Suffolk County Historical Society

Suffolk County Historical Society Founded in 1886, to collect, preserve, and interpret the ongoing history of Suffolk County, NY Over 20,000 historical artifacts are cared for in the museum.
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Permanent and changing exhibitions are used to interpret important themes in Suffolk County history.

Holiday Closure: The museum will be closed on Saturday, May 23, for the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
05/21/2026

Holiday Closure: The museum will be closed on Saturday, May 23, for the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

America 250 LECTURE: “Long Island and the American Revolution” presented by Noel Gish. Saturday, May 30, 2026 – 1:00 PM....
05/13/2026

America 250 LECTURE: “Long Island and the American Revolution” presented by Noel Gish. Saturday, May 30, 2026 – 1:00 PM.

Cost: $8; members free. Includes light refreshments. Registration and nonrefundable prepayment required: 631-727-2881 x100.

Few Long Islanders realize the important role our island played in the American Revolution--from signers of the Declaration of Independence, to the largest battle of the war fought on our soil, to a daring and successful spy ring and the bold whaleboat raids on British strongholds, Long Island stood at the center of the struggle.

Join us for an opening reception on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 1:00 pm for a new America 250 Exhibit: For the Blessings of...
05/01/2026

Join us for an opening reception on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 1:00 pm for a new America 250 Exhibit:

For the Blessings of Liberty - Suffolk County and the American Revolution.

Admission: $5 adults, $3 seniors, $1 children, members free. Light refreshments will be served.

On August 27th, 1776, the American army under command of General George Washington suffered defeat by the British at the Battle of Brooklyn. Washington's army retreated, and Long Island would be under British control for the next seven years – longer than any other part of America.

Nearly a third of Suffolk County residents were able to flee to the mainland, but for those left behind – by choice or necessity – those seven years would be filled with uncertainty, divided loyalties, curfews, raids and confiscation, forced labor, and demands of the ever-present British soldiers.

Through our collection of historical artifacts – some of which are on display for the first time – the Suffolk County Historical Society explores this crucial period in our county's history to examine the dear price we paid for the "Blessings of Liberty."

Suffolk County Historical Society MUSEUM
300 W. Main St., Riverhead, NY 11901
631.727.2881 www.SuffolkCountyHistoricalSociety.org
Gallery Hours: Weds. -Sat., 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., excluding holidays.

BOOK & BOTTLE Lecture: My Grandfather & Albert Einstein, with Ron Rothman. Saturday, May 2, 2026 - 1:00 PM.Members Free,...
04/24/2026

BOOK & BOTTLE Lecture: My Grandfather & Albert Einstein, with Ron Rothman. Saturday, May 2, 2026 - 1:00 PM.
Members Free, Non-Members $8. Includes refreshments. Registration + non-refundable prepayment required. *Seating is limited!* Call 631-727-2881 X100 to reserve your spot!

Ron Rothman will recount fascinating stories about the unique relationship between his grandfather, David Rothman, and Albert Einstein, including the real story about Einstein's sandals, as well as other anecdotes, diary entries, and footnotes that provide insight into the summer of 1939 when Einstein spent the summer in Southold Town.

This event will include a Book Sale & Signing. The author will offer copies of his book for sale at $16.95 each (cash, credit, Venmo, or Apple Pay).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ron Rothman, a North Fork resident, is an artist, musician, shopkeeper, owner of Rothman’s Guitars and Rothman’s Department. Along with "My Grandfather and Albert Einstein," his first book, "Harmony, the People’s Guitar," is the only published book on the Harmony Guitar Co. and the instruments it produced.

LAST CALL! Depression Glass Exhibit Closing 4/25!Sparkling Through Adversity: DEPRESSION GLASS OF THE 1930s A Spotlight ...
04/17/2026

LAST CALL! Depression Glass Exhibit Closing 4/25!

Sparkling Through Adversity: DEPRESSION GLASS OF THE 1930s
A Spotlight Series Exhibit in our Weathervane Gallery thru April 25, 2026.

At the onset of the Great Depression, the elegant crystal and glassware of the Roaring Twenties became financially unattainable for many families. Mass-produced, colorful, glistening pressed glassware quickly gained popularity, as homemakers delighted in setting their tables with these affordable jewel-like dish sets and accessories, with many items selling for just pennies. Known today as Depression Glass, these inexpensive yet colorful wares were produced in dozens of sparkling patterns and hues, bringing small luxuries of beauty and optimism to the dark years of the 1930s. Through a rainbow array of pastels and jewel tones, iridescent opalescent “carnival” finishes, and even a glowing uranium variety, this Spotlight Series exhibit showcases some of the finest pieces from the Suffolk County Historical Society’s own collection—and serves as a colorful reflection of beauty and hope through adversity.

Gallery Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, excluding holidays. More info.: 631-727-2881 x100.

Suffolk County Historical Society Museum
300 W. Main St. Riverhead, NY 11901
www.SuffolkCountyHistoricalSociety.org

AMERICA 250 CONCERT: The Evolution & Revolution of American Music, featuring Transitions Saxophone Quartet. Saturday, Ap...
04/03/2026

AMERICA 250 CONCERT: The Evolution & Revolution of American Music, featuring Transitions Saxophone Quartet. Saturday, April 18, 2026 - 2:00 pm.

This performance is free with museum admission, but SEATING IS LIMITED & **REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED** to 631-727-2881 x100.
Museum admission: $5 adult, $3 senior, $1 child, members free.

