by vibrant, English country herb gardens during the first weekend of July. This event is one of the main sources of income which subsidizes the society through ticket sales, a silent auction and donations. These funds support the daily operations of the society, the ongoing restoration and preservation of these fragile living portrayals of early colonial Southampton.
The Rogers Mansion sits on one of the 40 plots allocated to the original settlers in the village, who landed in 1640 at Conscience Point. A stone commemorates their landing. There the settlers were welcomed by the Shinnecock tribe who helped them establish their first community. The Rogers Mansion was inhabited by 8 generations of the family, who still live in the area. The home now houses a massive index of 800 volumes and archives that cover the village, the surrounding areas and the families that settled there. Each year, more items and information are donated by family members that act as puzzle pieces to the greater story that is early Southampton.
On July 8th, the Southampton Historical Society celebrated Southampton’s oldest Home, The Thomas Halsey Homestead, which was established in 1648 with it’s Sur La Plage event. The Halsey Homestead offers a quaint colonial landscape with herb garden as a perfect setting for an East End event. Events at Historical Locations are special as they represent what they are trying to preserve, what the East End has to offer which is it’s New England style charm. Guests were able to view the homestead from inside, then through the back door the picturesque view of the herb garden and tent.
Honorary Chairman Steven Stolman says “I am so honored to have been asked to serve as Honorary Chair for “Sur la Plage,” this summer’s Halsey House Gala. This has always been such a sweet, wonderful, buoyant party and reminds us all of how truly special Southampton is!”
The museum is open year-round
The Rogers Mansion Open Hours: March to December: Wednesday to Saturday: 11am to 4pm
The Thomas Halsey Homestead Open Hours: June to October: Saturday: 11am to 4pm. If you wish to visit the Thomas Halsey Homestead at another time please call the Rogers Mansion at 631-283-2494 to set up an appointment.
The Pelletreau Silver Shop Open Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11am to 4pm.
southamptonhistoricalmuseum.org
Tom Edmonds, Executive Director
Southampton Historical Museums and Research Center
PO Box 303/17 Meeting House Lane
Southampton, NY 11968
(631) 283-2494
