Three Village Historical Society

06/02/2026

🕊️ freedom, equality, and power 🕊️

Long before Long Island became the communities we know today, Quaker families helped shape its social, cultural, and educational landscape.

Their influence can still be found in the region's history: from early anti-slavery efforts and relationships with Native communities to schools, meeting houses, and traditions of civic engagement.

Join historian Karly Hoenzsch for an exploration of the Quaker experience on Long Island and the lasting impact of a community whose beliefs challenged convention and helped shape generations of Long Islanders.

Through stories of faith, activism, and everyday life, discover how Quaker ideals continue to resonate in our communities today.

TVHS presents this free lecture on Monday, June 22 at 7 pm at the Setauket Neighborhood House

05/31/2026

For more than twenty years, Founders Day has provided every fourth-grade student in the district with the opportunity to experience local history where it happened - at no cost to schools or families.

The program reflects the Society's commitment to ensuring that community history remains accessible, relevant, and meaningful for future generations.

Read our new blog post here:

Nearly 400 fourth-grade students stepped out of the classroom and into history this spring as part of the Three Village Historical Society & Museum's annual Founders Day program, a longstanding partnership with the Three Village Central School District that has connected generations of young people....

05/27/2026

🌿 Archive Wednesday | Three Village Garden Club and Frank Melville Memorial Park🌿

After all the rain this past weekend, many of us probably found ourselves wishing for a little more sunshine, fresh air, and time outdoors. So this Archive Wednesday, we’re looking back at the history of gardens, parks, and community green spaces in the Three Village area through the legacy of the Three Village Garden Club and its founder, Jennie F. Melville.

Founded on May 1, 1929, the club brought together an extraordinary group of women passionate not only about gardening, but also about conservation and improving the community through environmental stewardship.

Following the death of her husband Frank Melville Jr. in 1935, Jennie envisioned creating a public park in his memory as a lasting expression of both her love for the community and her commitment to preserving its natural beauty. Pictured here is the 1937 dedication ceremony of Frank Melville Memorial Park in Setauket, established by Jennie Melville and her son, Ward Melville. Today, the 24-acre park remains one of the Three Village area’s most treasured natural and historic landscapes.

The Garden Club continues to maintain the 4.6-acre Nature Sanctuary along Conscience Bay thanks to a historic land donation by Mrs. Ward Melville (Dorothy Bigelow), preserving the space as a quiet place for reflection and connection with nature.

Inspired by these historic landscapes and gardens? Join us for TVHS’s second annual Historic Barn & Garden Tour on Saturday, June 13th from 11 AM–4 PM, featuring private gardens and historic properties throughout Setauket and Stony Brook open for one day only.
Tickets + info: tvhs.org/barnandgarden

🌸 Club Founder: Jennie F. Melville
🌸 Established: May 1, 1929
🌸 Club Flower: Iris
🌸 Club Color: Forget-me-not Blue

Picture 1: Frank Melville Memorial Park Dedication, Jennie Melville giving a speech with Ward Melville pictured in the background, c. 1937

Picture 2: Frank Melville Memorial Park Dedication, Jennie Melville with Robert Moses, c. 1937

Picture 3 : Frank Melville Memorial Park Dedication, Ceremony Of Presentation Pamphlet, c. 1937

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

📌 by popular demand 📌

You asked, we answered!

The June 6th walking tour sold out so quickly, we had to add another date!

Join Margo Arceri of Tri Spy Tours on Saturday, June 20 at 10 am for a walk through Culper Country.

You'll pass through battlefields, homesteads, farmland, graveyards, and 300 year old churches... all without leaving Main Street, Setauket!

Explore Long Island's Revolutionary roots right where they happened - in your own backyard!

For an added bonus, bring your Long Island 250 Passport book to get stamped by Tri Spy and TVHS - the museum is open for free tours during our Community Yard Sale and Vendor Fair on Saturday, June 20th

(Vintage finds and thrifty scores optional but highly encouraged!)

05/26/2026

📲 but first, let me take a selfie 📲

🤳 The second Long Island History Hunt kicked off this weekend at TVHS and the Three Village Farmers Market got the party started!

🥖 Come for the ravioli & sourdough, stay for the revolutionary history right here in Setauket

📍 One of 26 stops on the scavenger hunt of your dreams, we are proud to be a challenge site and invite you to visit our museum any time during your summer adventure

🇬🇧 Thank you to everyone who joined us for the first day of the LIHH and started your tour of Redcoats & Rebels - the contest runs through September 30 and you won’t want to miss it

🍅 Spy you here soon … and don’t forget your selfie!