Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum

Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum Sag Harbor was the 6th largest whaling fleet in the nation, and the largest in New York State. Come AHOY! We are NOW OPEN for the season! See you soon!
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We will be open THUR-MON 10am-4:30pm, with last entry at 4pm. (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

Visit us at www.sagharborhwlaingmuseum.org for exhibit information and other up to the date news.

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORYLate August, 1902The Future Is NowWhen Wilhelm Röentgen (1845–1923) announced his discove...
08/25/2023

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORY

Late August, 1902
The Future Is Now

When Wilhelm Röentgen (1845–1923) announced his discovery of X-rays in 1895, he caused a scientific sensation. That it was possible to see inside a living body provoked amazement not only amongst scientists but among the wider public as well. But how these new rays worked and exactly what they were was still mysterious – hence their name, “X” standing for unknown.

One of village physicians in 1902 was Dr. C. E. Wells. Along with treating the usual ailments, accidents, and childbirths (he attended 81 of the 96 village births in 1896), he seems to have had much grander visions. In late August 1902 – just seven years after Röentgen announced his discovery – Dr Wells purchased a “Morton Wimshurst-Holtz Influence Machine” which was equipped to take X-Rays.

Towards the end of August 1902, he invited John Hunt, editor of the Sag Harbor Express, over to his office for a demonstration. Using a young lad as a subject, Dr. Wells powered up the machine and Hunt stood amazed as he was able to see the bones in the boy’s hand, his ring, and even his beating heart. The machine could produce images even through the solid back of an oak chair, or the entire thickness of an unabridged Webster’s Dictionary.
Dr. J. Richard Taylor, also present, took photographs of the “inner structure of two of his patients” that would allow him to better treat them. Dr. Wells also had high hopes the technology would help him better treat cancer as well.

Mr. Hunt must have gone back to his editorial desk in dazed amazement. He had seen the future - and it was right here in Sag Harbor.

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORYMid-August, 1890“I’m Bored” – said absolutely no one in Sag Harbor.Mid-August of 1890 bro...
08/18/2023

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORY

Mid-August, 1890
“I’m Bored” – said absolutely no one in Sag Harbor.

Mid-August of 1890 brought to the village what the local paper described as “a whirl of entertainments.” In the span of just 15 days, the following cultural events occurred in and around the village:

A merry-go-round was in the Upper Ward for a week, along with a healthy dose of street singers and musicians (including many organ grinders); the Wren Comedy Company of New York gave three performances of a comedy and a farce for the benefit of the village Minnie-Ha-Ha fire engine company; the final race of a week-long competition was held by the Volunteer Boat Club of Sag Harbor (“Winnifred” won the round bottom class, and “Ariadne” the sharpie class); the Finale and Grand Gala Closing Day of the National Canoe Association Meet was held on Jessup’s Neck (a parade of over 40 canoes went through the village streets the next morning); the Presbyterian Sunday School picnic excursion went by steamship to Mystic Island; a baseball game between the Fahys Factory team and “The Orients” was a nailbiter, with Orient scoring in the 9th to win 4-3; the local Lawn Tennis Association’s multi-day tournament was held (Men’s and Women’s singles and doubles, as well as mixed doubles); the Julian Comedy Company performed for the benefit of the Gazelle Hose Company, and – almost lost in all the excitement – Robbin’s Circus came to town.

Never mind attending the events, we’re exhausted just typing them.

AHOY THERE!ITS TIME FOR YOU TO JUMP ON BOARD!We're delighted to partner with Room To Grow during their Hamptons Fill-A-T...
08/17/2023

AHOY THERE!
ITS TIME FOR YOU TO JUMP ON BOARD!

We're delighted to partner with Room To Grow during their Hamptons Fill-A-Truck event. Come on down and be a part of this fantastic cause on FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 10am-1pm.

T MINUS 2 HOURS AND COUNTING!OPENING RECEPTION TONIGHT, 5-7pmJoin us for the opening reception (with light refreshments)...
08/12/2023

T MINUS 2 HOURS AND COUNTING!

OPENING RECEPTION TONIGHT, 5-7pm

Join us for the opening reception (with light refreshments) of our new exhibit: "HISTORIC SAG HARBOR: Turn of the Century Photographs by William Howard."

We'll see you here!

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORYEarly August, 1859.Putting the Horse Before The CourtOne September evening in 1858, Mr. J...
08/11/2023

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORY
Early August, 1859.
Putting the Horse Before The Court

One September evening in 1858, Mr. John Linington of Bridgehampton drove into Sag Harbor. Turning on to Main Street, his carriage struck a huge pile of dirt that was in the road. Linington was tossed to the ground, hitting his head, and his frightened horse bolted, dragging the wagon into a nearby fence, tearing the wagon all to pieces and injuring itself as well. The cart cost $50 to repair; the horse (now thought to be lame) was worth about $50.

The pile of dirt (about ten feet long and three feet high, and unlit) had been left there by a village work crew as part of ongoing street repairs, so Linington decided to sue the village. He hired H. P. Hedges as his lawyer; the village was represented by S. L. Gardiner and the case was heard in early August, 1859.

