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News from the Farm – May

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Dear Friend,

As we move towards summer and the halfway point of 2026, Hallockville’s season is only just beginning. From new exhibits and educational programs to community events, festivals, and summer camp, the farm is once again buzzing with activity, learning, and connection. We are grateful to share these experiences with you and look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to explore Long Island’s rich agricultural heritage in the months ahead.

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COMING EVENTS

Treat yourself to an elegant afternoon at our Annual Spring Tea on Saturday, June 6 from 1-3 p.m. in the historic Naugles Barn.

Gather with friends for an array of delicious teas, savory finger sandwiches, and delightful sweets surrounded by our rich agricultural heritage.

Seats are limited and are already filling up fast, so we recommend reserving your spot as soon as possible.

Purchase tickets here: Spring Tea

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We are pleased to be participating in the Long Island History Hunt, now in its second yearThe 2026 “Redcoats and Rebels” edition features 26 museums, landmarks, and historic sites across Nassau, Suffolk, and Brooklyn connected to the Revolutionary War as part of America’s 250th anniversary commemorations.

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Participants can register at lihistoryhunt.com, visit designated sites, complete selfie challenges, and upload photos for chances to win prizes. Complete challenges at 10 or more locations for a chance to win $250 cash, or complete all 26 to earn the title of Revolutionary Trailblazer and be entered to win the $1,776 grand prize and commemorative merch.

Sponsored by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, the Hunt runs May 23–September 30.

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Speaking of the 250th Anniversary, we are among five organizations participating in the North Fork Revolutionary War Trail created by the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council & Museums. Our Revolutionary War highlight is our new exhibit, Surviving the Revolution: A Tale of Two Neighbors, at the Hudson-Sydlowski House. This exhibit explores the American Revolution through a personal lens, tracing the dramatically different paths two neighbors took.

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OUT AND ABOUT

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Ninth grade students from Mattituck High School lent many hands around campus at their Day of Service last month. Thanks to all!

The Bee Lab is off to a great start. The Hive Split workshop was held April 29. It is not too late to register for the program. For more information, visit: Beekeeping Program

We had a great crowd for Bill Bleyer’s presentation about the Culper Spy Ring. To read an article about it in the North Fork Sun, click here: Culper Spy Ring article

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Fleece & Fiber Festival Photos

We had a beautiful day for the Festival this year. Some of the highlights are below. One new addition was a historical fiber tour of the Hallock Homestead and Homestead barn with Kathryn Wojciechowski of Old School Wool and Weaving Center and board member Richard Wines.

Many thanks to everyone who made the Festival a success including the demonstrators and vendors, to Knitting Fever for the raffle donations and to Karen Calabria of North Fork Fiber Arts for her sponsorship and overall help (including serving on the committee chaired by Judy Barth). Of course, it goes without saying that we are eternally appreciative of all of our wonderful volunteers — from bakers to ticket takers and everyone in between — thank you!

Spinning demonstration by the Spinning Study Group of Long Island. Other demonstrators included the Basketweavers Guild of Eastern Long Island, Paisley Rugs, Sound Avenue Stitchers, Eastern Suffolk Knitting and Crochet Guild, and Toni Kaste.

One of the highlights of the Festival is the sheep and llama shearings. Tabbethia Haubold from Long Island Yarn & Farm not only shears but also educates.

The Paumanok Weavers offered an Introduction to Weaving workshop where participants learned how to weave a scarf and then took it home.

There was something to do for everyone with some new activities added for children this year.

Photo by David Montalto

Award-winning sculptor and fiber artist Sherry Davis provided a unique community art experience with the creation of United We Weave — a large American flag woven from repurposed fire hose.

Photo by David Montalto

Shama Murphy from Ewes & Coos Felted led a flat needle felting workshop in the Naugles Barn.
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THANK YOU!

We have three groups to thank in this month’s issue.

We are very grateful to the Peconic Land Trust (PLT) for a subaward of $5,000 to be used for our Community Garden. The PLT received a grant from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets as part of the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program.

Thank you to NYSCA/ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes Arts Professional Development Grants program for the funds to attend the Museum Association in New York (MANY) conference this month. The workshops were very informative and it was nice to meet other museum professionals.

Last and not least, thank you to the Samoset Middle School for their donation to our beekeeping program. Nicole Parise, a teacher at the school, wrote, “Our students were excited to participate in this effort, and it provided a meaningful opportunity for them to contribute to a cause that highlights the importance of bees in our ecosystem.”

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Adventure Awaits This Summer!

Every week at our Summer Farm Camp brings a new adventure for campers ages 5–12 — from farm-to-table cooking and historic trades to wildlife exploration, beach discoveries, local history, and creative building projects. Campers will spend their days exploring the farm, meeting animals, crafting, gardening, playing games, and making unforgettable summer memories.

• Celebrate on the Farm (June 29–July 3) — Summer traditions, music, games, and a festive farm stand.

• Farm to Table (July 6–10) — Harvest, cook, and discover where food comes from.

• Trades & Their Tools (July 13–17) — Woodworking, weaving, blacksmithing, and hands-on crafts.

• Farming by the Sea (July 20–24) — Marine life, beach ecosystems, and coastal agriculture.

• Wild by Nature (July 27–31) — Pollinators, birds, wildlife, and nature exploration.

• History Tells a Tale (August 3–7) — North Fork history through cooking, crafts, and exploration.

• Build Me a Farm (August 10–14) — Design, build, garden, and create like a farmer.

To learn more and register, visit: Summer Farm Camp

If you would like to donate towards a camp scholarship, please email Lillian at lillian@hallockville.org

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Thank you for being part of the Hallockville community. Your support helps preserve this special place while keeping history alive through hands-on learning, cultural programs, and shared experiences for all generations. Whether you attend an event, volunteer, become a member, or simply help spread the word, you play an important role in sustaining Hallockville’s mission. We look forward to seeing you at the farm this season.

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 — not to mention early notice about our events. 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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