Museum

The restored Naugles Barn at Hallockville Museum Farm.

The Board of Directors of Hallockville Museum Farm, the 28-acre, preserved North Fork farm homestead in Riverhead, invites the public to attend a celebration of the restoration of Naugles Barn on Thursday, June 26. The free event will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4 p.m., followed by a musical performance by the Old Time Jam band. Beverages will be available for purchase from the Travlin’ Tavern. Folks are invited to bring their families and picnic blankets, walk the grounds, and visit the animals. The festivities will continue until 8:30 p.m. – enabling guests to enjoy a beautiful farm view sunset – weather permitting.

“We are so excited to be opening these new doors of Naugles Barn to the public, marking the completion of the initial phase of the restoration project,” said Hallockville Executive Director, Heather Johnson. “The barn is now more accessible, more usable and more durable, and thanks to the skilled crafts people who worked on the project, still the authentic 1937 structure. We thank them all.”

The restoration work was performed by Heidtmann & Sons Builders of Cutchogue. The project included creation of three on-site restrooms with an innovative/alternative septic system, first floor windows and doors including two new entrances one of which is fully accessible, insulation in the walls, heating, a new staircase to the basement and another to a second floor storage space, and other improvements that will enable Hallockville to use the barn for activities and events year-‘round. The barn also got a fresh coat of white paint, in keeping with its historic, local character and to protect it from the elements.

The timing of the Naugles Barn restoration coincides with the 50th anniversary of Hallockville Museum Farm, which will be formally celebrated on August 21 at a fundraising dinner in honor of the Van de Wetering family. Persons interested in attending the anniversary celebration can find details and purchase tickets at: www.hallockville.org.

“There’s more work that needs to be done to make the Naugles Barn a fully functioning, four-season structure, and we’re continuing to raise money for the project, as well as for the ongoing maintenance of the barn and the 18 other buildings on the property,” Johnson explained. “We are grateful to everyone who has supported this project to date and we look forward to continuing to serve this wonderful North Fork community for another 50 years and beyond.”

About Hallockville Museum Farm

Hallockville Museum Farm, located at 6038 Sound Avenue in Riverhead, is a 501c3 nonprofit organization comprised of a 28-acre preserved farm homestead in Riverhead, NY, listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. Hallockville Museum Farm is dedicated to taking Long Island back to its family farming roots and exploring their relevance today. For additional information about Hallockville Museum Farm please visit: www.hallockville.org.

Photo courtesy of Long Island Museum

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook will host the 9th Annual Arts & Alzheimer’s Conference on Thursday, June 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The conference will provide insight, and inspiration, into how the arts can enrich the lives of those with memory loss. The full-day program will feature presentations, activities and performances from local and national experts on how the arts can help increase engagement, and will help attendees discover the vast and enriching opportunities available for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory loss.

“Art and music can play such an important role in engaging and helping those with memory loss, providing a wonderful outlet for self-expression, as well as helping to stimulate positive memories, reduce anxiety and improve mood and social interaction,” said Beth Chiarelli, Assistant Director of Education at LIM, which also offers a series of In the Moment programs designed for those living with memory loss and their care partners.

The event is offered at no cost due to generous anonymous funding, and a complimentary lunch will be provided for all attendees. “We are so pleased to be able to offer this conference to the community, and help raise awareness of how the arts can enhance the quality of life for so many people with memory loss in our community,” said Chiarelli.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required by calling 631-751-0066, ext 211, or emailing [email protected].

By Beverly C. Tyler

Driving along Main Street in Port Jefferson, turn east onto East Main Street and bear right at the historic Biddle fountain reproduction onto Prospect Street. On your left at number 115  is the home of the Historical Society of Greater Port Jefferson in the John R. Mather house and grounds. Mather was a famous shipbuilder in Port Jefferson and a descendant of local shipbuilders. He built the home in the 1840s and added the present front of the house in the 1860s. His son John T. Mather bequeathed funds to create a community hospital. The J.T. Mather Memorial Hospital opened on New Year’s Eve 1929.

My wife Barbara and I were welcomed to the house by guide Cathy Duffy who began with the 1860s parlor filled with period pieces, maritime paintings and artifacts. The next room, listed as the library, includes a wonderful collection of half-hull models used as one of the first steps in ship design and construction. One of these half-hull models is of the schooner yacht “Wanderer” which was built in East Setauket in 1857 and became an infamous slaver, transporting more than 600 enslaved Africans from the west coast of Africa to Jekyll Island, Georgia in 1858.