A great deal of the testimony during the trial had to do with the horse. How fast was the horse? Was it hard on the bit? Was Linington using a curb chain? How long has the horse been “in the harness?” Was it hard to handle? Did any previous drivers or riders have problems with the horse? Had it ever been startled before? And crucially - who actually owned the horse? (It was actually owned by a Mr. Hallock, so could Mr. Linington even legally sue?)

Gardiner spoke eloquently for the defense, bringing up a host of reasons how Linington (and his horse) could be seen as negligent, but in the end, the jury ruled for the Plaintiff, with an award of $56.

In other words, the Jury said Yay, not (please forgive us) - - Neigh.

REMINDER:EXHIBIT / OPENING RECEPTIONSATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 5-7pmJoin us Saturday August 12, 5-7pm for the opening receptio...
08/10/2023

REMINDER:

EXHIBIT / OPENING RECEPTION
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 5-7pm

Join us Saturday August 12, 5-7pm for the opening reception (with light refreshments) of our new exhibit: "HISTORIC SAG HARBOR: Turn of the Century Photographs by William Howard."

We'll see you there!

AHOY!  NOW HEAR THIS!EXHIBIT / OPENING RECEPTIONSATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 5-7pmJoin us Saturday August 12, 5-7pm for the open...
08/05/2023

AHOY! NOW HEAR THIS!

EXHIBIT / OPENING RECEPTION
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 5-7pm

Join us Saturday August 12, 5-7pm for the opening reception (with light refreshments) of our new exhibit: "HISTORIC SAG HARBOR: Turn of the Century Photographs by William Howard."

William Garrett Howard (1857-1915) moved to Sag Harbor in 1881 and spent the next several decades photographing the people and places of his adopted village.

Howard’s original photographic glass plates were unknown - lost for over 100 years - until being stumbled upon in an old barn during the summer of 2020 by Randy Kolhoff, owner of Black Swan Antiques. Kolhoff has spent the last three years laboriously cleaning and restoring the glass plates so that modern digital copies can be made, revealing Howard’s astonishingly beautiful and historically important images.

The photographs capture Sag Harbor at the dawn of a new century; her diverse community, her businesses, her parades, church events, beaches, and street scenes, allowing us to revel in the beauty and charm of both the iconic village locations we all know, to never-before-seen locations that are thrilling to discover.

AHOY THERE! NOW HEAR THIS!!Final Call for "LIGHTS, CAMERA, WHALING!"Exhibit Closes Sunday, Aug 6 at 4:30 pm.It's your la...
08/04/2023

AHOY THERE! NOW HEAR THIS!!
Final Call for "LIGHTS, CAMERA, WHALING!"
Exhibit Closes Sunday, Aug 6 at 4:30 pm.

It's your last chance to take a trip through Tinseltown as we explore some of the great (and not so great) Hollywood movies that brought whaling action and adventure to the Big Screen! Chock full of original movie posters, press photos, lobby cards, props – along with lots of Hollywood behind-the-scenes info and gossip! Clips from the movies too!

You’ll laugh! You’ll cry! You’ll cheer in your seats! (seats not included.)

Come see what we can honestly describe as some of the biggest stars to ever come out of Hollywood!

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORYAugust 9, 1873An Exotic Beauty Visits The VillageIn 1870, Mrs. Hourroun (the wife of Capt...
08/04/2023

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORY
August 9, 1873
An Exotic Beauty Visits The Village

In 1870, Mrs. Hourroun (the wife of Captain Hourroun, and daughter of Charles Pierson) visited South America. Being something of a horticulturist, she returned home to Sag Harbor with some choice, exotic flowers. One of these was a Night Blooming Cereus, a plant in the cacti family that blooms at night, with the large and fragrant flower only lasting a few hours before it wilts and dies.

She gave a cutting of one of these plants to her friend Mrs. Duvall on Howard Street, who patiently tended to it for three years without any success at all, as it grew buds but never produced even the hint of a bloom.

Until, that is, the night of Saturday, August 9th, 1873, when at sundown one of the buds began to unfold. News spread fast and, it being the first flower of its kind to ever bloom in the village (or possibly even the whole East End), literally hundreds of people raced over to Mrs. Duvall’s over the course of the evening to watch as this single bud slowly unfolded into a large, beautiful, full-blown flower.

The flower reached the height of its beauty at about midnight when, before it began to wilt and fade, it was clipped and preserved in alcohol - – a memento of the astonishing night an exotic, one-of-a-kind, visitor appeared in Sag Harbor.

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORYAugust 3, 1871What’s In A Name?Place names on Long Island have a long history of being ch...
07/28/2023

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORY
August 3, 1871
What’s In A Name?

Place names on Long Island have a long history of being changed. What was once called Good Ground became Hampton Bays; Modern Times became Brentwood; Punk’s Hole became Manorville. Sometimes it even happened more than once; thus Breslau became Wellwood which later became Lindenhurst.

Closer to home, in 1851 the residents of the Sag Harbor area called Snooksville unanimously decided to change the name to Eastville.
In 1871, another name change was being discussed, this time for North Haven, with the name “North Sag Harbor” being suggested. But others actually preferred reverting to its old original name, “Hog Neck.” On this date, the editor of the local paper, tongue firmly in cheek, suggested another alternative:

“North Hog Haven.”

