Shelter Island Historical Society

Shelter Island Historical Society Archives and Community Events The mission of the Shelter Island Historical Society is to research, preserve and share our heritage and island history through education, exhibition, scholarship and community events.
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We interpret Shelter Island's past and on-going life through historical material from the first inhabitants, settlers, and town fathers, to those who have made it a caring and unique community through the years. We strive to preserve the Island's heritage for future generations. (Shelter Island Historical Society: Constitution and By-Laws, Article III, Mission. Adopted by the Shelter Island Historical Society Board of Trustees in August 2012.) The Shelter Island Historical Society is a proud member of the following organizations: Association of Suffolk County Historical Societies (ASCHS) American Association for State and Local History (AASLH): www.aaslh.org American Alliance of Museums (AAM): www.aam-us.org Long Island Museum Association (LIMA): www.longislandmuseumassociation.org Shelter Island Chamber of Commerce: www.shelterislandchamber.org Suffolk County Historical Society (SCHS): www.schs-museum.org

Mission: The mission of the Shelter Island Historical Society is to collect, research, preserve, and share local history. The Society interprets Shelter Island’s past through historical material and through its people; from the first Native American inhabitants, settlers, and town fathers, to those who have made it a caring and unique community through the years. The Society strives to preserve the Island’s heritage for future generations.

Operating as usual

NEW BOOK AVAILABLE IN HAVENS STORE ONLINE: First 10 copies are Autographed by the Author!Betsy Durkin Matthes is a forme...
01/28/2021

NEW BOOK AVAILABLE IN HAVENS STORE ONLINE: First 10 copies are Autographed by the Author!
Betsy Durkin Matthes is a former actress, singer, dancer, lyricist, and pilot. As a “returning student,” Betsy graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in 1996 as Class Valedictorian with a degree in International Studies and Women’s Studies. In 2006, she turned her talents to the subject of men’s clothing in her first book, "Dressing the Man You Love: A Woman’s Guide to Purchasing, Coordinating, and Caring for His Classic Wardrobe."
In "Forever is Not For Everyone," Betsy relates the story of her search to know the father she lost in World War II, when she was only three years of age. #havensstore #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #shoponline #shoplocal #WWII #worldwarii #visitshelterisland

At the end of a challenging year, the Shelter Island Historical Society would like to thank you for your ongoing support...
12/31/2020

At the end of a challenging year, the Shelter Island Historical Society would like to thank you for your ongoing support! We are incredibly grateful for everyone who makes our work possible—especially our supporters and friends.
Now, more than ever, history matters. Your annual fund donation today allows us to continue our mission of preserving history for future generations.
Please help us make a difference in the lives and education of the next generation. There’s still time to make your year-end gift to support the Society.
We look forward to a bright new year full of new opportunities. Thank you!
Photo by Michael Moran. #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #preservinghistory #historyinthemaking #newyear #thankyoudonors #visitshelterisland

These Combo Gift Bags are the perfect gift! They sold fast so order online at www.shelterislandhistorical.org/havensstor...
12/20/2020

These Combo Gift Bags are the perfect gift! They sold fast so order online at www.shelterislandhistorical.org/havensstore to get the last ones! Click on each photo for details. #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #havensstore #shoponline #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY DONATED! Just a reminder that the last day to drop off gifts at The History Center f...
12/18/2020

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY DONATED! Just a reminder that the last day to drop off gifts at The History Center for Shelter Island children is tomorrow, December 19, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #toydrive #thankyou #visitshelterisland

Our new merchandise makes wonderful holiday gifts!Please click on each image to read more about the items.Shop online at...
12/17/2020

Our new merchandise makes wonderful holiday gifts!
Please click on each image to read more about the items.
Shop online at www.shelterislandhistorical.org/havensstore or visit us in-person: Thursday, Dec. 17-Saturday, Dec. 19 10:00 am to 2:00 pm; Wednesday, December 23 10:00 am to 2:00 pm; Thursday, December 24 10:00 am to 12:00 pm; Havens Store is closed December 25 through January 5 and reopens Saturday, January 6 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #havensstore #shoponline #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses #holidayshopping #visitshelterisland

Click on each photo for details about all the activity at The Shelter Island History Center! And be sure to come visit t...
12/10/2020