In the next room, in a case labeled “Recent Acquisitions” is a painting of the “Wanderer.” This room, guide Duffy noted, is the main exhibit room for the 2025 exhibit “Treasures From Our Attic.” The “treasures” here also include hand-made quilts, costumes, samplers, and three dresses. The most interesting item was a paper dress made for an 1876 masquerade party. The dress was constructed from current issues of Harper’s Weekly and was worn by the party hostess, Mrs. James E. Bayles. Engraved pictures showing scenes of the day decorated almost every inch of space on her dress. The other two dresses are a wedding dress and a Campfire Girl’s uniform labeled “Woodgatherers.” It includes a beaded necklace of “badges” earned.

The grounds and buildings include a tool shed with maritime tools and artifacts, the Dr. R. Sherman Mills general store and post office, and a replica of a sail loft on the lower level. The archival building includes a large collection of documents and photographs which is available to researchers by appointment. 

For me, the number one attraction on the grounds is the Spinney Clock Building, which was added to the property in 2000. Inside are more than 200 magnificent clocks donated to the historical society by Tex Spinney. The collection ranges from tall grandfather clocks to mantle clocks with beautiful hand-painted scenes. A grandfather clock, made by Tiffany, is nine feet six inches high with a fully carved case. A black marble astronomical clock includes a barometer and calendar and a mouse clock strikes “hickory, dickory, dock.” Volunteer clock enthusiasts from the Spinney Clock Collector’s Guild maintain the collection and offer classes in the care and repair of antique and newer timepieces.

When you visit the John Richard Mather house, be sure to pick up the three free “Historic Walking Tour guides that describe the homes, sites, businesses and features of the historic Port Jefferson downtown and harbor areas. Each guide covers a specific concentrated area with a minimum of walking, so enjoy this area, rich in history and beauty.     

Mather’s home, the surrounding museum buildings and the consignment shop are open Wednesday –  Sunday 12-4 P.M. through October 5th.

Beverly Tyler is Three Village Historical Society historian and author of books available from the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Rd., Setauket, NY 11733. Tel: 631-751-3730. WWW.TVHS.org 

Photo courtesy of Whaling Museum
The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor seeks enthusiastic and helpful Museum Program Assistants age 13+ for their family programs and events. If you love helping with crafts and working with kids, the museum would love to hear from you. Have fun, make a difference, and give back to the community!
Volunteers will:
-Assist with  preparing crafts and activities
-Work with families and children to complete crafts
-Assist with summer camp at the museum
-Contribute to collections research and care
-Help out with museum maintenance
-Receive community service credit for your time
CURRENT MUSEUM PROGRAM ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITIES:

  • July & August – Tuesday – Sunday | 10:30AM – 1:30PM & 1:30 – 4:30PM
  • August Summer Camp – Week of August 18 – 22 | 9:00AM – 2:00PM – work full camp week
  • August Summer Camp – Week of August 25 – 29 | 9:00AM – 2:00PM  – work full camp week
  • Sea Glass Festival – July 20 from 9:00AM – 5:30PM (full & half day shifts will be available)

For more information and to apply, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org/volunteer.

 

By Tara Mae

On view from June 12 to September 21 at the Long Island Museum (LIM) in Stony Brook, The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art explores the sense and sensation of an art form that lauds the intricate vibrancy and nuances of nature.

The Triumph of Nature celebrates the florid, languorous curves, natural motifs, and refined elegance of Art Nouveau furniture, glass, and other works that have entranced generations of collectors and museum-goers since the apex of this brief but intense movement around the turn of the twentieth century,” said LIM Co-Executive Director Joshua Ruff.

Large enough to span two of LIM’s galleries, this 120 piece exhibit is visiting from the Art Nouveau collection of the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, Virginia. 

It includes glassworks, furniture, paintings, and sculptures from artisans and artists of the late 1800s and early 1900s, including Louis Comfort Tiffany, Tiffany & Co., Gustav Klimt, Louis Majorelle, Alphonse Mucha, Emmanuel Lansyer, and Émile Gallé. 

LIM’s showcase is just one stop on a 13 museum national tour. 

“We heard about this traveling exhibition in 2022 and signed on as soon as we could, excited to share this incredible collection of objects with our audience. We are glad that we booked it when we did, it was fully scheduled almost immediately,” Ruff said. “It is traveling to art museums all around the country, including California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, so we are pleased to be the only museum hosting it in New York.”