He admitted he had no particular fondness for the name, but suggested it “for the consideration of those who are eternally tampering with names and changing them for the worse instead of the better.”

The Editor certainly had a point, though – as the Bard reminds us – "North Hog Haven" would smell as sweet.

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORYI Scream, You Scream…July, 1867From a July 1867 issue of the Sag Harbor Express:“During t...
07/21/2023

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORY

I Scream, You Scream…
July, 1867

From a July 1867 issue of the Sag Harbor Express:

“During this warm weather and the delightful moonlight evenings which we are now enjoying, the numerous ice cream saloons throughout the place are well patronized… Among these is the new saloon of Mrs. James Harris, at the corner of Madison and Jefferson Streets, who not only makes delightful cream, but is being well patronized by the public.”

The earliest reference we’ve found so far of ice cream being sold commercially in Sag Harbor is from 1839, when Robert McNish and Thomas Simpson opened their new wholesale and retail confectionery store in the building “lately occupied by Tiffany and Hart.”

Something closer to an actual ice cream “shoppe,” called the Phoenix Rooms, opened in 1841 and advertised ice cream, ice lemonades, soda water, cakes, fruits, and “the most charming view of wood and water that can be obtained from any other part of the village…” Competition intensified in 1845 when two new ice cream saloons opened: L.A. Amesbury’s on Roger Street, and William A. Simons’ on Division Street.

A.S. Crowell entered the fray a few years later in 1850 with “Griffin House… where a lady will at all times be in attendance” (one assumes to attract a more gentile clientele). R. Warner opened his shop in 1859, by which time one “Mrs. Havens” was also in business on the east side of Main Street, over Bush’s Variety Store.

We don’t know if all the above were still in business when Mrs. James Harris opened her shop in 1867, but the newspaper notes at least six other ice cream stores in the village at the time. A number of restaurants, chop houses and other establishments also advertised selling ice cream - - so kudos to Mrs. Harris and her ability to lure in any customers at all!

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORYJuly 20, 1897A Summer Invasion Of A Different KindWith the advent of train service, and a...
07/14/2023

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORY
July 20, 1897
A Summer Invasion Of A Different Kind

With the advent of train service, and an ever-growing flotilla of steamboats, by the 1870s Sag Harbor began to experience a notable increase in summer visitors. Trains could bring in dozens at a time; steamboats could bring hundreds. Although there was some grumbling about increased crowds, the economic upside these visitors brought the village was thought worth the trouble.

But July 20th 1897 brought a summer invasion unlike any other, when 45 armed men descended on the village on bicycles and took up positions on the Main Street property of Mrs. Leavitt, taking over not only her lawn but several outbuildings as well. Who were these invaders? Spanish? Germans? English? Was this a surprise attack? Was the country at war?

Happily, no. They were a detachment from Company E, 8th Regiment, New York National Guard, who were testing the utility and practicality of the bicycle for army use. This was at the height of the new “bicycle mania” that was sweeping the nation, so it is no surprise the military had suddenly become very interested in its potential.

They Company had left New York the prior Saturday, aiming to cover 50 miles a day, and were actually ahead of schedule despite drenching rain, roads of mud, and each man carrying a haversack, rifle, and ammunition weighing a total of some 80 pounds. Thus far the project had proved a success, with only an occasional spill or other minor mishap.

Company E left the village the day after they arrived, bound for Montauk, and the village could get back to suffering through the “normal” summer invasion.

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORYJuly 9, 1912: Ms. Mills Makes Her MarkThe struggle for women to have the right to vote in...
07/07/2023

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORY

July 9, 1912:
Ms. Mills Makes Her Mark

The struggle for women to have the right to vote in America was a long one. The idea began to gain strength in the 1840s; national suffrage organizations formed in the 1860s. But by 1911, only 6 states had granted women the right to vote. It would take a herculean effort to change people’s minds – meeting by meeting, speech by speech, rally by rally.

On this date, a woman travelled from New York to Sag Harbor, and took to the stage of the Atheneum. She was Harriet May Mills, the president of the NY State Women’s Suffrage Association.

She spoke of the need for women to have the right to vote to help them in their work for public welfare – particularly in legislation connected to “hygienic matters,” and the welfare of children. When asked why the main opposition to women’s suffrage came from other women, Ms. Mills replied she did not think that was so; she felt most of the opposition came from “the saloon element, and lower class politicians” as they would not be able to control the women in “blocks,” as the men were. As for the stock argument that “a woman’s place was in the home,” Ms. Mills had her reply ready. “I understand that your Ladies Village Improvement Society has accumulated and spent on this village some $25,000 in the last twenty-five years. It surely would not have done that if you ladies had stayed strictly at home.”

Touche.

Her talk would be described by the local papers as the first women’s suffrage meeting of any importance that was held in the village.

A Sag Harbor branch of the Women’s Political Union was later formed; by early 1914 it had 84 members.

In 1917, New York voters passed an amendment to the New York State Constitution granting women full suffrage. It was the first eastern state to do so, and a major victory for the suffrage movement.

