Exhibits & Events

For full details and to register for any of the Suffolk County Historical Society's upcoming events, please call: (631) 727-2881.

EXHIBIT EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND!
Visions of Freedom: America 250 Exhibit
A Multimedia Exhibition by Women Sharing Art, Inc.
Now in Our Gish Gallery Thru December 23, 2026

Women Sharing Art, Inc. presents Visions of Freedom in honor of America 250, the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. WSA is a vibrant collective of women artists working across ceramics, painting, art glass, fiber art, jewelry, mixed media, mosaics, oils, & acrylics, photography, pottery, sculpture, watercolor, and videography.

In Visions of Freedom, over 30 talented artists bring together diverse perspectives to explore what freedom means in the American experience. Through deeply personal expressions and varied artistic languages, from richly textured mosaics and luminous glass pieces to evocative photographs and expressive paintings, this extraordinary exhibit celebrates both historical ideals and contemporary interpretations of liberty, identity, and possibility. Drawing on each artist's unique background and created voice, the works invite viewers to reflect on the many dimensions of freedom in a nation shaped by diverse cultures, struggles, and stories. Visions of Freedom is not only a visual display of craftsmanship across media but also a thoughtful dialogue about the ideals at the core of America's ongoing journey.

AMERICA 250 EXHIBIT:
For the Blessings of Liberty:
Suffolk County and the American Revolution

On August 27th, 1776, the American army under command of General George Washington suffered defeat by the British at the Battle of Brooklyn. Washington's army retreated, and Long Island would be under British control for the next seven years – longer than any other part of America. Nearly a third of Suffolk County residents were able to flee to the mainland, but for those left behind – by choice or necessity – those seven years would be filled with uncertainty, divided loyalties, curfews, raids and confiscation, forced labor, and demands of the ever-present British soldiers. Through our collection of historical artifacts – some of which are on display for the first time – the Suffolk County Historical Society explores this crucial period in our county's history to examine the dear price we paid for the "Blessings of Liberty." In Our Weathervane Gallery May 9, 2026 - May 2027.

SPECIAL SEPTEMBER CONCERT:
Harlem Blues & Jazz Band *All Stars* Tribute Concert
In Memory and Tribute to Founder “Doc” Al Vollmer, and musicians Danny Mixon and Ray Blue
Saturday, Septemebr 19, 2026 - 3:00 pm

Limited Seating! Call Now to Reserve Your Seat! 631.727.2881 x100
Concert is free with museum admission ($5 adult, $3 senior, $1 child, members free).

The Internationally Renowned HARLEM BLUES & JAZZ BAND comes back to Suffolk County! Featuring: Greg Murphy • Bertha Hope • Bill Wurtzel • Annette St. John • Barry Bryson • John Cooksey • Kim Clarke • Willie Applewhite • Keisha St. Joan • David Lee Jones • Tommy Morimoto • Michael Dawson

Harlem Blues & Jazz Band was formed in 1973, when a passionate music aficionado, Dr. Al Vollmer, recognized that a significant pool of the great NYC jazz musicians of the 1920s and 30s had retired as musicians. Motivated to revive their talents, Vollmer encouraged these talented artists to pick up their instruments once again, and Harlem Blues & Jazz Band was formed. The band toured the world, established not only to continue the legacy of the country’s greatest jazz ensembles but also to pay homage to the genre’s roots: The Blues.

Mark Your Calendar!
UPCOMING BOOK & BOTTLE LECTURES

$8; Members Free. Advance Registration Required: 631-727-2881 x100

October 3 – "Goody Garlick" with Tara Rider
October 17 – "The True Story of the Culper Spy Ring" with Bill Bleyer
November 7 – "Nazis of Long Island" with Chris Verga
November 21 – "Long Island State Hospitals" with Joseph M. Galante

BOOK & BOTTLE:
The Devil in New York - The Witchcraft Trial of Goody Garlick
with Tara Rider
Saturday, October 3, 2026 - 1:00 pm

$8, members free.
Registration and prepayment required: 631-727-2881 x100

The most famous American witch-hunt began in 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts. Yet, more than three decades before that notorious event, Long Island had its very own witchcraft trial – the trial of Goody Garlick! Accusations of flying on poles and cavorting with the Devil ran rampant in the colonies during the 17th century and led to hundreds of accusations of witchcraft. To understand what happened during these trials, we must first understand the stresses of ordinary 17th-century life in New York and why the fear of witches existed. The trial of Goody Garlick will act as a lens to understand the hysteria associated with these accusations. Presented by Tara Rider, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer and Faculty Director, Stonybrook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences.

