Historical Society of Greater Port Jefferson

Historical Society of Greater Port Jefferson The Historical Society of Greater Port Jefferson was founded in 1967.

Its purpose is to discover, preserve and disseminate knowledge about the history of the Greater Port Jefferson area. The Historical Society of Greater Port Jefferson maintains the Mather Museum Complex which consists of the Mather House, the Dr. R. Sherman Mills Country Shops, the Marine Barn and Sail Loft, Craft House and Museum Shop, the Tool Shed, Frank Child Chair Repair Shop and the Spinney Clock Museum.

06/04/2026

🕰️ Did You Know?

One of the most fascinating treasures on the Mather House Museum grounds is the Spinney Clock Museum—home to more than 200 historic clocks from the remarkable collection of Ross and Tex Spinney.

What began in 1963 with a single gift clock grew into a collection of more than 900 timepieces displayed throughout the Spinneys’ Port Jefferson home. Ross dreamed that one day his collection would become a museum for the community. Thanks to the Historical Society and a generous donor, that dream became a reality when the Spinney Clock Building opened in 2002.

From towering grandfather clocks and ornate French mantel clocks to rare wall clocks and watches, every room is filled with craftsmanship, history, and stories waiting to be discovered.

The Spinney Clock Museum is included with your visit to the Mather House Museum complex at 115 Prospect Street. Come see why visitors of all ages lose track of time when they step inside!

06/01/2026

🇺🇸👗🦅 What does 250 years of American history look like?

Sometimes it’s a patriotic sampler stitched by hand.
Sometimes it’s a declaration of “Americanism” hanging proudly on a wall.
And sometimes it’s the fashions worn by generations who called Port Jefferson home.

Step inside our special America 250 Exhibit and discover artifacts, clothing, textiles, photographs, and treasures that help tell the story of our nation—and our community’s place in it.

History isn’t just something you read about. It’s something you can see up close.

📍 Historical Society of Greater Port Jefferson
❤️ Give us a like and follow so you never miss out!

🧐Did you know that Long Island was occupied by the British during the Revolutionary War? 🌲Explore museums, landmarks, an...
05/29/2026

🧐Did you know that Long Island was occupied by the British during the Revolutionary War?

🌲Explore museums, landmarks, and historic sites that connect us to our revolutionary heritage with the Path to Independence Passport Book. The Passport is organized by town, making it easy to find adventures across our island.

📖 Stop by the Consignment Shop to buy yourself a Passport (just $10!) and get your Mather Museum stamp.

📍Mather Museum Complex
🕐Wed-Sun | 12-4

⬇️ Tell us what stamps you’re running to get!

Ready for an adventure? The 250th Passport Book is here to guide your way!
05/28/2026

Ready for an adventure? The 250th Passport Book is here to guide your way!

05/26/2026

⚓ Did You Know?

What do a wood-burning stove, a handful of volunteers, and a Revolutionary War whaleboat have in common?

The answer is the Bayles Boat Shop.

Designed by Jacques Garant and built using traditional timber-framing techniques, the shop was created as a place where Port Jefferson’s maritime heritage could be preserved and shared. In 2009, a small group of volunteers began gathering there, united by a passion for traditional wooden boats and the skills needed to build and restore them.

From those humble beginnings grew the Long Island Sound Educational Center (LISEC)—a dedicated community of craftsmen, educators, and volunteers committed to keeping maritime traditions alive for future generations.

That same spirit inspired an ambitious project in 2022. Working from historic plans, Village Historian Chris Ryon, LISEC President Len Carolin, and a team of dedicated volunteers set out to recreate a traditional 1776 whaleboat. With the support of Mayor Margot Garant and the Village of Port Jefferson, years of craftsmanship and dedication culminated this spring when the completed Caleb Brewster Whaleboat made its ceremonial landing at Harborfront Park as part of Port Jefferson’s 250th Anniversary celebration.

Not bad for a story that started with a few volunteers gathered around a wood stove.

Have you visited the Bayles Boat Shop?
⚓

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.

As caretakers of our community’s history, we are reminded that behind every name, photograph, and memorial is a story of sacrifice, courage, and dedication. Today, we reflect on those stories and express our gratitude to those who gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy.

From all of us at the Historical Society of Greater Port Jefferson, we wish you a meaningful Memorial Day as we remember and honor our fallen heroes. 🇺🇸

We are open for the season. We are open Wednesday through Sunday 12-4pm until Oct 11. Come tour the Mather House, our am...
05/22/2026

We are open for the season. We are open Wednesday through Sunday 12-4pm until Oct 11. Come tour the Mather House, our amazing Clock Collection and see our new exhibit “School Daze”. Memorabilia from school days of the past.

05/22/2026

🎒 Ready for a trip back to school—without the homework?

Our new School Daze exhibit brings Port Jefferson’s school history to life through fascinating artifacts, vintage photographs, and stories you may have never heard before.

🏫 Museum tours available
🎟️ Free admission

Come see how generations of local students learned, played, competed, and made history right here in Port Jefferson.

Give us a like and follow so you never miss out on local history, exhibits, and events! 📚✨ #

05/19/2026

What started with a single clock gifted to Ross and Tex Spinney grew into one of the most remarkable clock collections on Long Island. Today, that dream lives on at the Spinney Clock Museum, where visitors can explore centuries of craftsmanship, history, and timekeeping—all right here in Port Jefferson.

🕰️ Opens May 23
📍 Spinney Clock Museum
🕛 12–4 PM
🎟️ Free Admission

Come see why time really does fly when you’re surrounded by 200 incredible clocks!

🌷Spring Clean-Up 🌷 It was a gorgeous day to get the Mather Museum Complex ready for the season. Our wonderful volunteers...
05/16/2026

🌷Spring Clean-Up 🌷

It was a gorgeous day to get the Mather Museum Complex ready for the season. Our wonderful volunteers did everything from putting in window screens to weeding the gardens.

The Mather House will be SPARKLING when it opens May 23rd.

Want to stay up to date with the Port Jeff Historical Society? Give us a follow, and check out our website (in bio) for even more info!

🏠 The Mather Museum
📍115 Prospect Street, Port Jeff, NY
📆 Opens May 23rd at noon

Address

115 Prospect Street
Port Jefferson, NY
11777

Telephone

(631) 473-2665

Website

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