With the passing of the 19th amendment in 1920, women would finally gain the right to vote nationwide.

AHOY THERE!  NOW HEAR THIS!We will be open on MONDAY, JULY 3from 10am - 4:30pm, with last entry at 4pm.A perfect time to...
07/01/2023

AHOY THERE! NOW HEAR THIS!

We will be open on MONDAY, JULY 3
from 10am - 4:30pm, with last entry at 4pm.

A perfect time to visit your favorite Museum! 🥰

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORYJuly 4, 1824Celebrating, Old School Style.In 1824, the village began its Fourth of July c...
06/30/2023

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORY

July 4, 1824
Celebrating, Old School Style.

In 1824, the village began its Fourth of July celebration with a procession (accompanied by the thunder of discharging cannon) moving from Gray’s Inn to the Meeting House. There, the Reverend Mr. Francis gave thanks, the Declaration of Independence was read by Mr. J. Douglas, and a “neat and chaste address” was read by A. T. Rose, Esquire.

It is worth taking a moment to realize that anyone in the crowd older than 55 or 60 would have memories of living through the American Revolution itself.

Some of the assembly later gathered at Bull Head for a large dinner, where twelve toasts were drunk to: The 4th of July, 1776; The United States of America; The State of New York; “Our Immortal Washington”; “We the People”; The People of Haiti (a long struggle for independence there was ending); Liberty; America and Great Britain (what a difference forty years make!); The Greeks (then fighting for independence from the Ottoman Empire); John Quincy Adams (predicted, correctly, to be the next President); the People’s Rights; and lastly, Agriculture, Commerce and Domestic Manufacturers.

One wouldn’t think there would be any liquor left, but then a series of at least seven more “volunteer toasts” commenced, which included one to “Our Whale Fishery.”

We’ll drink to that!

The SHWHM wishes you all a safe and happy 4th of July!

A HEARTY AHOY AND THANK YOU!!!Many thanks to all our members and guests - some 150 of you! - who joined us for our Summe...
06/25/2023

A HEARTY AHOY AND THANK YOU!!!

Many thanks to all our members and guests - some 150 of you! - who joined us for our Summer Drinks Party Event. And a special shout out to the Steve Shaughnessy Trio for helping create the perfect mood!

Thank you all for your support!

Keep an eye on our Facebook, Instagram, and Museum website for more upcoming events and exhibits!

T-MINUS 24 HOURS!It’s the final countdown!  We’re just 24 hours away from liftoff!  Get your tickets today, and have a “...
06/23/2023

T-MINUS 24 HOURS!
It’s the final countdown! We’re just 24 hours away from liftoff! Get your tickets today, and have a “blast” tomorrow!

Use the link for tickets!
https://event.gives/calmb4thestorm&main=0

CAN THERE BE A MORE PERFECT “HAMPTON EXPERIENCE?”Here’s your chance to have a wine tasting for up to six people, lasting...
06/23/2023

CAN THERE BE A MORE PERFECT “HAMPTON EXPERIENCE?”

Here’s your chance to have a wine tasting for up to six people, lasting an hour and a half, at the famous Channing Daughters Winery in Bridgehampton.

Can it get any more perfect than that? No, we don't believe it can.

Just use the link below for this and all our other fantastic items!

https://event.gives/calmb4thestorm&main=0/items

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORYSunday, June 23, 1839Wheeee!Unlike the majestic clipper ships that raced through the wate...
06/23/2023

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORY

Sunday, June 23, 1839
Wheeee!

Unlike the majestic clipper ships that raced through the water like greyhounds, powered by billowing sails set on towering masts that seemed to scrape the sky, the lowly, work-a-day whaleship was built for durability and cargo capacity: Durability as they were often thousands of miles from any dock facilities and had to be tough enough to survive, and cargo capacity to carry home the several thousand barrels of oil that would make a voyage profitable.

These necessary attributes rarely led to a ship that had any sort of speed to boast about, though, as this entry of this date from the logbook of the Sag Harbor whaling ship Hannibal shows, sometimes the whaleships had their moment.

“[This day] begins with gale of wind accompanied with heavy squalls of wind, and rain, and snow, and hail, and seas running mountain high. Last part wind and weather much as the first part, the ship rolling each rail under [the waves] every moment – but the old ship is going at this moment 11 miles in 60 minutes.”

Slow down! Slow down!!!

DON’T BE LIKE BURT!Here’s a picture of what Burt is going to look like next Saturday night.  Why?  Because he forgot to ...
06/22/2023

DON’T BE LIKE BURT!

Here’s a picture of what Burt is going to look like next Saturday night. Why? Because he forgot to buy tickets to our CALM BEFORE THE STORM drinks party. So he’ll be home, alone, and bored out of his mind. Looks like a tv dinner and early bed for Burt, while all his friends are here at the Museum having a great time.

Don’t be like Burt.

Use the link to purchase tickets, and have a fantastic night of food, friends, and fun this Saturday, June 24th, 5-7pm!

https://event.gives/calmb4thestorm&main=0

AHOY!  OR SHOULD THAT BE “AWWWWW-HOY?”Another fantastic offer from our Hampton's Experience Event!  Capture the personal...
06/22/2023

AHOY! OR SHOULD THAT BE “AWWWWW-HOY?”

