Oysterponds Historical / Spring Newsletter: America’s 250th | Schedule of Events | Penny Farthing ….

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Spring 2026 Newsletter

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An update from Alison Ventura, OHS Executive Director

After enduring feet of snow, single-digit temperatures, and biting winds that haven’t been seen in decades, we’re heartened by an unmistakable sign of spring emerging across the OHS campus: daffodils sprouting everywhere!

These resilient blooms are a testament to the collective green thumbs of the students of Oysterponds Elementary School. Back in the fall, as part of Volunteer Day, they planted hundreds of bulbs that they nourished with a little innocent hope and anticipation. And it looks like their efforts have truly paid off!

Although daffodils may signal that Oysterponds is waking from its winter slumber, you can rest assured that OHS hasn’t been hibernating! We just kicked off the season with a smash-success Bingo Night at Poquatuck Hall (pictured above). And, as you can see from the calendar below, we’ve been hard at work planning a host of talks, exhibitions, and community gatherings— each one designed to celebrate history and community.

None of this would be possible without the enthusiastic support of our members and the community at large. Here’s to a season of warmth, growth, and new beginnings!

Best wishes,

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Commemorating America’s 250th

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On June 13th, OHS will host a free, family-friendly Revolutionary War Encampment & Living History Day at Poquatuck Park — part of our ongoing commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.

The highlight of the day will be a historically accurate Revolutionary War encampment presented by the New York 3rd Regiment. Visitors can also enjoy period music performed by local musicians and a variety of educational activities for all ages.

Rounding out the day, the Webb House will be open to visitors for its new exhibition, When the War Came Home: Oysterponds and the American Revolution. The exhibit features historic artifacts from Revolutionary War-era Oysterponds and tells the story of how 18th-century residents of present-day East Marion and Orient navigated divided loyalties and wartime hardship — and ultimately emerged battered but triumphant.

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Collections Spotlight on OHS’s very own Penny Farthing!

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OHS’s collection boasts many extraordinary pieces; here’s one that has generated a lot of excitement!

Last year, OHS Executive Director Alison Ventura discovered this extraordinary Penny Farthing (a.k.a. “High Wheel Ordinary Bicycle”) tucked away in a dark corner of the Red Barn cellar, where it had been stored for decades. Recognizing it as too special to remain hidden, she sought out Damon Strub, a retired engineer who expertly restores historical bicycles. Damon was thrilled by the discovery, and, despite the bicycle’s compromised condition, eagerly agreed to take on the restoration.

Our “Kangaroo” Penny Farthing was a patented design first produced in England by Hillman, Herbert & Cooper in 1884. OHS’s bike is an original, first generation 1884 model. Mr. Strub’s painstaking restoration of the Penny Farthing ran the gamut from straightening the bent handlebar to repairing a broken bell to replacing both tires with modern reproductions, and so much more.

Mike and Alison Ventura funded its restoration in honor of their late son, Michael, who loved antique bicycles and dreamed of one day owning a Penny Farthing.

The Kangaroo will be included in a 2027 OHS exhibition about the history of bicycling on the North Fork.

Pictured above: Damon Strub delivering the restored bike to OHS.

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New exhibitions in Village House open to the public on Memorial Day Weekend…

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Memorial Day weekend will mark the opening of new exhibitions in Village House, offering a look into local history, craftsmanship, and art. As we put the final touches on the displays, we wanted to give you a sneak-peek at what’s coming.

LOST OYSTERPONDS is focused on photographs of East Marion and Orient buildings that have been torn down, moved, or destroyed by fire or storms. CURLICUE WICKER FROM THE COLLECTION will feature important pieces from leading American wicker furniture makers.

CHILDREN’S VEHICLES explores vintage vehicles designed for children, including an early tricycle, a painted sled, a goat cart, and an Irish Mail.

RECENT ACQUISITIONS includes early 19th-century issues of the Long-Island Star newspaper; our first 21st-century Oysterponds quilt; a bust of Abraham Lincoln by Robert Berks, and more.

ABRAHAM G. D. TUTHILL features two newly-acquired, handsome portraits painted by Abraham G.D. Tuthill, the only 18th-century artist born in Oysterponds, alongside two of his portraits already in the OHS collection.

ROBERT BERKS: THE MARY McLEOD BETHUNE MEMORIAL explores Orient denizen and nationally-known sculptor Berks’ memorial to Bethune, the world-renowned educator, civil rights leader, women’s rights activist and presidential advisor.

Starting Saturday, May 23rd Village House will be open on Fridays 2pm – 5pm, Saturdays 11am – 5pm and Sundays 2pm – 5pm.

Admission for OHS members is free and $10 for non-member adults.

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Please join us in welcoming OHS’s newest employee!

Katy Perry, a Queens native, has been visiting the North Fork since she was a kid and made it her permanent home in 2015 with her husband and son. With over 15 years of experience in both restaurant management and event planning, Katy has successfully managed teams, coordinated large-scale events, and created memorable guest experiences. In her new role as Program Manager at OHS, she is enthusiastic about creating engaging, educational programs that foster meaningful experiences while preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of the North Fork and more specifically Oysterponds.

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