Click on each photo for details about all the activity at The Shelter Island History Center! And be sure to come visit the HAVENS HOUSE HOLIDAY ART SALE featuring work by the following Shelter Island artists: Tabitha Benedict, Don Bindler, Janet Culbertson, Liz Cummings, Roz Dimon, Kathy Hammond, Megan Hergrueter, Lora Lomuscio, Diana Malcolmson, Linda Puls & Peter Waldner. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
#shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #havensstore #shoponline #shoplocal #artsale #visitwithsanta #toydrive #visitshelterisland

Happy Hanukkah! Wishing all who celebrate a wonderful evening with family and friends. Tomorrow is the first night of Ha...
12/09/2020

Happy Hanukkah! Wishing all who celebrate a wonderful evening with family and friends. Tomorrow is the first night of Hanukkah, also called The Festival of Lights, which is an eight day celebration that usually falls in December. The holiday is celebrated with lighting the menorah, prayers, and eating foods fried in oil.

Photo from the Society's Archive Collection. #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #shelterislandarchives #Hanukkah #festivaloflights #visitshelterisland

Visit www.shelterislandhistorical.org to make a reservation for an Outdoor Tour this week! #shelterislandhistoricalsocie...
12/08/2020

Visit www.shelterislandhistorical.org to make a reservation for an Outdoor Tour this week! #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #OutdoorTour #havensfamily #historyofshelterisland #shelterislandhistory #visitshelterisland Photo credit: Tara Striano for New York Times.

Don't feel like going out in this rain? SHOP ONLINE at www.shelterislandhistorical.org/havensstore !! #shelterislandhist...
12/05/2020

Don't feel like going out in this rain? SHOP ONLINE at www.shelterislandhistorical.org/havensstore !! #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #havensstore #shoplocal #shoponline #holidayshopping #visitshelterisland

The Havens Store has a wonderful selection of holiday note cards featuring images by local artists. Shop online at www.shelterislandhistorical.org/havensstore or stop by Wed. through Sat. 10am to 2pm before they are sold out! #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #havensstore #shoponline #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses #holidayshopping #visitshelterisland

The Havens Store has a wonderful selection of holiday note cards featuring images by local artists. Shop online at www.s...
12/03/2020

The Havens Store has a wonderful selection of holiday note cards featuring images by local artists. Shop online at www.shelterislandhistorical.org/havensstore or stop by Wed. through Sat. 10am to 2pm before they are sold out! #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #havensstore #shoponline #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses #holidayshopping #visitshelterisland

#GivingTuesday is a global movement where we can all make a difference!Please consider making any size donation to The S...
12/01/2020

#GivingTuesday is a global movement where we can all make a difference!
Please consider making any size donation to The Shelter Island Historical Society to support our educational programs, exhibits, and events. Your support enables us to continue to preserve our Island's history and ensure community involvement for years to come. Thank you for your support and financial donation! #GivingTuesday #givingtuesday2020 #thankyoudonors #thankyou #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #shelterislandarchives #historyinthemaking #shelterislandhistory #historyofshelterisland #visitshelterisland

Looking for something to do this weekend? Come shop at Havens Store. Today and tomorrow the Store hours are extended! 10...
11/27/2020

Looking for something to do this weekend? Come shop at Havens Store. Today and tomorrow the Store hours are extended! 10:00 am to 4:00 pm! Artist Tabitha Benedict's new original paintings make the perfect holiday gift. #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #havensstore #shoplocal #shoponline #supportsmallbusinesses #holidayshopping #visitshelterisland

Happy Thanksgiving!We are incredibly thankful for all the amazing support we've received during this challenging year of...
11/26/2020

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are incredibly thankful for all the amazing support we've received during this challenging year of uncertainty. We look forward to a new year of exhibits, programs, and events! Wishing you a wonderful day with family and friends. See you at The History Center soon! ~Society Staff & Trustees #HappyThanksgiving #ThankfulForDonors #thankfulforyoursupport #visitshelterisland

Black Friday is November 27!Cyber Monday is November 30!Don't forget to use AmazonSmile when doing your online shopping ...
11/25/2020

Black Friday is November 27!
Cyber Monday is November 30!
Don't forget to use AmazonSmile when doing your online shopping to donate to the Society!