Another fantastic offer from our Hampton's Experience Event!

Capture the personality of your beloved furbaby in a custom portrait session by famed artist, Sabina Streeter. This charcoal and pastel original is for a single pet, will measure 19” x 27” and is suitable for framing. How can you resist?

Sabina Streeter is a contemporary artist whose portraits are based in classical traditions and include an extraordinarily diverse range of present and historical figures. Her work dramatizes issues of history, popular culture, and universal longing. Her freely gestural strokes are executed in charcoal, pastel, gouache and oil, and result in a movement between figurative painting and abstraction.

Just use the link below for this and all our other fantastic items!

https://event.gives/calmb4thestorm&main=0/items

AHOY! YOU THERE!THE EMERALD ISLE AWAITS!Ever dream of a six-night stay in a 3-bedroom Irish Cottage on the Atlantic Ocea...
06/21/2023

AHOY! YOU THERE!
THE EMERALD ISLE AWAITS!

Ever dream of a six-night stay in a 3-bedroom Irish Cottage on the Atlantic Ocean in West Clare, Ireland? Well - - Dream no more!!!

This cozy 19th century converted cottage is located on the west coast of County Clare just outside the village of Doonbeg. The cottage has spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and is surrounded by rolling green fields. Take a walk from the cottage to the White Strand beach, the striking Baltard Cliffs or just go fishing or golfing at the nearby Doonbeg Golf Club. There are also many local pubs and great restaurants.

(Must be redeemed by Dec 2024 subject to availability.)

Just use the link below for this and all our other fantastic items!

https://event.gives/calmb4thestorm&main=0/items

THE CLOCK IS TICKING!We're just three days away from our CALM BEFORE THE STORM summer blowout bash!  Grab your tickets w...
06/21/2023

THE CLOCK IS TICKING!
We're just three days away from our CALM BEFORE THE STORM summer blowout bash! Grab your tickets while you can, and join the fun!

And don't forget our "Hamptons Experience” event - your chance to grab some fantastic deals! All proceeds for the benefit of the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum.

Drinks Party Tickets are $50; $40 for members. You can purchase tickets to the party here:
https://event.gives/calmb4thestorm&main=0
(or call us at 631 725 0770)

And you can check out our Hamptons Experience offerings here:
https://event.gives/calmb4thestorm&main=0/items

AHOY THERE!One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish?Check out this amazing offering in our "Hamptons Experience" Event!Su...
06/19/2023

AHOY THERE!
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish?

Check out this amazing offering in our "Hamptons Experience" Event!

Surf Casting With Adam (Item # 0111)

Guided four-hour surf casting fishing trip for two on the South Fork with East Hampton angler Adam Flax. Adam will provide the four wheel drive beach buggy transportation, top of the line tackle, and years of fishing know how. Lunch included. Ideal time to redeem package is during September and October, during the big fall run. Target species is striped bass, but also possible is false albacore and bluefish. Adam will fillet any legal bass or you can choose to catch and release. If you’re lucky, you may even see whales! Maximum 2 participants.

Just use the link below for this and all our other fantastic items!

https://event.gives/calmb4thestorm&main=0/items

AHOY THERE!A DELICIOUS OPPORTUNITY!Check out this amazing offering in our "Hamptons Experience" Event!Private Chef at Yo...
06/18/2023

AHOY THERE!
A DELICIOUS OPPORTUNITY!

Check out this amazing offering in our "Hamptons Experience" Event!

Private Chef at Your Home (Item # 0112)

Mickey Filosa cooks for the most discerning clients all over the world, and now he will come to you!

Hamptons Private Chef Dinner and Learning Opportunity. Mickey will come to your house and cook dinner for up to 8 people. You and the chef can discuss the menu beforehand and determine a weekday date and time anywhere in the Hamptons through the remainder of 2023. (Bidder will be responsible for the cost of ingredients.)

Just use the link below for this and all our other fantastic items!

https://event.gives/calmb4thestorm&main=0/items

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORYThis Juneteenth, we celebrate and Honor:James A. Van HoutenJames A. Van Houten was born a...
06/16/2023

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORY
This Juneteenth, we celebrate and Honor:
James A. Van Houten

James A. Van Houten was born around 1837 (likely in Sag Harbor) and records indicate he served in the Eighth Colored Regiment (formed in Pennsylvania) during the Civil War, reaching the rank of Corporal and receiving an honorable discharge.

His name is found in local newspapers as early as 1872, when he ran a dancing school in Washington Hall. This sideline would continue for many years, but he became best known as an expert violinist, and one of the one most sought after musicians on the east end. Typically called “Professor Van Houten” (and also known locally as “Jim Arch”), it seems hardly a dance, ball, fete, soiree, gala or hop was held from Riverhead to Montauk without the Professor providing the music, leading groups over the years variously called Van Houten’s Band, Van Houten’s String Band, and Van Houten’s Orchestra. He also taught and led groups of local school children, called The Juvenile Orchestra, Van Houten’s Music Pupils, and The Orchestra of the Union School.

His own children apparently also took up the “family business” and played at one time or another with their father – his son was a violinist, and at least two daughters played the piano.

