Hamptons Museum’s Seasonal Festivities Feature Hearthside Cheer, Holiday Party, Cookie Exchange And More

As per usual, December brings several holiday season happenings to the Southampton Historical Museum. “The holidays are very festive at the Rogers Mansion – a Greek-revival, 20 room house built in 1843 by whaling Captain Albert Rogers,” explained Tom Edmonds, Executive Director of the Southampton Historical Museums and Research Center. “The rooms are decorated with fresh evergreens, a wealth of Christmas trees decorated with Victorian ornaments and a well-stocked gift shop with many Southampton related items. Join us for our annual Hearthside Cheer and a Cookie Exchange; or come in just to get in a festive mood.”

The joyous gatherings will kickoff with the Museum’s Senior Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 8th from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Open to all Southampton based seniors, the afternoon will include refreshments, festivities in the Captain Albert Rogers Mansion, traditional holiday music played on a baby grand piano in the Music Room of the Greek Revival Mansion, antique holiday decorations, and other jubilant activities.

Bakers extraordinaire can showoff their masterpieces during the Museum’s annual Cookie Exchange on Thursday, December 10th from 4 to 5 p.m. After whipping up their finest holiday sweets, attendees can trade up to six dozen homemade cookies (no mixes or chocolate chips allowed) with other talented local chefs. The evening will also feature a lecture on holiday baking techniques, led by Elizabeth Yastrzemski, local baker, gardener and floral designer, as well as cheese, crackers and wine or cider. Admission is $5 and RSVP is required.

On Saturday, December 12th, the Museum will be filled with merriment during its annual Hearthside Cheer celebration. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., guests can nosh on hors d’oeuvres by Schmidt’s Market and indulgent sweets, sip on cocktails, take part in holiday sing-a-longs in the Music Room, discover seasonal decor, and other festivities. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door.

The Museum will be filled with merriment during its annual Hearthside Cheer celebration. (Courtesy Photo)

On Thursday, December 31st, take a Candlelight Tour of the Rogers Mansion, where the halls, walls, and rooms will be decked with garlands of fresh winter greens and flowers, and cheery antique holiday decorations. The special New Year’s Eve event will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and feature the last chance to view the “If These Walls Could Talk: Meet the Families of the Rogers Mansion” exhibit. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children. After the illuminated journey, attendees can warm up with hot cider and nibble on gingerbread cookies.

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