Southampton Celebrates 375th Anniversary

The Town of Southampton, New York State’s first English colony was founded by a small group of English Puritans from Lynn, Massachusetts who landed at Conscience Point on June 12, 1640. Among these first settlers were Edward Howell and Thomas Halsey. 2015 marks the 375th anniversary of the Town of Southampton and festivities will be taking place throughout the year at different venues to celebrate this significant milestone.

Coordinated by Southampton Town Clerk Sundy Schermeyer and Town Historian Zach Studenroth, the various local historical societies, museums, and organizations lined up a series of events for Southampton’s 375th anniversary celebration. southamptontownny.gov

The Southampton Historical Museum opened an exhibit commemorating Southampton’s 375th anniversary on March 7 which will continue through December 31, 2015, called “If These Walls Could Talk: Meet the Families of the Rogers Mansion.” Curator Emma Ballou transformed the Rogers Mansion into an exhibit featuring the three prominent Southampton families — Rogers, Nugent, and Parrish — who resided on the Rogers Mansion site from 1650 until 1940.

Water Mill Day, June 5 will feature a tour of the 1644 water-powered gristmill built by original settler Edward Howell, the 1813 Corwith Windmill and Veteran’s Memorial, and the 1898 Community House and 1729 old cemetery. On June 6, discover the history of the original colony as you Walk Southampton’s First Settlement 1640-1648, from William K. Dunwell Park to Fowler’s Preserve.

Founding day celebrations include the 375th Celebration & Rededication of the Monument to 1640?at Conscience Point on June 13 acknowledging North Sea’s Native American past, the 1640 landing of English pioneers, and the founding of Southampton. Enjoy A Birthday Celebration for Southampton’s 375th at the Custom House in Sag Harbor on June 13. On June 14, explore the Re-creation of the Historic 1640 Walk: From Conscience Point in North Sea to Southampton Village. This hike retraces the 1640 walk where the Shinnecock Tribe guided English pioneers to “Olde Towne” in Southampton Village.

On June 25, take a Director’s Tour of the Shinnecock Museum, honoring the living history of the Shinnecock Nation, with director/curator David Bunn Martine. In Hampton Bays, on July 11, the Hampton Bays Historical & Preservation Society will host a Revolutionary War Re-enactment.
Hamlet and village historical walking tours include a one-hour Walking Tour of Water Mill on Wednesdays from July 1-August 26. Also a Guided Walking Tour of Historic Commercial Buildings Along Westhampton Beach’s Main Street on July 18; “Fire, Water, and Firewater: A Walking History of Sag Harbor” on July 19 and August 30; and a Guided Walking Tour of the Historic Homes Along Remsenburg’s Main Street on August 9.

East Quogue Historical Society Events will feature a tour of the Methodist Church, Sharon Downs House, and old cemetery from July 11-12. In Bridgehampton, enjoy Summer Tours of the 1820 Beebe Windmill on July 11, 25, August 8, 22, and September 5.

The Parrish Art Museum’s “History for Lunch” Brain Food series will feature Alicia Longwell on the Permanent Collection on July 16. And on September 10 Historical Works will reveal historic artwork from the East End of Long Island. On November 13, enjoy “Home Sweet Home” movies at the Parrish Art Museum featuring historic film footage from the museum’s archives.

On July 23, join in Calling All Halseys! Author Anne Halsey will give an overview at the Rogers Mansion of the Halsey family, which traces its lineage to pioneer Thomas Halsey who came to Southampton in 1640. Reception follows at the c. 1683 Thomas Halsey Homestead, Southampton’s oldest home. On October 17, join in Calling All Howells! Southampton Town Historian Zach Studenroth will give a talk and tour of the cemetery at the Old Southampton Burying Ground.

Tom Edmonds, Executive Director of The Southampton Historical Museum, leading the 375th Anniversary Committee, reflects, “The Howells and Halseys were fruitful and settled across the U.S. There are a few Howells remaining on the South Fork but many Halseys thrived here, as well as moving across the country. John Halsey created Peconic Land Trust in the 1980s so that farm families would not be pushed off their land. The Howell Family Association, located in California, organized a reunion this fall with many members returning for the 375th Anniversary.”

Festivities continue with the Quogue Historical Society Art Show on the Village Green and at the Pond House on August 8. On August 15, enjoy a day of fun and food at the Southampton Town Trustees Snapper Derby and Clam Competition?at the Shinnecock Canal to celebrate the town’s maritime history and traditions. On September 5, revel in the 375th Anniversary & Late Summer Cocktail Party on the lawn of the 1843 Rogers Mansion.

On December 31, attend the 375th Grand Finale & New Year’s Eve Party (registration required). Black tie and slippers! Join the Southampton Historical Museum for its closing event in celebration of Southampton’s 375th anniversary and ring in the New Year. The party will include live music, cocktails, dinner buffet, a champagne toast, and tours of the historic mansion Port of Missing Men.

The Town of Southampton is rich in its history and cultural heritage. Surrounded by gorgeous beaches, historic villages, and seaside communities, the Town of Southampton remains one of the most sought after places on Long Island. Take a step back in time, while enjoying the many interesting events during this 375th anniversary celebration.