He died November 6, 1907 at his residence on Division Street, “long suffering” from asthma. He was about 70 years old, having been at the center of the local music scene close to four decades.

Thank you, Professor!

Pictured: James Van Houten (rear row, far left) with one of his groups, seemingly one involving local children. [Photo courtesy John Jermain Memorial Library, Sag Harbor, New York]

AHOY THERE!  HAS YOUR SHIP JUST COME IN?POSSIBLY!Check out this amazing, brand-new offering in our "Hamptons Experience"...
06/14/2023

AHOY THERE!
HAS YOUR SHIP JUST COME IN?
POSSIBLY!

Check out this amazing, brand-new offering in our "Hamptons Experience" Event!

Barton & Gray Yacht Cruise for 11
Cruise around the Hamptons and beyond with up to 11 people for 5 hours - Captained and crewed by Barton & Gray, the yacht offers unprecedented recreation and comfort. Perfect for trips to the beach, cocktail cruising, touring, and watersports. Donor is hosting, the time and day must be arranged in advance. Good for 2023.

Just use the link below for this and all our other fantastic items!

https://event.gives/calmb4thestorm&main=0/items

AHOY THERE!Food?  Check!Drinks? Check!Fun? Check!Live Band? Check!You? .......It's time to grab your tickets for our Cal...
06/14/2023

AHOY THERE!

Food? Check!
Drinks? Check!
Fun? Check!
Live Band? Check!
You? .......

It's time to grab your tickets for our Calm Before the Storm blowout bash - - and your chance to score on some fantastic deals on our special "Hamptons Experience” events and merchandise! All proceeds for the benefit of the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum.

Drinks Party Tickets are $50; $40 for members. You can purchase tickets to the party here:
https://event.gives/calmb4thestorm&main=0

And you can check out our Hamptons Experience offerings here:
https://event.gives/calmb4thestorm&main=0/items See less

AHOY! YOU THERE!  YES, YOU!There's still time to grab yourself a tickets for a night of Food, Fun, and Friends! Drinks, ...
06/10/2023

AHOY! YOU THERE! YES, YOU!

There's still time to grab yourself a tickets for a night of Food, Fun, and Friends! Drinks, hors d’oeuvres, live jazz band - - and your chance to score on some fantastic deals on our special "Hamptons Experience” events and merchandise! All proceeds for the benefit of the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum.

Drinks Party Tickets are $50; $40 for members. You can purchase tickets to the party here:
https://event.gives/calmb4thestorm&main=0

Or call 631-725-0770. Or, just buy at the door!

And you can check out our Hamptons Experience offerings here:
https://event.gives/calmb4thestorm&main=0/items

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORYJune 14, 1845Anything You Can Do I Can Do BetterBy the mid-1800s, whaling was big busines...
06/09/2023

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORY
June 14, 1845
Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better

By the mid-1800s, whaling was big business in America. In 1845, 36 ports up and down the eastern seaboard sent out at least one whaling vessel. The five-hundred-pound gorilla in the room was the port of New Bedford. Until 1823 the largest fleet in the country was based in Nantucket, but after that date New Bedford’s became the largest fleet in the country, and it was a distinction it would never relinquish. To put it in some perspective, in 1845 Sag Harbor sent out 34 whalers - New Bedford sent out 103.

Okay, so it was big – but was New Bedford the best?

Well, in 1845, at least on the whaling grounds of the Northwest Coast of America, the answer was no.

As reported in the Sag Harbor paper of this date, New Bedford had 62 vessels hunting on the Northwest Grounds (off Washington State and Canada), which took a combined 93,185 barrels – an average of 1,503 barrels per ship. Not bad. But they were beaten by the 25 ships out of New London, which each took an average of 1,790 barrels each.

So - - Well done New London! But don’t pop the champagne corks quite yet…

Because the 26 Sag Harbor ships each took an average of 1,906 barrels, making them the most successful whalemen out there.

In your face, New Bedford!

AHOY!  YOU THERE!Have you HEARD the White Whale?Mody Dick Readathon being held at the Museum!Join us here at the Musuem ...
06/08/2023

AHOY! YOU THERE!
Have you HEARD the White Whale?

Mody Dick Readathon being held at the Museum!

Join us here at the Musuem Saturday June 10th, from 1pm-4:45pm as we host the Moby Dick Readathon. Spoiler Alert: You will have fun!

And while here, don't miss our new exhibit: "LIGHTS, CAMERA, WHALING!" which explores some great (and not so great) Hollywood whaling movies made between 1923-2015.

(The Read-a-thon is free; Admission to the exhibit at regular rates.)

AHOY THERE! NOW HEAR THIS!New Exhibit Opens June 9th!Come take a trip through Tinseltown as we explore some of the great...
06/03/2023

AHOY THERE! NOW HEAR THIS!
New Exhibit Opens June 9th!

Come take a trip through Tinseltown as we explore some of the great (and not so great) Hollywood movies that brought whaling action and adventure to the Big Screen!

Chock full of original movie posters, press photos, lobby cards, props – along with lots of Hollywood behind-the-scenes info and gossip! Clips from the movies too!