Both The Triumph of Nature and the Chrysler Museum have ties to Long Island. Tiffany lived on a 600-acre estate in Laurel Hollow, Laurelton Hall, an 84-room mansion of Art Nouveau design that blended Islamic and nature motifs. Walter P. Chrysler and his family, for whom the Chrysler Museum is named, had a summer home in Kings Point; it is now Wiley Hall at the US Merchant Marine Academy. 

Walter P. Chrysler Junior grew up visiting the house and with his wife, Jean, established the Chrysler Museum’s extensive Art Nouveau holdings. 

This is LIM’s first exhibit solely dedicated to the genre. A style generally inspired by natural imagery, defined by foliate forms and sinuous lines, its influence is found in many mediums. Popularized during the Belle Époque period, which started in France and swept Europe, Art Nouveau celebrates the whimsy, wit, and wonder of the movement, as well its ongoing impact on art. 

“I think people are much more familiar with Art Deco, and this exhibition indicates the inheritance that Art Deco had from Art Nouveau. But I think that the curves and beautiful forms influenced much modern design, and you can see the continuing influence of Nouveau in contemporary graphic design, textile design, furniture, and fashion,” Ruff said. 

Its narrative thread also weaves through two exhibits LIM will be installing later this season: Gatsby at 100, which looks at the centennial of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, and Giants and Gems, which examines scale in art and design. 

“I think that there is a lot of synergy between these three exhibitions, and I’m looking forward to seeing it all through our visitors eyes and see what they take away and enjoy and learn from,” Ruff said. 

Located at 1200 Route 25A in Stony Brook, the Long Island Museum is open Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Fridays through Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults; $10 for seniors, age 62 and older; $10 for students, ages 6-17 and college students with ID; $5 for persons with disabilities, personal care assistants are free. Admission for children under age six, active and retired military, and LIM members are also free.

For more information about The Triumph of Nature and other upcoming shows and events, visit www.longislandmuseum.org. 

The Art Museum on the grounds of the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. Photo by Brian Kutner

The Long Island Museum (LIM), 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook was recently awarded a grant totaling $218,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the organization’s Art Museum Renovation – Phase II. This grant is part of a capital project funding announcement by NYSCA, which totals over $86 million to 134 capital projects across New York State.

The grant was awarded to help LIM work towards vital improvements in the long-term environmental sustainability of LIM’s Art Museum, which turned 50 in 2024. Thanks, in part, to a grant from NYSCA in 2024, the roof system and roofline insulation are in the process of being replaced; Phase II of the project, for which this grant was awarded, is to strengthen additional components of the building’s envelope, including the installation of new insulation, siding, and doors. NYSCA funding will support this next phase of the project, which meets the larger goals of the overall project for the Art Museum: to increase the building’s efficiency, decrease LIM’s operating costs, and decrease the building’s carbon footprint/environmental costs.

“We are thrilled to have received a grant from NYSCA, which will provide us with vital support for this project in alignment with three of our key priorities: accessibility, environmental sustainability and organizational health,” said Sarah Abruzzi, Co-Executive Director, Operations.  “This project will help take our Art Museum beyond its first 50 years and into a successful future, where LIM will continue to serve as a community leader and bring important art exhibitions, dynamic collections initiatives, and memorable programmatic experiences to visitors of all ages and abilities for generations to come.”

“Our arts and culture sector is a powerhouse, inspiring the world with innovation and creativity,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in our museums, our theaters and our arts centers, we enrich our communities, strengthen local economies and improve tourism all over the State.”

NYSCA Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “These transformative projects improve communities, drive tourism and foster innovation in the field. Thanks to the Governor and the Legislature’s dedication to arts and culture, we are building a thriving future for our world-renowned creative sector. Congratulations to The Long Island Museum, NYSCA is a proud supporter of your contributions to New York’s arts and culture.”

About The Long Island Museum 

Founded in 1939 and accredited by AAM since 1973, The Long Island Museum is home to more than 60,000 artifacts, The Long Island Museum inspires and engages visitors of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities by connecting them with the region’s art and history, a world-class carriage collection, and energizing programs that foster a creative and inclusive community. For more about LIM’s exhibitions and programming, visit longislandmuseum.org

About the New York State Council on the Arts 

The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award over $161 million in FY 2026, serving hundreds of arts organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.

By Beverly C. Tyler

Along Old Post Road in East Setauket are a number of old farmhouses. One of the most interesting and best preserved is the circa 1730 Sherwood-Jayne House which is owned by Preservation Long Island. The home, first built by Matthias Jayne, and owned by a succession of his descendants, was enlarged over the years, but it retains much of its original appearance both inside and out. The house sits on a large area that retains a farm-like atmosphere with a colonial barn, ice house and a number of other structures. A carefully pruned apple orchard stands just to the west of the house along Old Post Road. To the left of the barn and behind the orchard is the entrance to the walking trail. The three-mile circular trail meanders through the wooded area where red-tailed hawks are known to nest. However, the trail is a bit difficult to follow as trail markers were not evident to me on opening day. 