Do you shop on Amazon? If so, please use this link when you shop: smile.amazon.com/ch/11-608311

AmazonSmile will donate a portion of the purchase price to the Shelter Island Historical Society. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the Shelter Island Historical Society every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the same prices, selection, and experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to the Historical Society. Thank you for your support! #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #blackfriday #CyberMonday #shoponline #AmazonSmile

So much is happening! New Exhibit, Toy Drive, and Outdoor Tours! Click on each photo for more detailed information. You ...
11/24/2020

So much is happening! New Exhibit, Toy Drive, and Outdoor Tours! Click on each photo for more detailed information. You don't want to miss any of it. #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #shelterislandarchives #historyofshelterisland #shelterislandhistory #visitshelterisland #toydrive #OutdoorTour

Holiday Shopping Days: Friday, November 27 & Saturday, November 28. Store Hours Extended! 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.Artist Ste...
11/19/2020

Holiday Shopping Days: Friday, November 27 & Saturday, November 28. Store Hours Extended! 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Artist Stephanie Frances has brought the holiday cheer to Havens Store with her hand-painted ornaments, plates, platters, mugs, & more!

The Society is proud to welcome Mary Fran Gleason and Peg DiOrio to the Board of Directors! #shelterislandhistoricalsoci...
11/18/2020

The Society is proud to welcome Mary Fran Gleason and Peg DiOrio to the Board of Directors! #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #historyinthemaking #visitshelterisland

Visit www.shelterislandhistorical.org to reserve your spot for our Outdoor Tour this week! Photo by Donald Bindler. #she...
11/17/2020

Visit www.shelterislandhistorical.org to reserve your spot for our Outdoor Tour this week! Photo by Donald Bindler. #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #shelterislandhistory #historyofshelterisland #shelterislandarchives #OutdoorTour #visitshelterisland

FEATURED ARTIST OF THE WEEK: Liz CummingsLiz was born and raised in New York and moved to California in 1975 where she c...
11/12/2020

FEATURED ARTIST OF THE WEEK: Liz Cummings
Liz was born and raised in New York and moved to California in 1975 where she currently resides with her family. She has been a part-time resident of Shelter Island since 1960.
Havens Store is open Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #havensstore #shoplocal #shoponline #supportsmallbusinesses #visitshelterisland

Visit www.shelterislandhistorical.org to reserve your space for an Outdoor Tour this week! #shelterislandhistoricalsocie...
11/09/2020

Visit www.shelterislandhistorical.org to reserve your space for an Outdoor Tour this week! #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #shelterislandhistory #historyofshelterisland #havensfamily #visitshelterisland #OutdoorTour Photo by Donald Bindler.

Visit www.shelterislandhistorical.org to reserve your space for an Outdoor Tour this week! #shelterislandhistoricalsocie...
11/02/2020

Visit www.shelterislandhistorical.org to reserve your space for an Outdoor Tour this week! #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #shelterislandhistory #historyofshelterisland #havensfamily #visitshelterisland #OutdoorTour Photo by Michael Moran. www.moranstudio.com

Happy Halloween from the Shelter Island Historical Society don’t forget to stop by and get your treats from 1- 3 pm to...
10/31/2020

Happy Halloween from the Shelter Island Historical Society don’t forget to stop by and get your treats from 1- 3 pm today.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Before the modern pumpkin jack-o-lantern, turnip lanterns were used. In ancient Ireland, revelers would...
10/31/2020

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Before the modern pumpkin jack-o-lantern, turnip lanterns were used. In ancient Ireland, revelers would hollow out large turnips (or potatoes or beets) and carve them into a demon's face to frighten away spirits. They would light the turnips from within with a candle or a piece of smoldering coal. They then placed the lanterns in the windows or doorways of their homes, in the belief that the carvings would scare off evil spirits and welcome deceased loved ones inside. Irish immigrants arriving in the New World during the early 1800s found the plentiful, easier-to-carve pumpkins ready substitutes for turnips.
--"Origins of Halloween Traditions" Fall & Winter The Old Farmer's 2020 Almanac.
Pumpkin Lanterns pictured here are from the Society's collection. #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #halloween #halloweenhistory #visitshelterisland #farmersalmanac

Driveway Trick or Treating sponsored by the Shelter Island Public Library. Stop by The Shelter Island History Center tom...
10/30/2020

