Season’s Greetings

from all of us at Hallockville Museum Farm

As the year draws to a close, we reflect with gratitude on the people, traditions, and shared history that make Hallockville Museum Farm such a special place. We are inspired by the connections between past, present, and future that this museum farm represents, and we are deeply thankful for the supporters, volunteers, and community members whose generosity and dedication sustain our mission. As the holiday season unfolds, we are delighted to share news, highlights, and opportunities to stay connected.

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Whew, 2025 was quite the year, and it was a banner one as we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of our organization.

We achieved major progress on the adaptive reuse of the historic Naugles Barn; hosted more than 1,000 students for field trips and hands-on learning; offered a full season of beekeeping instruction, community gardening, summer camp, free speaker series presentations, fiber arts, crafting, and heritage skills programming; welcomed new and returning visitors to our community traditions — the Fleece & Fiber Festival, Spring Tea, Country Barn Dance, and Country Fair; updated our exhibit room and Museum Store in the Hudson-Sydlowski House and opened an exhibit.

We also received grants from the Greater Hudson Heritage Network, New York State Council on the Arts, North Fork Side by Side, Suffolk County, ReWild North Fork and Slow Food East End.

We’re building on this momentum as we look to the next fifty years — expanding school programs, enhancing exhibits, growing membership, and completing the Naugles Barn project.

Please consider donating to our Annual Appeal by clicking here Annual Appeal or sending a check to us at 6038 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901.

Every gift, large or small, makes a real and lasting impact on Hallockville’s future.

We’re grateful to have received a NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Grant: Preservation Supplies Award, administered by the Greater Hudson Heritage Network in partnership with New York State Council on the Arts. With the funds, we purchased two humidity sensors for the historic Hallock Homestead. These monitors help us track environmental conditions and protect the building and its artifacts.

The NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Grant Program: Preservation Supply Grant is made possible with public funds from NYSCA, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional funding from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation supports projects from Long Island and New York City.

Out and About the Farm

We were very pleased to collaborate with Paolo Bartolani of the Rites of Spring Music Festival on a wonderful event in our Naugles Barn last month. There are three concerts planned for next year so if you didn’t make it last time, you will have more opportunities.

A “Get Arty” party with Ginger Baer is always a fun time and the most recent party was no exception. Just look at all the smiles (at least of our artists who were not photo-shy). There are more Get Arty parties planned for 2026 starting February 1.

This year’s Country Parlor Holiday Folk Art & Gift Show was another smashing success with unique, handmade creations from more than 30 vendors.

Many thanks to Barbara Blossey-Chuvalas and her elves for their incredible work on this perennial favorite.

We are thrilled to be hosting Gingerbread University this year, no less so when we can be a part of “Gingerbread” Fred Terry’s generous donation to Smile Train. Joining in was Joe Dalimonte and Sara Phillips (board treasurer and secretary), Gingerbread Fred, Etta O’Grady (Smile Train) and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (and me).

To sign up to decorate a gingerbread house, visit our website at https://hallockville.org/

We held a gathering of special supporters at the Hallock Homestead. Pictured here from left to right are Lois Leonard (board member), Beth Nehls, Helena Lipska and Bonnie Zulli.

Thank you to all our visitors, volunteers, and demonstrators who made Holidays at Hallockville so fun on December 7!

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Still searching for gifts for the holidays? We have some great ideas for you.

Our Museum Store is full of beautiful, local handcrafted items. Shop hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., December 16-19 and December 22 and 23.

How about giving the gift of membership? Membership at Hallockville means discounts on most of our events, 10% off Hallockville merchandise in the Museum Store and advance notice of upcoming events. Plus, it supports Hallockville – win/win. Click here to purchase a membership: Membership.

If you want to buy something truly unique and educational, consider gifting a Bee Hive Sponsorship for someone or for yourself. For more information about our beekeeping program and sponsorships, click here: Beekeeping Program.

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A Peek at 2026

We already have some events lined up for the first few months of the new year with more being added regularly.

Pillow Making Workshop with instructor Nancy Raynor on January 24

Get Arty Paint and Sip Party with instructor Ginger Baer on February 1

Winter Farmers Market on February 8

North Fork Farmers Stories Presentation on February 28

Winter Country Barn Dance on March 21

For information about these and other upcoming events, head to our website at hallockville.org

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Did You Know?

Board member and resident historian Richard Wines noted, “Centuries ago, the Hallock family and other North Fork settlers were Puritans, who associated Christmas celebrations with paganism and therefore, such festivities were banned. By the mid-eighteenth-century customs began to change and in 1870, Christmas became a federal holiday, making way for the supposedly traditional celebrations we know today.”

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As we look ahead to the new year, we remain committed to preserving the stories, landscapes, and traditions that define Hallockville Museum Farm. Your support, whether through visits, volunteering, or donations, helps ensure this historic museum farm continues to educate and inspire future generations.

We wish you a peaceful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the farm in 2026!

All the best,

Heather

Heather Johnson

Executive Director