What’s Up at the
Custom House
(for full update, visit the NLMS website)
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Exhibition opens Saturday, January 24
seals and society
Seals and Society, a traveling exhibition from the New Bedford Whaling Museum, is being installed this week. It will be on view at the Custom House from January 24—March 22, 2026.
This multi-panel display dives into the daily lives of these remarkable, specially adapted animals—focusing on harbor and gray seals, the two species most common in our region. NLMS will also offer seal watches near local haul-out sites, and other special programs—stay tuned for dates and details!
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Antique Sewing Machines
John Desjardins’s interest in sewing machines started eight years ago when he discovered a portable antique model in his in-laws’ garage.
Invented in France in 1829, the sewing machine revolutionized how clothing was made, changing it from a labor-intensive hand process to something far faster and easier. While these mini machines are still prized by quilters, Mr. Desjardins says that today most sewing machine collectors are men, who admire the engineering.
The approximately 50 machines in the exhibition include both American and European miniatures, including a Dinsmore used on boats to repair sails. There also is a large assortment of children’s machines on display, along with sewing machine ephemera.
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Exhibition Opening Saturday, January 31
Greg Shea: Tintype Portraits
Last fall, in conjunction with Lisa Kereszi’s vintage tintype exhibition, we brought artist Greg Shea to the Custom House to create individual custom tintype portraits. His October sessions — all 14 of them — sold out.
We’ve invited Greg back both for an exhibition of his own work– elegant, sultry tintype portraits, and also an additional opportunity for you to sit for a custom portrait.
Photo, above: Greg Shea developing one of his plates at the Custom House last fall.
On February 14 Greg will once again set up his complete tintype studio at the Custom House. It’s a 2nd chance to have your tintype portrait made–alone or with your sweetheart: an especially fitting Valentine’s Day surprise! Reservation details will be available in next week’s email blast.
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a message from Louise Harrison
Dear members of the Preserve Plum Island Coalition (PPIC) and advocates,
It’s time for an update.
In our long campaign together to secure lasting preservation for Plum Island’s rich natural, historical, and cultural resources, we have seen and supported numerous legislative efforts aimed at preventing the potentially disastrous development of the island… It is critically important that a potential new owner, committed to management of sensitive resources and implementation of the public’s vision, as expressed in our 2020 publication, Envision Plum Island, step up and make themselves known.
Federal Government Complexities
… The good news is we have clear evidence that our 15+-year campaign goal of preserving Plum Island has achieved widespread support. The bad news is there is a lack of consensus among federal elected officials and agencies in “how” to achieve it…
What’s Next
Sometime this year, we expect the DHS to issue a report of “excess property,” noting the end of the PIADC’s mission. This will trigger an effort by the federal government’s General Services Administration (GSA) to find a new owner. Under the federal Property Act, GSA’s work can proceed quickly and result in an auction of the island if they determine, after official inquiries, there is no interest in ownership by any other federal agency, New York State, Suffolk County, the Town of Southold, or a not-for-profit. We cannot allow this to happen….
We’ll be stepping up public outreach efforts this year as the federal government’s actions related to Plum Island unfold. We would like to hear from you with your suggestions for presentation venues, potential preservation partnerships, new coalition members, or other new ideas. Questions welcomed.
This may be the pivotal year in finally delivering a preservation solution to Plum Island. Please stay tuned. We welcome your involvement.
My best to you for 2026,
Louise
Louise Harrison
Long Island Project Manager | Sr. Science Advisor
Save the Sound
P.O. Box 1851, Southold, NY 11971
ph: 631-428-1315
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AAQ / Resource
Jonathan S. Foster R.A. LEED A.P
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TOWNSEND MANOR INN
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OLD FASHIONED HOSPITALITY
We are a family owned and operated resort. A friendly, attentive staff set the mood for a relaxation at the Townsend Manor Inn. For here in a delightful country setting, you will discover a charming, historic, yet up to date Inn with all the conveniences and facilities for a carefree vacation living.
A superb location, excellent facilities, personal owner-management supervision and attention to your needs all combine to make Townsend Manor Inn the year round choice of discriminating vacationers and travelers.
AAQ / Resource: Townsend Manor Inn
Old Fashioned Hospitality
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AAQ / Resource: Riverhead GMC
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