Driveway Trick or Treating sponsored by the Shelter Island Public Library. Stop by The Shelter Island History Center tomorrow between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm for a special treat! #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #halloween #drivewaytrickortreat #visitshelterisland

Lora Lomuscio creates hand-built ceramic art in her studio on Shelter Island. Her current collection at the Havens Store...
10/28/2020

Lora Lomuscio creates hand-built ceramic art in her studio on Shelter Island. Her current collection at the Havens Store includes porcelain sea shell ornaments molded from Shelter Island oysters and scallops, and pendants impressed with seaweed.
Havens Store is open Wednesdays through Saturdays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #havensstore #shoplocal #shoponline #supportsmallbusinesses #visitshelterisland

Visit our website to reserve your space for an Outdoor Tour this week! #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhis...
10/26/2020

Visit our website to reserve your space for an Outdoor Tour this week! #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #shelterislandhistory #historyofshelterisland #havensfamily #visitshelterisland #OutdoorTour Photo by Gavin Zeigler.

Join our Scavenger Hunt! #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #shelterislandhistory #cemeteryscav...
10/25/2020

Join our Scavenger Hunt! #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #shelterislandhistory #cemeteryscavengerhunt #halloween #visitshelterisland

"Scandal on Plum Island" by Marian Lindberg--Now available in Havens Store and online store! Author Marian Lindberg has ...
10/21/2020

"Scandal on Plum Island" by Marian Lindberg--Now available in Havens Store and online store! Author Marian Lindberg has chronicled the history of Plum Island and a historically significant trial held there in secret in 1914 in her book, "Scandal on Plum Island: A Commander Becomes the Accused." #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #plumisland #havensstore #shoplocal #shoponline #visitshelterisland

Use the following links to reserve a Tour this week! Photo by Gavin Zeigler.FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020: https://shel...
10/19/2020

Use the following links to reserve a Tour this week! Photo by Gavin Zeigler.
FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020: https://shelterislandhistorical.networkforgood.com/events/24511-october-22-2020-outdoor-tour
FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020: https://shelterislandhistorical.networkforgood.com/events/24512-october-23-2020-outdoor-tour
FOR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020: https://shelterislandhistorical.networkforgood.com/events/24513-october-24-2020-outdoor-tour
#shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #historyofshelterisland #shelterislandhistory #havensfamily #OutdoorTour #visitshelterisland

10/15/2020
Shelter Island Public Library

Don't miss this co-sponsored Zoom presentation!

Scandal on Plum Island is a fascinating true story. Author Marian Lindberg will speak on Zoom on Monday the 19th at 5:30 about this compelling real life drama. Watch the short video and sign up for the program on our website!

Holiday Shopping begins this Saturday, October 17th featuring Island Artist Janet Culbertson! Janet has lived and painte...
10/14/2020

Holiday Shopping begins this Saturday, October 17th featuring Island Artist Janet Culbertson! Janet has lived and painted on Shelter Island since the early 1970s.

Havens Store will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays 10:00am to 2:00pm BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call the Havens Store at 631-749-0025 ext. 5 to schedule an appointment. #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #havensstore #shoplocal #shoponline #supportsmallbusinesses #visitshelterisland #holidayshopping

Reserve your space for our 45-minute outdoor guided tours this week! Only eight people per tour time, face covering requ...
10/13/2020
October 17, 2020 Outdoor Tour

Reserve your space for our 45-minute outdoor guided tours this week! Only eight people per tour time, face covering required, and social distancing will be maintained. To reserve for Thursday: https://shelterislandhistorical.networkforgood.com/events/24355-october-15-2020-outdoor-tour To reserve for Friday: https://shelterislandhistorical.networkforgood.com/events/24356-october-16-2020-outdoor-tour To reserve for Saturday: https://shelterislandhistorical.networkforgood.com/events/24357-october-17-2020-outdoor-tour #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #historyofshelterisland #shelterislandhistory #visitshelterisland #OutdoorTour Photo by Michael Moran. www.moranstudio.com

Please join us for a historical tour on our beautiful History Center campus

Join us tomorrow for the last Havens Farmers' Market of the season!Wölffer Estate is our Vendor of the Week. They have b...
10/09/2020

Join us tomorrow for the last Havens Farmers' Market of the season!

