Last updated: 12/19/2014
17 Meeting House Lane
Southampton, NY 11968
P.O. Box 303
Southampton, NY 11969
The Southampton Colonial Society (now doing business as the Southampton Historical Museum) was organized in 1898 and incorporated in 1910. In its early days, the Society collected and exhibited historical objects and documents relating to the history and development of Southampton, organized pageants, and gave lectures on antiques. By the 1990s the Rogers Mansion property had expanded to include 12 historic structures including a one-room schoolhouse, a 1825 barn, and a 19th century paint shore, among others. The museum is open year-round with changing exhibits on historic topics, a research center, and extensive education programs for schoolchildren and adults.
The Rogers Mansion contains an extensive research library and archives dedicated to the history of Southampton and its surrounding areas. The library currently contains over 800 volumes and the archives include a wide range of subjects from account books to family memorabilia. Come explore our research center and with the help of a research assistant see what you can discover.
In 2012 the Rogers Mansion Museum Complex, with 12 historic buildings, was awarded a unique designation on the National Register of Historic Places. William Rogers purchased the property in 1648 which was owned by a Rogers descendent until 1880. In 1899 the dwelling was purchased by Samuel Longstreth Parrish; an attorney from New York City, summer colonist, and founder of the Parrish Art Museum. Later, in 1952 the Southampton Colonial Society leased the house and grounds and began restoration. The house is filled with furnishings donated by members of the Southampton community and date mostly from the Victorian (1837-1901) and Edwardian eras (1901-1910). On the grounds behind the mansion is Old Southampton Village with historic structures collected from different areas of Southampton. They include a 19th century paint store, a blacksmith’s shop, a cobbler’s shop, a one-room schoolhouse, and a colonial era barn that
This is the only trade shop built in the 1600s in America that has been in continuous use and in its original location. Originally a dry goods store, it was purchased in 1717 by Francis Pelletreau who immigrated to Southampton from New York City to develop his business producing oil and candles from whales that drifted to Southampton beaches. His grandson Elias Pelletreau occupied the building between 1750 and 1810 making jewelry, shoe buckles, tankards, silverware, etc. His son, nephew, and grandson continued the tradition of silver smithing into the 19th century. The shop is now occupied by Master Jeweler Eric Messin who gives tours of the building and conducts workshops in jewelry making.
This rare “first period” house was built in 1660 when Main Street, in the pioneer hamlet of Southampton, was first laid out. Its owner, Thomas Halsey, was one of the original families who bought property from the Shinnecocks in 1640. Believed to be the oldest English-style house in New York State, the Halsey home is filled with 17th and 18th century furnishings, donated by local families. The kitchen has an early wide fireplace used for cooking and is surrounded by open hearth cooking tools. The collection of William and Mary furniture is of note as is a high chest, circa 1700, by Nathaniel Dominys, a local cabinetmaker. The first restoration was supervised in 1959 by Henry Francis duPont of the Winterthur Museum. In the backyard is a Colonial revival-style garden that replicates an 18th century herb garden, a perennial border and an apple orchard.
The Southampton Historical Museum is widely recognized for organizing some of the most loved social events in the Hamptons. Raising funds in support of local history doesn’t have to be stuffy. We hope you join us at our next event. Please check our website or call for the latest event information.
The Southampton Historical Museum has an active year round internship program available to high school, college, and graduate students. Our internship programs introduce students to a profession choice in the humanities by participating in multifaceted, meaningful, and energetic museum work. The following positions are available based on the talents and interests of the intern: Docent, Public Relations, Curating Assistant, Collections Assistant, Education Assistant, and Administration Assistant.
The Rogers Mansion contains an extensive research library and archives dedicated to the history of Southampton and its surrounding areas. The library currently contains over 800 volumes and the archives include a wide range of subjects from account books to family memorabilia. Come explore our research center and with the help of a research assistant see what you can discover.
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: Yes
Donations & Memberships
Please help support local history, preservation and education. Your membership or donations are an important part of our ability to continue serving the community. Click an option below to complete your payment securely on PayPal using a credit card, debit card or PayPal account.
All membership levels include: Free admission to the Rogers Mansion, the Thomas Halsey Homestead and selected programs. Plus, a discount on select workshops and special events 10% off in the Museum Shop
Our Gift Shop is located at the Roger’s Mansion and offers a wonderful selection of historically relevant items for home, office and children. Please visit Wednesday to Saturday, 11AM–4PM.
The Southampton Historical Museum owns several beautiful historic properties that are the ideal year-round location to host your wedding or special event. Please contact the Southampton Historical Museum at 631-283-2494 or email dbecker@southamptonhistoricalmuseum.org for pricing and availability.
•THE ROGERS MANSION - built in 1843, is available for weddings, corporate meetings, recitals, and private parties. The interior has four reception rooms with Victorian Era furnishings appropriate for seated dinners of up to 50 people and receptions for up to 150 people
•THE GREAT LAWN - can accommodate over 200 people that can be seated outdoors on the lawn or under a 100 foot tent. This location also has a elegant Pergola that provides wonderful shade or rain protection.
•The HALSEY HOUSE - built in 1666 and has nearly an acre of beautiful grounds located in the estate section of Southampton.
•The Red Barn - a rustic interior that is perfect for beer tastings, corporate receptions, or to be used as a theater.
Gift Shop
Online Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
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