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June 2023
History Matters
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Letter from the Director
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Dear Friend,
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East Hampton Town is celebrating its 375th Anniversary this year!
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What exactly does the anniversary commemorate? I assumed it was to recognize the area’s first settlement or the founding of the Town government, but it’s the anniversary of a land transaction. On April 29, 1648, representatives of the colonies of Connecticut and New Haven (which weren’t yet united) “purchased” almost 31,000 acres of land east of Southampton from the Montauketts. According to Averill Geus, the cost was “20 coats, 24 hatchets, 24 hoes, 24 knives, 24 mirrors, and 100 muxes (metal drills) to help in the manufacture of wampum.”
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Like the Munsees who “sold” the island of Manhattan to Peter Minuit supposedly for trinkets worth 60 Guilders, the Montauketts did not intend to relinquish their permanent rights to the land when they transacted with the Englishmen from Connecticut. Unlike the indigenous peoples of Manhattan and Long Island, European settlers believed these transactions established their sovereignty over the land. In many respects, the 375th Anniversary marks the beginning of our current notions of property rights and the colonial governors were just the first of many East Hampton developers.
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It’s possible the English began to reside permanently in East Hampton in 1648, but according to Henry P. Hedges in A History of the Town of East-Hampton, that settlement didn’t take place until the following year. In 1650, the nine original settlers set up the first government in East Hampton and appointed Thomas Talmage, Jr. to be recorder of Town meetings. With a patent granted in 1686 by Governor Thomas Dongan, the Town Trustees were established “as the duly authorized and recognized governing body of the towne of Easthampton.”
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During the 18th century, the East Hampton Town Trustees met in Town House, which is currently located next Clinton Academy on Main Street in East Hampton. I’m delighted that they’ll return there on Monday, June 26 at 6:30pm for one of their official bimonthly meetings, which you’ll be able to view live on LTV. In the meantime, I invite you to join the Town Trustees, the Historical Society, and other historical organizations between 1 and 5pm tomorrow for East Hampton Town’s History Fair in celebration of its 375th anniversary
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Sincerely,
Stephen Long
Executive Director
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Education
Spring Highlights
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This school year, students from East Hampton, Montauk, Ross, Sag Harbor, and Springs explored and studied with Stacy Myers, Director of Education at the Historical Society. The programming and field trips are part of the Historical Society’s emphasis on integrated hands-on learning experiences. During the programs, Stacy guided the students to learn through exploration, which develops critical thinking skills. The senses are engaged through physical participation in learning and through their seven senses, children develop an understanding of their world and engage with different learning styles.
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The following photos are a glimpse into how experiential learning is part of the education initiatives at the East Hampton Historical Society. As part of our assessment of our programs, students complete both art and literacy reflections. National and State learning standards are at the core of our curriculum and program design.
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Community Artist
Clinton Academy
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Moran Garden
Botany John M Marshall School
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The East Hampton Historical Society would like to thank
all of our education partners for collaborating this school year!
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East Hampton Village
John Marshall
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Fort Pond Nature Center
Montauk School
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Amagansett Life Saving Station
Montauk School
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East End Classic Boat Society
Montauk School
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Parsons Blacksmith Shop
Springs School Project Most
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Long Pond Greenbelt
Ross School
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FROM THE COLLECTION
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The East Hampton Historical Society is looking forward to opening the new Dominy Shops Museum on August 3. As we develop interpretive programming about the Dominy craftsmen, Charles Hummel’s With Hammer in Hand has been indispensable. Published in 1968, the book explored early American craft and artisanship by focusing on three generations of Dominy woodworkers. One of the best parts of the book is Hummel’s catalog of Dominy clocks and furniture. For example, he described a clock that was owned by Ray Smith, Jr. of East Hampton, which he listed as item #205. Built in 1787, it was the first in a series of clocks engraved with inscriptions on the dials. According to Charles Hummel, Nathaniel Dominy IV may have begun placing time-related aphorisms on clocks in 1787 because he turned 50 that year. This one was sold to either Nathan Conklin or Captain H. Latham.
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How did Ray Smith Jr. acquire the clock? It’s possible his father, Ray Smith Sr. who passed away in 1955, purchased it. Since Ray Sr. had moved to East Hampton from upstate New York, it’s very unlikely he inherited it. However, because Ray Jr.’s mother, Bessie Huntting, and his wife, Miriam Conklin, had long family histories in East Hampton, it’s feasible the clock was passed down through one of their ancestors. A few months ago, it was passed down once again when Ray Smith III, who had inherited the clock from his father, donated it to the East Hampton Historical Society. We plan to exhibit the clock starting in July at Clinton Academy and then move it to the Dominy Shops Museum later this summer.
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Join us for Historical Guided Tours
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Join us for a guided tour to learn about East Hampton’s unique cultural heritage – from Amagansett’s Main Street to the Wainscott Heritage Project. Tours are $12 for non-members and FREE for members.
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This year, we’re partnering with the East Hampton Trails Preservation Society (EHTPS) to present historical hikes exploring our community’s past. These specially curated programs are FREE for both Historical Society and Trails Preservation Society members. If you’re interested in learning more about the EHTPS, please visit their website.
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Special thanks to Irwin Levy from EHTPS and the many history practitioners in our community who are collaborating with the Historical Society to present the past.
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East End Open House
Tuesday, June 20 and Wednesday, June 21 from 12 noon until 4 pm.
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Long Island’s East End is home to four full members and three affiliate members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Historic Artists’ Homes & Studios program. On Tuesday, June 20 and Wednesday June 21, all seven of the sites will open their doors to visitors for free, self-guided tours from 12 noon until 4 pm.. Over the course of those two days you will have the opportunity to visit what has been described as this ‘constellation’ of artists’ homes and studios.
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East Hampton Antiques & Design Show
Benefiting the East Hampton Historical Society
July 14 – 16, 2023
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Last chance to have your name go on the invitation!
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Preview Party:
Friday, July 14, 6pm – 8pm
Tickets start at $250
Preview tickets are limited and sell out in advance!
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Open to the General Public:
Saturday, July 15, 10am – 6pm
Sunday July 16, 10am – 5pm
General admission: $15
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Stop & Shop Community Bag Program Beneficiary
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East Hampton Historical Society has been selected as a beneficiary of the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program for the month of June.
The Stop & Shop Community Bag Program, which launched in May 2019, is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities where shoppers live and work.
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East Hampton Historical Society was selected as the June beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Stop & Shop located at 67 Newtown Lane East Hampton, NY 11937. East Hampton Historical Society will receive a $1 donation every time the $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at this location during June, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.
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A Shop Full of Unique Gifts Online!
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Check out the great items online!
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You can shop online and have your order shipped directly to you or picked up at Clinton Academy.
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Use code FLASH for 50% off your order.
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Clinton Academy
East Hampton Historical Society
151 Main StreetEast Hampton, NY 11937
631.324.6850
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