Southold

Historical Museum

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Southold Historical Museum had a remarkable year filled with exciting events and special activities that brought together friends and neighbors from the community and beyond.

As we bid farewell to 2023, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the highlights of the season. From sharing the rich history of Southold to getting together for social events, the year was full of fun and community spirit.

We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to our programs and events and helped raise funds for the museum. Your support has enabled us to continue our mission of preserving and sharing the history of Southold. As we look forward to another year of exciting events and community engagement, we wish you and your family a wonderful New Year!

This year we welcomed many notable authors and historians to present their knowledge on a variety of subjects of interest to the community.

We started the year with our popular Winter Lecture series that focused on the theme: “Local Farming through the Years.” Guest speakers included Tom Wickham, Al Krupski, and Mark Torres. Mr. Wickham and Mr. Krupski delighted the crowd with stories of Long Island’s rich and fertile lands, providing a fascinating insight as long-time family farmers. Mr. Torres discussed the migratory labor groups who came to the North Fork to work the land in the early 1900s.

During our outdoor Summer Lighthouse Lectures, Author Bill Bleyer fascinated attendees with the “The Sinking of the Steamboat Lexington,” and Lighthouse Chair Ray Nofi delighted the crowd with the “History of the Holland Submarine.”

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We held several fundraising events throughout the year and we appreciate how the community rallied around to show their support. These included the Burger and a Beer fundraising dinner at Greenport Harbor Brewery; the popular Wine by the Vines event at Pellegrini Vineyards; and Dinner for Two by Maroni Southold. Our Summer Sweepstakes also generated a great deal of excitement.

We are so thankful to all our participants and our generous business neighbors. 

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Special thanks to all of the local artists who participated in our Ten Squared online exhibit & sale, and to the community who generously purchased the beautiful works of art.

The theme of the summer exhibit was Local Farming through the Years, while the winter exhibit included pieces of artwork focused on the theme North Fork Memories. We were delighted to exhibit such truly wonderful pieces of local artwork. 

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Southold Historical Museum Education of Youth Committee conducted another engaging Step Back in History Week welcoming young people from our community for a week of programming to learn about the history of Southold. The agenda included education on farm life, the printing press, transportation, local nautical history, and more.

It concluded with a visit from Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell who spoke with students at Founders Landing Park. The Education of Youth Committee ensures interest and knowledge about our community’s storied past extends to the next generation.

We were so pleased to welcome the local Southold Elementary students! 

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We had tremendous interest and participation at our Second Annual Pickleball Tournament to benefit Southold Historical Museum.

We were so thankful for our volunteers and sponsors and all the participants who made this such a lovely event. Held at the Southold Pickleball Court at Tasker Park, Pickleball is described as an infectious game, part tennis/part ping pong that promotes engagement and healthy activity. It was also a great deal of fun.

Special thanks to our sponsors: NOFO Real Estate, Carbon Team at CrossCountry Mortgage, Poliwoda Team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate, as well as the many other contributing businesses and individuals 

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This year, the Nautical Museum at Horton Point Lighthouse looked much different as we reinterpreted many of the exhibits to emphasize several important local narratives.

These include reimagined exhibits on whaling, working on the bays, and the history of the lighthouse and its keepers. Many thanks to our manager of collections, Amy Folk, and our volunteers who transformed the museum so that what is old is new again. Much appreciation is extended to all involved!

Visitors to our 2023 special exhibit “Answering the Call: The History of Southold Fire Department” discovered how a brave group of firefighters sprang into action to protect our growing town.

The exhibition explored the early history of today’s Southold Fire Department and the many ways that Southold Fire Department engages with the community today, including rescues, education, and prevention. Special thanks to Lee Cleary and the Exhibits Committee who curated this wonderful display. 

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This year, Southold Historical Museum hosted two fairs inviting visitors to come and discover their treasures. The Antiques, Fine Art, and Crafts Fair was held on the picturesque grounds of the Maple Lane Complex during the summer and autumn seasons.

We are thankful to our partner, the Old Town Arts and Crafts Guild, with whom we present this event. Visitors enjoyed the many vendors selling fine art, antiques, pottery, photography, handmade crafts, and vintage treasures. 

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We were thrilled to once again welcome reenactors from the Third New York Regiment who set up a fun and interactive living history encampment on the grounds of the Maple Lane Complex!

The community came out to see how soldiers lived as they traveled to join General Washington and his troops. Visitors experienced 18th-century camp life, including demonstrations of firearms, military drills, and other daily tasks. 

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Our volunteers are truly at the heart of our organization. Whether acting as docents at our historic sites, assisting customers at the Treasure Exchange, or working at our events year-round, we are truly thankful.

This year we also welcomed Joseph Earley as our Bainbridge Memorial Intern, and Annabel Wood Kurman as our 2023 Gardiner Young Scholar, who were both a delight.

We appreciate all you do! 

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We were pleased to welcome several prearranged group tours to our historic locations. These tours provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about Southold’s history in a more personalized way.

Many of the groups came from outside the area, including the Sayville Library and the U.S. Lighthouse Society, while others such as the Southold Mother’s Club tour brought children in to explore our exhibits. We were also pleased to present a Spanish language tour as we collaborated with the local Center for Advocacy, Support, and Transformation (CAST) to bring a group to the Nautical Museum.

We provide group tours year-round, so please contact us if you are interested in bringing your organization or club to visit our museums.

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Our Candlelight Tour & Tree Lighting ceremony and the Holiday Fair are both such magical ways to wrap up the year. What an absolutely lovely time, and as always, we are delighted to share these beloved community events!

We want to say thank you to our volunteers who work so hard to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Candlelight Tour featured several displays and demonstrations that intrigued adults and children. Of course, everyone loved seeing Santa at both events. We appreciate the support of Southold IGA, East End Financial Group, and the many local businesses who generously sponsored the event. Thank you.