Shelter Island History Museum

Shelter Island History Museum The History Museum strives to preserve the Island's heritage for future generations. Only Service Animals are welcome at The Shelter Island History Center.

The Shelter Island Historical Society interprets Shelter Island’s past through historical material and through its people, from the first Native American inhabitants, settlers and town fathers, to those who have made it a caring and unique community through the years. The Society strives to preserve the Island’s heritage for future generations. The Shelter Island History Center's main floor and l

ower level are ADA accessible. Personal photography, without flash, is allowed in the galleries. No photographic equipment (tripods, selfie sticks) is permitted. When sharing your photos on social media, please tag the Society!
Outside food and drink are not permitted inside The History Center. This is a completely smoke-free location. Smoking and Vaping are not permitted anywhere on the grounds.

Happy Labor Day! Today we’re remembering the Lima Bean co-op that operated here on Shelter Island in the 1950’s. A group...
09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day! Today we’re remembering the Lima Bean co-op that operated here on Shelter Island in the 1950’s. A group of 10 farmers formed a cooperative that, at first, grew and thrashed lima beans. A few years later they expanded, building a plant that froze and stored the beans, which were then shipped to companies like Libby, Snow Crop and others. The business closed after hurricanes and tropical storms flooded the fields and cut off power to the plant, which ruined the frozen beans. But you can still see a sign and a restored red pump at the corner of Cobbetts Lane and Manhanset Road marking the Lima Bean co-op.

Tomorrow is the final Saturday for the 2026 Havens Farmers' Market!Please join us September 5, from 9am to 12:30pm, for ...
09/04/2026

Tomorrow is the final Saturday for the 2026 Havens Farmers' Market!

Please join us September 5, from 9am to 12:30pm, for our season finale, with activities from the Quinipet Camp and Retreat Center, live music from the Jam Band, special events and, of course, our amazing local businesses, farm, food, and craft vendors.

While you’re here, make sure to stop in and view our exhibits, “Havens House: Witness the American Revolution” and “Unsung Heroes,” and try out our interactive 3D Model of Shelter Island.

See you bright and early tomorrow!

When you stop by the SIHM this Saturday for our final Farmers’ Market of 2026, make a little time to see our current exh...
09/03/2026

When you stop by the SIHM this Saturday for our final Farmers’ Market of 2026, make a little time to see our current exhibit, "Havens House: Witness The American Revolution.” Walk through historic Havens House,,” view Revolutionary artifacts and learn how our forefathers and foremothers coped with the British occupation and fought for our independence.

Alongside "Havens House: Witness The American Revolution” are two additional exhibits, both put together by students from Shelter Island High School. “Unsung Heroes” showcases the history of women's service organizations, highlighting their courage, sacrifice, and generous volunteerism. And the 3D Model of Shelter Island during the Revolutionary era was designed for families to interact with and enjoy the challenge of considering what our home looked like over 250 years ago.

Our exhibits are open to the public from Tuesdays through Fridays, 10am to 2pm and Saturdays, 9am to 12:30pm.

See you here!

The calendar page has turned to September, which means you only have until the end of this month to sign up for the Long...
09/01/2026

The calendar page has turned to September, which means you only have until the end of this month to sign up for the Long Island History Hunt! Sponsored by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, the Hunt challenges history buffs to visit select Long Island sites, specifically chosen for their roles in local history, take a selfie, and upload it to the History Hunt app. This year, you can also collect Revolutionary Trading cards at each location. If you visit all 26 sites, you’ll earn the title Revolutionary Trailblazer, and be entered into a drawing for the grand prize of $1776, along with several other items.

When you stop by the SIHM to view our current exhibits or to shop at the Havens Farmers’ Market this Saturday, ask for your James Havens trading card! The Hunt runs through September 30. For more information, see the LI History Hunt website at https://app.otocast.com/guide/LIHistoryHunt.

FINAL 2026 WEEKEND FOR THE HAVENS FARMERS' MARKET!Hard to believe but the summer is nearly at an end – and so is the Hav...
09/01/2026

FINAL 2026 WEEKEND FOR THE HAVENS FARMERS' MARKET!

Hard to believe but the summer is nearly at an end – and so is the Havens Farmers’ Market 2026 season!

Please join us this Saturday, September 5, from 9am to 12:30pm, for a great finale, with live music from the Jam Band, special events and, of course, our amazing local businesses, farm, food, and craft vendors.

While you’re here, make sure to stop in and view our exhibits, “Havens House: Witness the American Revolution” and “Unsung Heroes,” and try out our interactive 3D Model of Shelter Island.

And if you’d like to volunteer to help out during our final weekend, email

[email protected]

or call 631-749-0025 for details.

See you Saturday!

COMING SOON!
08/28/2026

COMING SOON!

Here’s what’s happening this Saturday, August 29, at the Havens Farmers’ Market!• Please stop by the Shelter Island Fire...
08/26/2026

Here’s what’s happening this Saturday, August 29, at the Havens Farmers’ Market!

• Please stop by the Shelter Island Fire Department table for information on this organization.
• Enjoy live music by the Jam Band.

There are just 2 more weeks left in our 2026 season! Join us this Saturday from 9am-12:30 pm, to shop our amazing local businesses, farm, food, and craft vendors. As a reminder, the Havens Farmers’ Market is a non-smoking environment, and though we love our furry friends, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home.

While you’re here, make sure to stop in and view our exhibits, “Havens House: Witness the American Revolution” and “Unsung Heroes,” and try out our interactive 3D Model of Shelter Island.

We are also looking for volunteers. If you’d like to join us, email

[email protected]

or call 631-749-0025 for details.

The Living History Project started in 2016 with the goal of documenting the lives of Shelter Island residents. Thanks to...
08/25/2026

The Living History Project started in 2016 with the goal of documenting the lives of Shelter Island residents. Thanks to initial funding from All For The East End (AFTEE), The Shelter Island Education Foundation (SIEF), and the Suffolk County Parks and Recreation Department, the Project purchased video and audio equipment and began a series of interviews with Shelter Island high school students that touched upon their experiences growing up in our unique Island community.

The goal of this special project was to interview these students every ten years. Well, here we are, ten years later. How did their hopes and expectations as teens turn out?

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey, and join us as we reconnect and discover how their lives have changed. To learn more about The Living History Project and how it has grown since 2016, visit: https://www.shelterislandhistorical.org/livinghistoryproject.html

08/22/2026

Havens Farmers Market is open rain or shine! Come on down and support your favorite vendors until 12:30 pm. Or if you’re looking for an indoor activity come check out our exhibits inside the museum!

If you haven’t already, make sure to sign up for the Long Island History Hunt. Sponsored by the Robert David Lion Gardin...
08/21/2026

If you haven’t already, make sure to sign up for the Long Island History Hunt. Sponsored by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, the Hunt challenges history buffs to visit select Long Island sites, specifically chosen for their roles in local history, take a selfie, and post it to the History Hunt website. This year, you can also collect Revolutionary Trading cards at each location.

When you stop by the SIHM to view our current exhibits or to shop at the Havens Farmers’ Market on Saturday, ask for your James Havens trading card! The Hunt runs through September 30, and prizes are awarded at the end of the challenge. For more information, see the LI History Hunt website at https://app.otocast.com/guide/LIHistoryHunt

Address

16 South Ferry Road, PO Box 847
Shelter Island, NY
11964

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 10am - 2pm
Thursday 10am - 2pm
Friday 10am - 2pm
Saturday 9am - 12:30pm

Telephone

+16317490025

Website

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