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News from the Farm – June
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Dear Friend,
As some of you may know, I will be concluding my time as Executive Director of Hallockville Museum Farm at the end of June. Before I go, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to you.
Over the past two and a half years, it has been a privilege to work alongside Hallockville’s dedicated staff, board members, volunteers, supporters, and friends. Together, we have celebrated Long Island’s agricultural heritage, welcomed thousands of visitors, expanded programs and events, preserved historic resources, and continued to strengthen Hallockville’s role as a vibrant community resource.
What has impressed me most throughout my time here is the passion and commitment of the people who care so deeply about this special place. Whether you have attended an event, volunteered your time, shared your expertise, supported our mission by donating, or simply visited the campus, you have helped ensure that Hallockville remains a place where history, agriculture, and community come together.
I am honored to have played a part in Hallockville’s ongoing story. While I am moving on to a new opportunity, Hallockville will always hold a special place in my heart. I look forward to staying connected by volunteering, attending events, and supporting the organization and its mission whenever I can.
Thank you for your support, kindness, and dedication to Hallockville. It has been wonderful to serve this organization and all those who care so deeply about it. I look forward to watching Hallockville continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.
Gratefully,
Heather
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Hallockville Museum Farm is currently seeking its next Executive Director.
If you or someone you know may be interested in this exciting leadership opportunity,
please visit Executive Director Opening to learn more and apply.
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COMING EVENTS
We are pleased to once again be hosting the Rites of Spring Music Festival on Sunday, July 5 at the Naugles Barn beginning at 5 p.m. The program, Bach Complete Solo Violin, Complete Partitas & Sonatas by J. S. Bach, will feature violinist Emma Meinrenken. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Rites of Spring website at Rites of Spring July 5 Event.
Create a charming decorative bird while learning the basics of needle felting with instructor Michele Miroff at her Needle-Felted Bird Workshop on Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hudson-Sydlowski House. This hands-on workshop is suitable for beginners and experienced crafters alike. Cost: $30 members/$40 non-members, plus a $25 supplies fee payable to the instructor. Space is limited; advance registration is required at Needle-Felted Bird Workshop.
The ever-popular Country Barn Dance is back on July 25 from 6-8 p.m. at the Naugles Barn. This family-friendly celebration of traditional country music and dance welcomes dancers of all ages and skill levels. Live music and dance calling will be led by the acclaimed caller Chart Guthrie, providing instruction throughout the evening. Gates open at 5 p.m. and participants are welcome to bring a picnic before the Dance. Admission is $35 for ages 13 and up, $5 for ages 5–12. Children under 5 are free. Proceeds from the event help support Hallockville’s programs and activities. Registration is required at Country Barn Dance Tickets.
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We will celebrate two groups of dedicated supporters at our annual Gala on Thursday, August 20, at Giorgio’s Baiting Hollow. This year’s event will honor the Trubisz family and the Tuesday Crew in recognition of their longstanding commitment to Hallockville’s mission and their many years of service to the organization.
The Gala is our premier fundraising event, bringing together community members, supporters, and advocates for an evening of fine dining, celebration, and philanthropy. Proceeds support the Museum Farm’s educational programs, preservation initiatives, exhibitions, and stewardship of our historic 28-acre campus.
The Trubisz family has been an integral part of the Hallockville community for many years, generously supporting the Museum Farm and helping to preserve Long Island’s agricultural heritage for future generations.
The Tuesday Crew, a dedicated group of volunteers, has contributed countless hours of service to Hallockville and other local organizations. Through their hard work and expertise, they have helped maintain the Museum Farm’s historic buildings and grounds for decades.
The evening will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, special presentations honoring the recipients, and opportunities to support Hallockville’s ongoing work.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available by visiting 2026 Gala.
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Fourth Grade Writing Contest
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Congratulations to Emma Boccuzza, the winner of our annual Fourth Grade Writing Contest.
Emma, a fourth-grade student at Charles E. Walters Elementary School in Yaphank, impressed us with her creativity, imagination, and love of storytelling.
An enthusiastic writer, Emma enjoys filling notebooks with poems and stories. Her love of classic stories and “Little House on the Prairie” helped inspire her winning farm-themed entry. When she’s not writing, Emma enjoys dance, journaling, drawing, riding her bike, listening to Taylor Swift, and spending time with family and friends.
We are proud to celebrate Emma’s accomplishment and encourage her to keep following her dream of becoming an author.
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We are pleased to participate in the 2026 Gardiner Young Scholars Program, made possible through the generous support of The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, Inc.
This unique internship opportunity is open to students ages 15–22 who are interested in gaining hands-on experience while exploring Long Island history, historic preservation, education, agriculture, and museum operations. Participants will complete 100 hours of service at Hallockville and receive a $1,700 stipend.
As part of the program, interns will develop valuable skills in the museum and nonprofit fields and create a short video presentation reflecting on their experience.
To apply, please email a letter of interest to Assistant Director Lillian Cowburn at lillian@hallockville.org.
We are grateful to The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation for making this meaningful educational opportunity available to local students.
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Thanks also go to Dan and Prudence Heston for the donation of two American Chestnut trees.
The American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) was once an iconic part of forests on Long Island. It provided food for numerous animals as well as Indigenous Peoples. With European colonization, chestnut lumber became an important building material.
The oldest parts of the Hallock Homestead and Homestead Barn likely incorporate chestnut beams, as well as oak. In the early 20th century, a chestnut blight from Asia virtually wiped out the native chestnuts in the Northeast.
Today, several organizations are attempting to breed blight-resistant American Chestnuts. These saplings are the result of one of those programs.
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Last but not least, thank you to everyone who came to this year’s Spring Tea and to Rachel Stephens from Sweet Woodland Farm for her presentation. Special thanks to Samantha Moore for chairing the event and to all of her amazing helpers. Thanks also to Judy Barth for running the Tea for many years. Until next year!
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Looking through the stories and events featured in this newsletter reminds me just how much there is to celebrate at Hallockville — from dedicated volunteers and talented students to educational programs and community traditions.
Thank you for helping make all of it possible. I look forward to our paths crossing again at the farm.
All the best,
Heather
Heather Johnson
Executive Director
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