A guided tour of the historic house is not to be missed. On May 31st, I was met at the front door by guides Kitty and Jill who described the house and grounds as a “central Long Island farmscape.” Matthias’ son William doubled the size of the house following the end of the Revolutionary War. Known locally as “Big Bill the Tory,” William, who lost his wife Tabitha in 1785, was responsible for the architectural details which provide a unifying appearance to the colonial structure. 

The Sherwood-Jayne farm is a part of the Town of Brookhaven’s East Setauket Historic District, one of five historic districts in the Three Village area. The farm represents the  character of the historic district with its many private historic farmhouses, dating from the end of the 17th century through the early years of the 20th century. 

The interior of the house features both original wall paintings and spectacular paneling. The paneling is believed to be from a nearby colonial house that was the birthplace of Benjamin Tallmadge, leader of the Culper spy ring. Howard Sherwood,  who purchased the house in 1908 from the third great-granddaughter of Matthias Jayne, collected the paneling and the interior furnishings.

As detailed by Preservation Long Island, “Howard Sherwood, an American decorative arts collector and Preservation Long Island founder…is responsible for the building’s current appearance as a restored colonial-era farmhouse with early twentieth-century Colonial Revival alterations…” One of the interesting records kept by Sherwood is a “Sheep Register” which details his project to use sheep on the farm. He wrote, “Along in the summer of 1932, Charlie and I bethought ourselves of sheep as a means of keeping the East field down and in shape. Accordingly, the following fall and winter, Charlie cut and set the posts to fence it and in April ‘33 I secured the necessary wire fencing, together with a stretcher to stretch it and staples to fasten it…” 

A small spiral-bound copy of his register is available for visitors to see during the house tour. Neither sheep nor any other farm animals are currently housed on the Sherwood-Jayne farm, however the tour of the two floors of the house has many surprises including wide pine floorboards salvaged from Bridgehampton’s “Old Wick’s Tavern; A beautiful pine corner cupboard from a center-hall house north of Syracuse, NY; historic coverlets; period floor covering reproductions and much more.      

Preservation Long Island offers Saturday tours of the Sherwood-Jayne Farm House (c. 1730), 55 Old Post Road, Setauket at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. through Oct. 11.  Tickets are $10 adults, $5 ages 10 to 18, free for children ages 9 and under. To reserve your spot, visit www.preservationlongisland.org/tours/.

Beverly Tyler is Three Village Historical Society historian and author of books available from the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Rd., Setauket, NY 11733. Tel: 631-751-3730. www.TVHS.org 

Above, one of the locations featured in the Historic Barn and Garden Tour. Photo by Kimberly Phyfe

The Three Village Historical Society and Museum (TVHS) in Setauket has announced the launch of their first Historic Barn and Garden Tour — a brand-new fundraising event in support of the ongoing construction of The Dominick-Crawford Barn Education and History Center. 

This unique event, to be held on Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is the first of its kind in the Three Village area in many decades.

Above, one of the locations featured in the Historic Barn and Garden Tour. Photo by Kimberly Phyfe

“The Three Village Historical Society + Museum has long been known for ushering in the winter holiday season with our beloved Candlelight House Tour for 45 years. Now, we’re delighted to introduce what we see as its springtime cousin, an outdoor celebration that welcomes the summer season with beauty, history, and community spirit,” said Mari Irizarry, Director of the TVHS.

This exciting initiative has officially become a challenge grant fundraiser, thanks to the generous support of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, which has pledged to match every dollar raised, up to $10,000. “That means together, we can raise up to $20,000 to help bring The Barn to completion!” said Irizarry.

With the help of sponsors TBR News Media, Howard Hanna | Coach Realty and Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, this tour will take you to four beautifully preserved historic barns and six stunning gardens, where you’ll hear captivating stories of the area’s agricultural past. 

“Barns are iconic symbols of our farming heritage, and we’re honored to partner with property owners who have lovingly stewarded these historic structures for generations. The gardens you’ll explore are just as special, many of them carefully curated and nurtured by their homeowners over decades, reflecting a deep love of the land and dedication to beauty and sustainability,” said Irizarry.

