The Southampton Historical Museum preserves the early treasures of Long Island’s pioneering history. Explore the museum’s collection of historic buildings along Main Street to step back in time.
The Southampton Colonial Society has been active since 1898. The society founded the Southampton Historical Museum, which started with the restoration of the Rogers Mansion. The Old Southampton Village, a collection of period buildings on the same grounds, was added later.
Start your tour of the collection inside Rogers Mansion, just off Main Street. The current mansion dates back to 1843, but the estate itself dates back to the 1640s, when Southampton’s Main Street was first divided into 40 lots. The British immigrant William Rogers acquired one, and many generations of his family inhabited his later mansion. In 1899, the famous New York attorney Samuel Longstreth Parrish purchased the house and nearly doubled it in size. Take a peek inside to admire the 19th-century Victorian furniture, as well as pieces from the later Edwardian era.
In the Old Southampton Village behind Rogers Mansion, explore a dozen preserved historic buildings that were moved here from the local area. See the one-room schoolhouse, small blacksmith’s and carpenter’s workshops and authentic 19th-century paint store and Sayre Barn.
Afterwards, walk to the nearby Thomas Halsey Homestead, one of the first English-style homes to be built in this pioneer hamlet. The wooden house is also part of the Southampton Historical Museum.
The Pelletreau Silver Shop, also on Main Street, has been in continuous use by silversmiths since 1750. Pay for a workshop and learn how to make jewellery from a master jeweller or request a short guided tour instead.
The Southampton Historical Museum is in the heart of Southampton. Entry is free, but fees apply for the events, tours and lectures organised by the museum. The complex is open year-round, but entry to the Rogers Mansion and its gift shop is fromMarch to December, from Wednesday to Saturday only. The Pelletreau Silver Shop is open from Tuesday to Saturday year-round, while the Thomas Halsey Homestead only opens its doors on Saturdays from June to October. On-street parking fees are relatively high, so consider taking public transportation or hail a cab.