You’ll laugh! You’ll cry! You’ll cheer in your seats! (seats not included.)

Come see what we can honestly describe as some of the biggest stars to ever come out of Hollywood!

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORYFirst week of June, 1871Let There Be (some) Light!Gaslight service came to the village in...
06/02/2023

THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORY
First week of June, 1871
Let There Be (some) Light!

Gaslight service came to the village in 1859. At that time, other than Brooklyn, Sag Harbor was the only place on Long Island to have it. By the 1870s improvements in the lights themselves made it clear that new fixtures were needed for the village streets. The village Corporation agreed and voted to buy a grand total of… wait for it… four.

The four new lamps were installed on the corner of Main and Union; at the junction of Division, Burke and Washington; at Madison Square, and in front of the East End House.

The local paper (in what can only be called a somewhat uninspired effort) reported that they would be “highly beneficial on dark nights.”

An unnamed resident waxed a bit more poetic, stating “I guess that we bumbers can now see our way home late at night and not be obliged to lay in the gutter.”

Well said, Bumber. Well said.

Address

200 Main Street
Sag Harbor, NY
11963

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4:30pm
Thursday 10am - 4:30pm
Friday 10am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10am - 4:30pm
Sunday 10am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(631) 725-0770

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THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORY
April 20, 1784
Should I Stay Or Should I Go Now?

The American Revolution caused immense pain and upheaval on Long Island. Coming under British occupation after the Battle of Brooklyn (August 1776) it remained so until the end of the war (September 1783). Those who could fled Long Island to escape life under British rule. Many moved to Connecticut and lived there for the rest of the war, slowly building a new life.

After Independence was won, these Long Islanders faced a choice: Stay in Connecticut, or return to Sag Harbor and try to pick up the pieces of their former lives?

One person making that decision was Mr. Benjamin Price. A cooper by trade (that’s a barrel maker) he moved his family to Stonington in 1776, and went on to serve for some time in the American Army.

Weighing his options after the war, Price decided to return home.

On April 20th 1784, Captains John Sandford and David Pierson were requested by the Town Trustees to go to Sag Harbor “at the request of, and the cost of” one Mr. Price, to view a piece of land where he hoped to set up a cooper’s shop.

This was when the Sag Harbor whaling industry began in earnest, so Price probably realized he had the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of what can only be called a “growth industry.” Four whaling vessels left the port that year – a sloop, schooner, brig and ship - each needing some 500 to 1,000 barrels, which must have kept Mr. Price very busy indeed.

A few years later, in the records of the Presbyterian Church from 1791, Price is noted as a “merchant,” which certainly feels like a higher status title than “cooper,” so apparently his choice to return to the village and start anew paid off.

Well done Benjamin!

[Pictured: A colonial era cooper at work]
MONDAY'S MUSUEM MEMO
Re: Raising The Roof!

Ahoy! We have a new posting series for you, where we'll highlight museum news, events, behind the scenes happenings and more. Hope you enjoy!

The off-season is typically when we tackle our various renovation and preservation projects. Case in point - our new boat shed roof! The shed was originally built in 1983 and, not surprisingly, after some forty years it was time for some repairs. ☺️

Take a look at the before and after shots - quite the improvement! Many thanks to our Board member Peter Drakoulias for overseeing the project.

And a special shout out and special thank you to all our members and supporters who help make projects like this a reality!

See you all here in May!
THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORY
April 12, 1800
Something’s Rotten In The Streets Of Sag Harbor

Although there are records of whaling voyages out of Sag Harbor as early as the 1760s, the industry didn’t begin in earnest until after the American Revolution. But even as the whaling industry grew, there was still lots of local farming going on.

Farms mean crops, and crops need fertilizing. In this, Long Island farmers had an ace up their sleeve. The waters around the Island teemed with a fish called menhaden (variously called a mossbunker, or bunker). These could be caught – quite literally – by the hundreds of thousands at a time. Small and oily, menhaden were not much to eat, but they were an excellent fertilizer. Farmers would cover their fields with the fish and plow them into the soil.

So all in all: a valuable resource.

Which is why it is something of a mystery to find this passage in the records of the Town Meeting of April 12th 1800:

“Complaint is made that burying fish on the common land or highway at Sag Harbor is a damage to the public, and dangerous to travelers.” An ordinance was enacted forbidding such burial of fish on penalty of $10 for every offence, with half the fine going to any person who successfully sued the offender.

As it is hard to believe that anyone would ever bother burying a single fish, it seems likely that huge piles of discarded menhaden were the issue. As to why they were discarded, or why public land or village streets were the location chosen for burial, well, that is something of a mystery.

So we are left to ponder this fact: In Sag Harbor c1800, there were evidently enough criminal fish buriers roaming the streets for a law to be passed.

There goes the neighborhood.

[Below: The Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus]
AHOY THERE! - NOW HEAR THIS!!

We will be OPENING FOR THE SEASON on SUNDAY, MAY FIRST!

We will be open THURSDAY through MONDAY, 10am-4:30pm, with last entry at 4pm. (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)

We're excited to open this season with "THE ART OF WHALING," an exhibit of European and American whaling paintings, prints and drawings from the early 1800s to present day.