Through performance, narrative, and multimedia presentation, Transitions Saxophone Quartet will explore artists in early American culture who imitated traditional European classical music and then revolutionized the style, creating unique American sounds that evolved into many musical genres enjoyed today. American music is the "melting pot" of many cultures, and Transitions will explore these musical mixtures and how they are directly responsible for the emergence of the beloved genres that we enjoy today, including jazz, ragtime, swing, bebop, hip hop, rock & roll, R & B, and funk. The presentation will guide us through a musical journey and help us develoр а deeper appreciation and understanding of the linear evolution of American music. We will enjoy some of America's most cherished melodies by composers Billings, Gilmore, Joplin, and Beach as well as the sounds of more contemporary artists Gershwin, Berlin, Copland, Bernstein, Charlie Parker, Neil Diamond, Glenn Miller, Elvis Presley, Taylor Swift, and Stevie Wonder.

TRANSITIONS SAXOPHONE QUARTET is Bill Link - Alto & Soprano Saxophone; Mike Rudnicki - Alto Saxophone; Jim Lasher - Tenor Saxophone; and Bill Leacock - Baritone & Bass Saxophone. Founded in 1987 by members of the Smithtown Community Band, Transitions Saxophone Quartet has performed for a wide range of audiences throughout Long Island. Venues have included wineries, art galleries, libraries, weddings, and private parties. Transitions is dedicated to bringing the unique sound of music written for the saxophone to the general public.

SUFFOLK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM
300 West Main St. Riverhead, NY 11901
www.SuffolkCountyHistoricalSociety.org

HOLIDAY CLOSURE: We will be closed on Saturday, April 4, 2026 for the Easter holiday, and will reopen on Wednesday, Apr...
04/03/2026

HOLIDAY CLOSURE: We will be closed on Saturday, April 4, 2026 for the Easter holiday, and will reopen on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

LAST CALL ! Sportsman's Paradise Exhibit Closing March 21, 2026.From New York City’s wealthy elite to resident locals m...
03/13/2026

LAST CALL ! Sportsman's Paradise Exhibit Closing March 21, 2026.

From New York City’s wealthy elite to resident locals making a living here, Long Island has been recognized as a mecca for sportsmen and sportswomen for over 150 years, earning its own exhibition at the National Sportsman’s Show from 1895 to the 1940s. Illustrating how hunting evolved from necessity to popular sport, eventually leading to the introduction of protective conservation laws, this exhibition explores how the “sporting life” - through job opportunities, increased rail traffic, hotel and resort development, and eventual wildlife conservation - influenced our way of life on Long Island. Through a varied assortment of hunting equipment, hand-carved decoys, duck boats, fishing gear, themed toys, clothing, magazines, & more. Sportsman’s Paradise explores all that Suffolk County offered to those who were seeking its natural rewards.

Gallery Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, excluding holiday weekends. More info.: 631-727-2881 x100.

OPENING RECEPTION this SATURDAY, March 14, 2026 - 1-3 pm. $5 admission, members free. Light refreshments will be served....
03/11/2026

OPENING RECEPTION this SATURDAY, March 14, 2026 - 1-3 pm. $5 admission, members free. Light refreshments will be served.

Visions of Freedom, an America 250 Exhibit. A Multimedia Exhibition by Women Sharing Art, Inc.

Women Sharing Art, Inc. presents Visions of Freedom in honor of America 250, the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. WSA is a vibrant collective of women artists working across ceramics, painting, art glass, fiber art, jewelry, mixed media, mosaics, oils, & acrylics, photography, pottery, sculpture, watercolor, and videography.

In Our Gish Gallery March 1 – August 22, 2026.

In Visions of Freedom, over 30 talented artists bring together diverse perspectives to explore what freedom means in the American experience. Through deeply personal expressions and varied artistic languages, from richly textured mosaics and luminous glass pieces to evocative photographs and expressive paintings, the exhibit celebrates both historical ideals and contemporary interpretations of liberty, identity, and possibility. Drawing on each artist’s unique background and created voice, the works invite viewers to reflect on the many dimensions of freedom in a nation shaped by diverse cultures, struggles, and stories. Visions of Freedom is not only a visual display of craftsmanship across media but also a thoughtful dialogue about the ideals at the core of America’s ongoing journey.


SCHS PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Blizzard of 1888, Suffolk Tavern, Patchogue. (From the Suffolk County Historical Society Librar...
02/26/2026

SCHS PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Blizzard of 1888, Suffolk Tavern, Patchogue. (From the Suffolk County Historical Society Library & Archive. Image © copyright Suffolk County Historical Society. All rights reserved.)

The Blizzard of 1888 was a powerful storm that raged for 72 hours in March of that year. Sometimes called the "Great White Hurricane," the deadly blizzard overwhelmed the Northeast with single-digit temperatures, up to 90 mph winds, and 4-5 feet of snow, ultimately taking the lives of over 400 people.

Long Island was hit hard by the storm, with many areas recording nearly 40 inches of snow and two-story-high drifts. The blizzard knocked out telephone and telegraph lines, paralyzed the LIRR, and left people stranded in their homes without access to food. Residents on the eastern end of Long Island were isolated from the outside world, where the snow reportedly extended to the second floor of the Sag Harbor Express building.

On Huntington's Main Street the drifts were 10-15 feet high. A local police order required saloons, such as the Suffolk Tavern in Patchogue pictured here, to stay open all night to shelter stranded men, women, and children who had been caught off-guard by the storm and were unable to reach their homes safely.


Address

300 W Main Street
Riverhead, NY
11901

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4:30pm
Thursday 10am - 4:30pm
Friday 10am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16317272881

Website

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