Exhibits & Events

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

UPCOMING EXHIBIT
Sparkling Through Adversity: Depression Glass of the 1930s
A Spotlight Series Exhibit
In our Weathervane Gallery, January 31 – April 11, 2026

Gallery Hours: Wednesday– Sataturday, 10am – 4:30pm. Regular admission fee applies.

At the onset of the Great Depression, the elegant crystal and glassware of the Roaring Twenties became financially unattainable for many families. Mass-produced, colorful, glistening pressed glassware quickly gained popularity, as homemakers delighted in setting their tables with these affordable jewel-like dish sets and accessories, with many items selling for just pennies. Known today as Depression Glass, these inexpensive yet colorful wares were produced in dozens of sparkling patterns and hues, bringing small luxuries of beauty and optimism to the dark years of the 1930s. Through a rainbow array of pastels and jewel tones, iridescent opalescent “carnival” finishes, and even a glowing uranium variety, this Spotlight Series exhibit showcases some of the finest pieces from the Suffolk County Historical Society’s own collection—and serves as a colorful reflection of beauty and hope through adversity.

BOOK & BOTTLE:
Long Island Women in the Revolution
with Natalie A. Naylor
Saturday, March 7, 2026 – 1:00 pm

Members Free, Non-Members $8. Includes refreshments.
Registration + non-refundable prepayment required. *Space is limited!*
Call 631-727-2881 X100 to reserve your spot!

Women are almost invisible in most accounts of the Revolutionary War on Long Island, even though they experienced more than seven years of British occupation, skirmishes, and calculated humiliations. Natalie A. Naylor, who taught Long Island and American social history for more than 30 years at Hofstra University and is a Long Island history scholar, will discuss the little-known role of Long Island women during the years of the American Revolution, shedding light on what life was like for women during the war and how they coped.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Natalie A. Naylor, Ed.D., is a retired Hofstra University professor who taught Long Island history, women’s history, and other courses in American social history. She was also the director of Hofstra’s Long Island Studies Institute for fifteen years. Dr. Naylor edited several books for the Institute, has written numerous articles on Long Island history, and is the author of Women in Long Island’s Past: A History of Eminent Ladies and Everyday Lives. She is a past president of the Nassau County Historical Society and edits its annual Journal.

A SPORTSMAN'S PARADISE:
Man and Nature in Suffolk County's Past

From New York City's wealthy elite to the resident locals making a living here, Long Island has been recognized as a mecca for sportsmen (and sportswomen) for over 150 years, earning its own exhibition at the National Sportsman's Show from 1895 to the 1940s. Illustrating how hunting evolved from necessity to popular sport, eventually leading to the introduction of protective conservation laws, this exhibition will explore how the "sporting life" – through job opportunities, increased rail traffic, hotel and resort development, and eventual wildlife conservation – influenced our way of life on Long Island. Through an amazing assortment of hunting equipment, hand-carved decoys, duck boats, fishing gear, themed toys, clothing, magazines, and more, A Sportsman's Paradise explores all that Suffolk County offered to those who were seeking its natural rewards. Exhibit curated by Jamie Reason. Exhibit design by Joshua Cortez. In our Grand Staas Gallery January – October 2024.

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.