Hamptons Museum Digs Deep Into Southampton’s History To Honor Town’s 375th Birthday

Southampton Historical Museum is continuing its celebrations of Southampton’s 375th Anniversary during a series of workshops, lectures, and festivities throughout March.

The programs begin with Tea Towel – “The Thomas Halsey Homestead” on Thursday, March 5th from 6 to 8 p.m. During the adult workshop, attendees will learn how to make a historic tea towel with Suzanne Flanagan and Sherrill Adams. Admission is $25 for members and $35 for non-members. RSVP is required.

Learn about Southampton’s history during a series of workshops, lectures, and festivities. (Courtesy Photo)

The Museum is holding a 375th Convocation Celebration at the First Presbyterian Church (2 South Main Street, Southampton) on Saturday, March 7th at 3 p.m. The event commemorates the founding of Southampton Town and Southold Town as well as the Presbyterian Churches of both Southampton and Southold, which all began in 1640. The festive assembly, which is free and open to the public, will include guest speakers, music, and poetry.

Ezekiel Sandford was granted land by the town in 1678. (Courtesy Photo)

The opening reception for “If These Walls Could Talk: History of the Rogers Mansion” will also take place on Saturday, March 7th. From 4 to 6 p.m., attendees can view the new Southampton Historical Museum exhibit at the Rogers Mansion, showcasing the history of the Rogers family and the role the Mansion played in the East End community. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

“Sandford & Sons: Legacy of a Bridgehampton Family” will follow on Thursday, March 12th at 12 p.m. The lecture will focus on Ezekiel Sandford, who came to Southampton in 1670, having left Hartford in search of a fresh start. He was granted land by the town in 1678 and also awarded a contract to build Sagg Bridge in 1686 in Bridgehampton. The discussion will explore how family heritage can foster familial attachments and consistency over time. Seating is limited and RSVP is required.

“Save Your House! Historic Preservation Options,” a workshop created to encourage preservation of local East End architectural heritage, will be held on Thursday, March 19th from 3 to 5 p.m. Peconic Land Trust, Rogers Memorial Library and Southampton Historical Museum are sponsoring the event, which features a panel of experts who will discuss how to save your historic home for future generations. Admission to the event is and RSVP is required.

Discover secret painting techniques during an “Amy Howard” Toscana Powder Paint Workshop with Shannon Wiley of Sea Green Designs on Thursday, March 19th from 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees will learn about historic natural milk paint, which has been around for hundreds of years. Wiley will also teach participants how to apply the historic medium to their furniture. Each guest will leave with a commemorative plaque that they worked on. Admission is $25 members and $35 non-members.

The Presbyterian Churches of both Southampton and Southold are also celebrating their 375th anniversary. (Courtesy Photo)

The final March program is Southold’s 300th Anniversary Celebrations on Thursday, March 26th at 12 p.m. During the event, Southold Historical Society Director Geoffrey Fleming will showcase highlights from Southold’s 300th anniversary in 1940. Admission is free.

All events are held at the Rogers Mansion, unless noted otherwise.

Southampton Historical Museum’s Rogers Mansion is located at 17 Meeting House Lane in Southampton. For more information, call 631-283-2494 or visit www.southamptonhistoricalmuseum.org.