Southold

Historical Museum

Join us 1:00 PM on Thursday, May 8 at the Maple Lane Campus for the final lecture in our series with a presentation by Mia Certic, executive director of Montauk Historical Society, on “The Tragedy of the Pelican”.

On the sunny morning of September 1, 1951, 62 people set sail from Montauk for a day’s fishing, along with 2 crew members. When a freak storm rolled in and the fishing vessel Pelican tried to return to port, it was hit by a massive wave and capsized only a mile off the Montauk Point.

Lighthouse. Forty-five people were lost, including the captain, and the bodies of 18 of them were never recovered. For the past four years, the Montauk Historical Society has been seeking to find survivors, family members of the victims and others with stories to tell about the Pelican. This lecture will address how the disaster occurred, what the Coast Guard did to ensure it would never happen again, and why it took over 70 years to recognize the tragedy and create a memorial.

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The lecture is free to attend, but donations gladly accepted.

Kindly RSVP.

You’re invited to Southold Historical Museum’s “Burger and a Beer” fundraising event at Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. in Peconic on April 23 from 4 PM to 8 PM. Your ticket includes a delicious burger or cheeseburger (smash burger style), fries, and a refreshing beer in a fun and casual atmosphere. (Vegetarian option available by request, and wine available for a modest upcharge). Each ticket costs $35 pp and includes the tip.

Coincidentally, April 23 also happens to be St. George’s Day, recognized by many to be a day of feasting! So come join us!

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Tickets can be purchased online at Southold Historical Museum’s website with a small online processing fee, or at the Museum Offices at 54325 Main Rd., Southold, Mon. – Fri., 10 AM – 2 PM. Tickets are also available at the door on the day of the event with cash or check only. We hope to see you there!

When was the last time you visited the Museum Gift Shop in the historic Prince Building?

The shop is filled with the North Fork’s largest selection of books on local history, local artists, and even local recipes. Area maps, wine-related goods, thoughtful giftware, children’s gifts, and historic postcards also available. There are also many locally-made hand-crafted items, a scattering of vintage finds, and educational toys and puzzles.

Plus, members get 10% off all purchases!

Open 10 AM – 2 PM, Monday – Friday at 54325 Main Rd., Southold.

All sales benefit the Museum.

Southold Historical Museum’s “History in the Making” 2025 Pickleball Tournament is taking place June 7 at Tasker Park and registration is now open.

You may want to consider registering early before the price goes up and tournament space fills. Limited slots available. You can register for either the individual Round Robin Tournament from 9AM – 12PM or the Team Tournament from 12:30 PM – 2PM.

Would you consider becoming a sponsor for Southold Historical Museum’s “History in the Making Pickleball Tournament” on Saturday, June 7, 2025? There are many opportunities for businesses, organizations, and local groups to gain wonderful visibility before and during the event! This is our fourth annual tournament, with previous events proving enormously popular.

See the various sponsorship levels at the link below and click to print out a sponsorship form. If you have any questions, you may contact Barbara Poliwoda, Event Chair at 631-335-1878 or bpoliwoda@gmail.com or Darren St. George at 631-578.9963 or d.stgeorge@southoldhistorical.org

We were so pleased to welcome Angela Reich from the Fire Island Lighthouse as our guest speaker during a special presentation at the Maple Lane Campus on Thursday, Mar. 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM titled: “Storms, Shipwrecks, Lifesavers & Lightkeepers: The History of the Fire Island Lighthouse.”

A standing room-only crowd, and several Zoom call-in participants, enjoyed the lecture. Angela Reich is a Fire Island Lighthouse docent and author of Shipwreck of Hopes—a novel inspired by the 1850 wreck of the ship Elizabeth. This historical event played a pivotal role in shaping the early Life Saving Service who patrolled our shores and safeguarded maritime traffic along the nation’s busiest shipping lanes.

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If you missed the event, you can view on our YouTube channel:

Thinking About Volunteering?

We are always seeking enthusiastic individuals to join us to help welcome visitors to our historic sites, or to act as event volunteers, gift shop keepers, and other opportunities throughout the year.

The flexibility of volunteering allows you to contribute as much or as little time as you can spare, ensuring a rewarding and educational experience tailored to your schedule.

Call us at 631-765-5500 or find out more on our website.

Apr. 23

Burger & A Beer Fundraiser at Greenport Harbor Brewing Co.

May 2, 9, & 16

Free Line Dancing Lessons

May 8

Lecture – “The Tragedy of the Pelican” by Montauk’s

Mia Certic

May 23

Line Dancing Party at the Maple Lane Campus

Now Through June 6

Call for Artists! Ten Squared

At the Seaside

Art Exhibit & Sale

June 6

Elementary School Walking Tour

June 7

“History in the Making” PickleballTournament

July 12 & 13

Living History Day: Revolutionary Encampment

July 26 & 27

Summer Antiques, Fine Art, and Crafts Fair

August 16

Basket Weaving Demo

at Horton Point

Sept. 27 & 28

Autumn Antiques, Fine Art, and Crafts Fair

Oct. 6

“History in the Making” Golf Tournament

Your gracious support allows Southold Historical Museum to offer many free events throughout the year. Thank you.

Southold Historical Museum programs are made possible by New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.