Wölffer Estate is our Vendor of the Week. They have been making premium wine in Sagaponack since 1988. While famed for their rosé, Wölffer offers top notch whites and reds as well. Looking for something a little different? Try their Dry Rosé Cider or the Wölffer “Pink” Gin. Come enjoy the terroir of the South Fork and visit our other great vendors between 9:00 am and 12:30 pm. #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #havensfarmersmarket #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses #visitshelterisland

Address

16 South Ferry Road, PO Box 847
Shelter Island, NY
11964

Telephone

(631) 749-0025

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Havens Store is open today until 1:00 pm! Last three hours of this year! Thank you for your support and see you in 2020. #havensstore #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #shelterislandhistorycenter #visitshelterisland @motherart56 @tabitha_artist @kanelahandmade @vieweast18 @johnpagsart @kikiacme

Time Travelers learning to build like the Colonials. #timetravelerscamp #colonialbuild #TTTuesday #shelterislandhistoricalsociety

Even our elves were excited! A special thanks to all our island youth for volunteering to help make this such a special event for all ages. #intergenerationalcollaboration #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #holidayopenhouse #ittakesavillage

The Holiday Open House is in full swing here at the Havens Barn! Hope you can join us today between 1pm and 4pm.

Living History seminar with high school media students at the Shelter Island School. Steve Kasminski is currently providing direction and some cinematography advice as the students prepare for their interviews. #livinghistory #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #generationalcollaboration

Historic Crimes of Long Island Meet the Author event. #motivesforcrimes #lovegreedrevengeandmore #kerriannflanaganbrosky

The traditional "topping out" ceremony for the newly constructed gables at the new Shelter Island History Center. What an exciting time to be part of the Shelter Island Historical Society! #shelterislandhistoricalsociety #constructioncorner #thanksmatt #shelterislandhistorycenter

Time Travelers Youth Program Fun: Practicing the Harmonica!
Time Travelers Youth Program Fun: Practicing the Harmonica!

Time Travelers Youth Program Fun: Stilt-Walking!
Time Travelers Youth Program Fun: Stilt-Walking!

Time Travelers Youth Program Fun: Hula Hooping!
Time Travelers Youth Program Fun: Hula Hooping!

Come on down to be a part of the fun! We're here until 3:00 pm!

The first gathering of a Drum Circle in the Barn. Fun & restorative. Thank you Sarah Shepherd for leading the group.

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HI, I'm wondering first can I post old photos from Shelter Island? If you able to identify who the people are in the pictures? I will post one picture now. I do know the man in the back row with the white hair is Edward W. Payne. He walked the young bride down the isle. Does anyone else know who the people are? I do have another picture from the Wedding. (privacy on this site wouldn't let me post the picture, but I can send it in email) The picture was taken I think about late 1950 .
*Help Support the Sailors' Snug Harbor Cemetery Memorial Campaign* The Descendants of Sailors’ Snug Harbor Mariners have been reaching out to the Greater New York City Metro Area Heritage (Historical and Genealogical) Societies, Museums, Military Veterans Groups, and Concerned Citizens, to invite them to join a Letters of Support Campaign to support their efforts to gain access to the old Sailors’ Snug Harbor Cemetery on Staten Island to honor their Ancestors, and all of the 6,500 Merchant and Naval Mariners interred there (1834-1976), by installing a Memorial Monument (Obelisk) and holding an annual Memorial Service. Sadly, the Sailors' Snug Harbor Cemetery is devoid of gravestones or markers, except for 15 remaining gravestones. The Cemetery is closed and not open to the public. The Board of Trustees of Sailors' Snug Harbor have rejected the Descendants' requests to access the SSH Cemetery to honor their Ancestors. The Descendants are collecting Letters of Support to persuade the Trustees of Sailors’ Snug Harbor to change their decision. For more information and Support Letter Writing Instructions, use the following link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1sZv5VFLNWw0HA-pW2i33RhbgVFQ6oExx
Can anyone find a documentary link for father/son for lineage app? Anthony Sherman (1753-1849) and his son, Henry B Livingston Sherman (b. c1774 Long Island or East Haddam, CT d. p 1830 Shelter Island. It's my one documentary piece of evidence I need to complete the app. Pat from California ([email protected])
Looking forward to the new year with the Shelter Island Historical Society. 2018 promises to be a year of progress and fulfillment.