Your day doesn’t end there. Visit TVHS headquarters at 93 North Country Road, Setauket, to be among the first to explore their brand new art gallery, sponsored by Cathy Minuse, opening with a “Barn and Garden” themed exhibit, and enjoy guided tours of TVHS’s ReWild Community Garden, packed with inspiration for sustainable gardening and backyard biodiversity.

In addition, Four Harbors Audubon Society will hold a Native Plant Sale on the front lawn of the historical society from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring plants for a bird-friendly garden; an assortment of native shrubs and herbaceous perennials, some of which are deer and/or shade resistant; educational exhibits; and live music for kids. 

“Join us as we celebrate the beauty of the land, the legacy of our barns, and the spirit of community, all while supporting a transformative new space for education and history at TVHS,” said Irizarry.

Tickets are $50 per person, $40 members. To order, visit www.tvhs.org/barnandgarden. For more information, please call 631-751-3730.

Preservation Long Island, 161 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor will host a gallery talk,  on Saturday, May 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Join them for a lively conversation with young influential voices in the worlds of American antiques and design as they share fresh perspectives on collecting and the enduring relevance of old places and things.

Enjoy an evening of drinks and discussion with Michael Diaz-Griffith, Executive Director and CEO of the Design Leadership Network; Kyle Marshall, author and former Creative Director of Bunny Williams Home; and Lauren Brincat, Chief Curator and Director of Collections at Preservation Long Island.

United by a passion for preservation, decorative arts, and design, the speakers will explore the enduring appeal of antiques, the future of collecting, and how historic objects and interiors can reveal unexpected insights into the past. Together, they’ll consider the roles style, stewardship, and memory all play in shaping the spaces we inhabit and the stories we choose to preserve for the future. A wine and cheese reception will follow.

“Collective Interests: Preserving the Past for the Future” Event Details

Date & Time: Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Location: Preservation Long Island Exhibition Gallery, 161 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor
Tickets: $30 members / $35 non-members. Please register in advance.

Information and Registration: https://preservationlongisland.org/collective-interests/

About the Speakers:

Michael Diaz-Griffith is an art historian, designer, and Executive Director and CEO of the Design Leadership Network. Previously, he served as Executive Director of Sir John Soane’s Museum Foundation and as Associate Executive Director of The Winter Show, America’s most prestigious and longest-running art and antiques fair. In 2024, he was appointed Vice Chair of the Show. His first book, The New Antiquarians: At Home with Young Collectors, was published in 2023. A second volume is in the works.

Kyle Marshall is the author and photographer of Americana: Farmhouses and Manors of Long Island—a project sparked by his preservation of an early 19th-century farmhouse and barn in Locust Valley—Kyle Marshall was formerly the Creative Director of Bunny Williams Home. Originally from Oyster Bay, New York, he holds a degree in architecture from Rhode Island School of Design and has contributed to publications including Cabana magazine and House & Garden online.

Lauren Brincat is the Chief Curator and Director of Collections at Preservation Long Island, where she organizes exhibitions and research initiatives focused on regional history and culture, including the award-winning Jupiter Hammon Project and the Art of Edward Lange Project. She is also a co-editor and author Promoting Long Island: The Art of Edward Lange, 1870–1889. Brincat has degree in American material culture from the Winterthur Program and is the co-president of the Long Island Museum Association.

About Preservation Long Island

Preservation Long Island is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to celebrate and preserve Long Island’s diverse cultural and architectural heritage through advocacy, education, and the stewardship of historic sites and collections. http://preservationlongisland.org

It was recently announced that Billy Joel has canceled his concert tour due to health issues. In his honor, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) has announced it will be offering Billy Joel fans a special discount on tickets purchased online and at the counter for its exclusive Billy Joel My Life: A Piano Man’s Journey at its Stony Brook Village museum, located at 97 Main Street in Stony Brook, New York.

“We are saddened to hear about Billy Joel’s illness and would like to support his disappointed fans with a special offer to enjoy the exclusive ‘Billy Joel My Life: A Piano Man’s Journey’ exhibit at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame,” said LIMEHOF Chairman Ernie Canadeo. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Billy and his family, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.”

Visitors can use promotion code “welovebilly” on LIMEHOF’s ticket page when entering payment information or in person at the counter to receive $5 off on tickets purchased by June 6th. Tickets will be valid through August 31st, 2025.

During this time a portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Annual Student Scholarship Fund for graduating high school students majoring in music and performing arts.

For more information, please visit LIMEHOF’s website: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/

About LIMEHOF

Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms.

In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook, New York. To date, the organization has inducted more than 130 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.