AMERICA 250: BOOK & BOTTLE
George Washington's Long Island Spy Ring
with Bill Bleyer
Saturday, October 17, 2026 - 1:00 pm

$8, members free.
Registration and prepayment required: 631-727-2881 x100
Includes Book Sale & Author Signing

Learn the true story of the Culper Spy Ring from former Newsday reporter Bill Bleyer, author of George Washington's Long Island Spy Ring: A History and Tour Guide. History enthusiasts have long been fascinated by the operation of the Long Island-based Culper Spy Ring during the American Revolution, especially since the airing of the television series Turn. Over the years, there have been many legends, such as the role played by Anna Strong's clothesline, and speculations about how the spies operated to support George Washington's Continental Army. This PowerPoint lecture will separate facts from fiction and detail the ingenious operation of the intelligence network that helped the American Patriots win the war.

SUFFOLK COUNTY: A TIMELINE EXPERIENCE!
New Permanent Exhibit Opens to the Public
June 3, 2023
Gallery hours: 10:00am to 4:30pm
(excluding holiday weekends)
Designed as the new core of the Suffolk County Historical Society Museum, this new interactive permanent exhibit, “a museum within a museum,” provides a comprehensive timeline of over 200 historically significant moments that shaped Suffolk County into the vibrant community it is today. From the geological formation of Long Island, to the arrival of its indigenous people, moving forward through history to modern times, our greatest residents and achievements figure prominently in this exhibition celebrating our history, our heritage, and our people. Our story is told through over 200 artifacts and documents, photos, digital screens, and interactive digital experiences that will delight every visitor, while walking guests through our history, century by century.

This exhibit is funded in part by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, with additional support from Roberta Cooper in memory of James B. Cooper III and the Cooper Family.

MASTERS OF METAL:
Suffolk County's Early Silversmiths
In our History in the Hall Display Cases
In March 2020, the Suffolk County Historical Society secured a significant acquisition of over 100 pieces of silver crafted by Suffolk County's earliest known silversmiths. With works by Joel, John, and Paul Sayre, Elias Pelletreau, B. Coleman, and Col. David Hedges, this display case exhibit glistens with the handcrafted work of these fine eighteenth-century artisans. The SCHS Board of Trustees is proud to present this notable collection, exhibited for the first time.

Silversmithing was one of the earliest arts practiced in the American colonies. As early as 1638, just eight years after Boston had been settled, fourteen-year-old from Boston named John Hull is documented to have been apprenticed to his half-brother Richard Storer to learn the art of crafting in silver. The increase of silver coins available in the colonies added to the growing importance of silversmiths. Early American silversmiths were influenced by both Dutch and English designs, but eventually there evolved an “American” style – simple and sturdy in design, substantial in weight, and well crafted.

BE A WITNESS TO HISTORY!
The Suffolk County Historical Society invites you to be a witness to our living history. Please consider sharing your COVID-19 experiences for our historic archives. Email your stories to: librarian@schs-museum.org. Be sure to put "COVID-19" in your subject line and to include your location and contact information.

ONGOING

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE!
Please join the Suffolk County Historical Society and support local history preservation. Founded in 1886, SCHS is a non-profit organization that collects and preserves the rich history of Suffolk County. We operate a history museum, an expansive library and archives, and a multitude of events, programs, and educational lectures and workshops. Our unique and ever-growing collection of artifacts reflects more than three centuries of local history. Visit our website or call 631-727-2881 for more information.

SCHS PHOTO OF THE WEEK SERIES!
To subscribe to our popular Photo of the Week Series, send an email to librarian Wendy Polhemus-Annibell: wannibell@schs-museum.org.

OFF-SITE EXHIBITIONS

SUFFOLK COUNTY PINE BARRENS PICTORIAL EXHIBIT
On display at the Suffolk County Water Authority Education Center in Hauppauge. A standing display on loan from the Suffolk County Historical Society provides an overview of the history of the Pine Barrens and the critical role this region plays in the protection of Suffolk County's precious groundwater. The SCWA Education Center is located at 260 Motor Pkwy, Hauppauge, NY.