For the marine artist – indeed, all artists - whaling offers some of the most dramatic themes and compositions available. The first sighting of a whale, the launching of boats, and of course the encounter with the whale itself: A handful of men in a fragile wooden boat putting their very lives on the line to catch an animal that could be some 60 feet long and weigh up to 60 tons.

Come see how artists over the last two centuries have explored, interpreted and portrayed one of the world’s most dangerous professions – and one of the most noble and beautiful animals on earth.
THIS WEEK IN SAG HARBOR HISTORY
April 1, 1861: Who’s the Fool?

April of 1861 was a very tumultuous time for the nation. Seven southern states had already seceded (four more would follow in the next few months). The questions of slavery, abolition, and civil war were at the forefront of the entire nation’s conscience. Through it all, leading members of society were coming down on one side of the issue or the other. One of these was the preacher Henry Ward Beecher.

The son of Lyman Beecher (who from 1798 to 1810 led the East Hampton Presbyterian Church) and sister of Harriet Beecher Stowe (author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin), Henry Ward Beecher was one of the most famous clergymen in America. The pastor of the Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, he was known for his social reform platform; he championed women’s suffrage, Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and the abolition of slavery. A gifted public speaker, he was a huge draw on the speaking circuit, and lectured all over America.

So it must have been quite exciting for the residents of Sag Harbor to learn that Beecher would be coming to give a talk in the village. To hear Beecher’s thoughts on the state of the Union would have been riveting; the fact that he would give a major lecture in the village was astounding. Handbills were plastered all over the village the Beecher would give his talk on the coming Monday evening. Which, as it turned out, was: April first.

Hmm.

“Some bright chaps, wishing to make as big fools of the good people of this village as they were themselves, posted bills all over the place” the local paper explained. But since the announcements were printed locally, their style, size, print type and paper were identical the other local handbills; Mr. Beecher would have had his printed in Brooklyn and they would have looked quite different. As the paper explained:

“The game did not work… therefore it is considered that the persons with whom the bills originated were the biggest fools.”

[Pictured below: Henry Ward Beecher at about the time of his "talk" in Sag Harbor]
AHOY THERE!
COME ABOARD JOIN THE CREW!

If you're a friendly, bright, outgoing "people person" who would like the chance to work at one of the South Fork's leading cultural institutions - do we have an opportunity for you!

We'll be opening May 1st, and are looking to hire one or two new staff members to work at our admissions/gift shop counter. This entails greeting and admitting guests, explaining the museum layout, answering basic questions about our exhibits, handling gift shop sales, etc.

We will be open from May 1 to October 17th. The job is 6.5 hours a day (10am to 4:30pm with one hour for lunch), Wednesday-Sunday. The pay is $15 an hour. Previous retail or museum experience and familiarity with using cash registers and credit card machines is all a plus (but not required).

If you're interested, please send an email with the subject line "STAFF" to: [email protected]

We look forward to hearing from you!
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
March 26, 1841: Why Go Whaling?

On this date the whaling ship Thomas Dickason, with Captain Wickham S. Havens in command, returned home after a voyage of 21 months and nine days. Her course had taken her across the Atlantic Ocean, down the coast of Africa, around the Cape of Good Hope, into the Indian Ocean, through the waters around New Zeeland, across the Pacific, around the tip of South America, up the Brazilian coast and finally back home.

That was nothing out of the ordinary for Sag harbor whalemen of the day; by this time the Atlantic had been “fished out” and more and more ships were travelling to the far reaches of the globe in search of whales, often circling the globe.

What did make the return of the Thomas Dickason out of the ordinary was her cargo. Twenty-four other ships returned to the village in 1841; their average cargo was 2,370 barrels of oil, with a value (in 1841 dollars) of $33,371. Captain Havens did better. Much better. He returned with 4,000 barrels of oil, with a value of some $57,770.

It was one of the largest cargos ever brought into Sag Harbor. In fact, it was one of the largest cargoes brought in by an American whaleship to any port - ever.

So what does $57,770 in 1841 equate to in today’s money? Money can be measured in different ways, with different contexts and variables. The “historical” component adds another layer of complexity, but we will do our best.

One way to look at it is in terms of “Real Price” – this measures the purchasing power of this amount to buy a fixed “bundle” of goods (food, shelter, clothing, etc). In these terms the cargo, in 2021 dollars, was worth $1,770,000.

Another way to look at it might be “Relative Income” – prestige value. If somebody in 1841 said “I’m worth $57,770 dollars,” what would that mean in todays terms? It would be equivalent to someone saying “I’m worth thirty-nine million dollars.” Not too shabby.

And yet a third way to look at it – perhaps the most accurate - is using the “Economic Share,” which measures the value of the voyage as a percentage of total US economy of 1841. Whaling was a business, after all. How important was Haven’s voyage to the economy of its day? In those terms, the voyage was equal to a company that in 2021 made $731,000,000.

You read that right. One voyage. Worth seven hundred and thirty-one MILLION dollars in today’s money.

And now think about this: At its height, in 1845, Sag Harbor has 64 whaling ships.

[Below: Detail of a portrait of Captain Havens (by artist Hubbard Latham Fordham) in the Museum Collection.]
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