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News from the Farm – April

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Dear Friend,

Spring has arrived at Hallockville, and with it comes a season full of history, hands‑on learning, community traditions, and new opportunities to explore our beautiful farm. From Prohibition‑era intrigue to fleece and fiber arts, from student field trips to summer camp adventures, there is so much happening across our campus, and we’re excited to share it all with you.

Whether you join us for an event or simply stop by to enjoy the fresh air, your presence helps keep Hallockville a vibrant, living piece of Long Island’s heritage.

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COMING EVENTS

Step back into the thrilling days of the 1920s with an evening dedicated to the North Fork’s rum-running past. Experience the local history of the Prohibition era exactly where it happened, uncovering everything from the “whisper” of illicit profits at the Naugles Barn to jazz and cocktails at The Old Mill Inn.

It is a celebration of history, place, and tradition! For more information and to register, click here: 

Prohibition on the North Fork

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The True Story of the Culper Spy Ring

History enthusiasts are invited to uncover the real story behind one of the most fascinating intelligence operations of the American Revolution at a special presentation on Sunday, May 3 from 1–3 p.m. at the Naugles Barn.

Former Newsday reporter and author Bill Bleyer will present “The True Story of the Culper Spy Ring,” based on his book George Washington’s Long Island Spy Ring: A History and Tour Guide. The talk will explore the real-life espionage network that operated across Long Island to support George Washington and the Continental Army.

This event is free but registration is requested at The Culper Spy Ring with Bill Bleyer.

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Our annual Fleece & Fiber Festival is on Saturday, May 16, and features a variety of hands-on workshops led by expert artisans. A major highlight this year is a visit from nationally recognized knitting expert Patty Lyons, who will lead two focused sessions: Knitting Bag of Tricks, which covers essential shortcuts like better SSKs and avoiding bind-off gaps, and Advanced Knitting Fixes, which empowers knitters to fix major mistakes like reversed cables or lace errors without “frogging” their work.

In addition to knitting, other workshops include: Basket Weaving with Barbara Blossey-Chuvalas, where participants can create personal baskets using materials like silk, seagrass, and wool; Introduction to Weaving with the Paumanok Weavers for those interested in creating and bringing home a unique scarf; and Flat Needle Felted Farm Landscape with Instructor Shamma Murphy.

These workshops require advance registration. For more information and to register, visit Fleece & Fiber Festival.

See below for all of the other fun things to expect at this year’s Festival!

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Wait … there’s more!

For our beekeeping friends, don’t forget to register for the Hive Split Workshop on April 22 with Master Beekeeper Chris Kelly. Click here for more information: Hive Split Workshop.

We are excited to once again be hosting the Rites of Spring Music Festival this year. There are three performance dates the first of which is Sunday, May 10, at 5 p.m. at the Naugles Barn with Edson Scheid de Andrade playing Complete Partitas and Sonatas for Solo Violin by J. S. Bach. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Rites of Spring Music Festival’s website at Bach Complete Solo Violin 2026.

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OUT AND ABOUT

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The Country Barn Dance is a long-time Hallockville favorite, and Caller Chart Guthrie has been with us from the start.

We held our first Spring Dance last month, and it was a wonderful way to ring in spring.

The next Country Barn Dance is on July 25 so mark your calendar!

Thank you to everyone who came to our North Fork Farmers Stories’ presentation and especially to the farmers who shared their stories. It was very informative to hear what it has meant and what it means to be a North Fork farmer.

To read an article written by Chris Francescani of the North Fork Sun, click here: North Fork Farmers’ Stories article

We hope you will support our presenters (farm info below) and all local farmers.

Zilnicki Farms

https://zilnickifarms.com/

Schmitt’s Farm

https://schmittsfarmstand.com

Farrm Wines

https://farrmwine.com/our-story/

North Fork Potato Chips

https://northforkchips.com/

Education is at the heart of what we do at Hallockville, and we are delighted to welcome hundreds of students every year.

We hosted our first field trip of the season with a group of home school students last week.

If you are interested in bringing a school, library or social group to Hallockville, check out our group trip page at School and Group Trips.

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We held our first Wedding Showcase in the newly restored Naugles Barn on April 11. More than 30 local wedding and event vendors participated. (Special thanks to Vita Giannone of Vita’s Vintage Events for coordinating it.)

The Naugles Barn is the perfect setting for any special event. To find out more, email me at execdirector@hallockville.org.

There were a lot of smiling faces at the Soap Making Workshop led by Instructor Nancy Raynor. All participants made and came home with seven lovely soaps.

We look forward to more hands-on workshops.

The Community Garden is starting its 20th season, and the group of gardeners is as dedicated as ever.

There is one garden spot left. If you are interested in applying, please email Lillian at lillian@hallockville.org

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Unplug. Explore. Grow.

Give your child a summer of fresh air, muddy boots,

and lasting memories at our

Summer Farm Camp.

Why Choose Hallockville?

Hands-On History: Tend to friendly farm animals and practice traditional crafts from the 19th century.

Nature & Science: Explore historic gardens while learning about sustainable agriculture and the local ecosystem.

Creative Play: From woodworking to folk arts and old-fashioned games, we spark imagination and teamwork every single day.

Weekly sessions throughout July and August. Ages 5–12. Space is limited to ensure a personalized experience for every camper. Secure your spot today and let the adventure begin.

To learn more and to register, head to Summer Farm Camp

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Did You Know?

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In honor of Earth Day, we are highlighting our Sustainability Trail, made possible by a grant from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation.

Sustainability, recycling, and conservation are staples of modern conversation, but most 19th-century farms were already masters of the craft. The Hallock farm was no exception as virtually everything in the home and from the fields was recycled, reused, or repurposed. In an era where almost nothing was ever wasted, there is a profound lesson for us today.

This trail offers a trip back to a time when sustainable living was truly a way of life. Along the way, you will “meet” Halsey Hallock and his family, the last to live in the old Homestead, as they share the many practices used on this land more than 100 years ago. To begin your journey, simply scan the QR codes on signs peppered throughout the campus and travel back in time.

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Photo by Assistant Director Lillian Cowburn.

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Thank you for being part of the Hallockville community. Your participation, curiosity, and support help preserve our shared history and keep this museum farm a place where learning, tradition, and connection thrive. We look forward to welcoming you this season — there is so much to explore, and we’re grateful to share it with you.

Best,

Heather

Heather Johnson

Executive Director

P.S. Are you a member? Your membership ensures that Hallockville remains a dynamic resource for generations to come. Members enjoy valuable benefits, including discounts on most programs and events usually offsetting the cost. Memberships are now offered on a rolling basis, lasting one full year from the date you join.

Click here to join or renew: Membership.

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hallockville.org | (631) 298-5292

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Hallockville Museum Farm | 6038 Sound Avenue | Riverhead, NY 11901 US

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