Top Things to do in Hamptons
What to do and see in Hamptons, Long Island: The Best History Museums
The legendary Hamptons, a cluster of wealthy enclaves on Long Islands South Fork, remains a celebrity summer playground, with splashy restaurants and nightclubs galore. But lovely beaches, fishing and kayaking attract off-the-A-list visitors, as well. Old money oozes throughout Southampton, while new wealth reigns in East Hampton. Montauk is a hit with fishermen and surfers. The Long Island Railroad travels the Hamptons in an hour. The Sag Harbor Whaling Museum and Montauk lighthouse are popular stops.
Restaurants in Hamptons
1. The Thomas Halsey Homestead
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Thomas Halsey was one of founders of Southampton in 1640. He purchased this homestead in 1648 to start a farm and raise a family. The Halsey House was built by his son Thomas Halsey, Jr. in 1683. It was a simple two story, two room cabin which can be identified on the exterior by the diamond pattern windows. A two room extension was add in 1730. This historic house museum is open to the public on Saturdays from July to mid-October between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. It features historic furnishings reflecting a colonial farm family in 1750 and an exhibit on the Shinnecock Tribe with a recreated Woodland Period Village c. 1,000 CE with hands-on activities for children.
2. Mulford Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The Mulford Farm, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1680 and appears, mostly intact, as it was in 1750. The house features a collection of colonial furniture and objects, and the grounds include a 1721 barn, smokehouse, outhouse, and historic cutting garden.
3. Hallockville Museum Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Find out what life was like on a typical farm on the North Fork of Long Island from 1880 to 1920 by visiting the wonderfully preserved original buildings and observing the artifacts displayed throughout this history museum.
Reviewed By airinhayknee - East Quogue, United States
Visited the farm this weekend for a food truck derby and got to see a bunch of cows and sheep and old farming/boat building exhibits. Its a lovely property and a really beautiful place if you were looking for a spring/summer/fall wedding as they have an absolutely gorgeous barn you can rent.
4. Second House Museum
5. Southampton History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
The Southampton History Museum was organized in 1898 and incorporated in 1910. In its early days, the Museum collected and exhibited historical objects and documents relating to the history and development of Southampton, organized pageants and gave lectures on antiques. By 1960 the Rogers Mansion property had expanded to include 12 historic structures including an 1830 one-room schoolhouse, an 1825 barn and a 19th century paint store, among others. The Mansion is the main administrative center for the organization and is open year-round. Today the Museum's mission is to preserve and promote the history and culture of the Town of Southampton by engaging and inspiring diverse audiences. It does this through the management of 4 separate properties with 14 historic buildings that contain changing exhibits on historic topics, a research center and educational programs for schoolchildren and adults.
Reviewed By SD441 - Water Mill, United States
For us this exhibit was a peek at the rich history of the East End of Long Island through the use of photographs from the historic archives of the The Morris Studio. I used to go to the Morris Studio for passport photos and film product since I was in college. It's unfortunate closure now reveals lost photographs of historic landmarks and portraits of local families all documenting more than 100 years of local history. We were told that this exhibition will be the first time many of these images will have ever been seen in this kind of setting.
6. Southampton Arts Center
7. Custom House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By WendyZi - Westborough, United States
We loved our visit to the Custom House in Sag Harbor. My husband and I saw it as we were walking to the Whaling Museum next door and decided to stop in. We were a group of four, my husband and I with two teen children. We had a wonderful personal tour with a guide who knew the history, the artifacts and also the area. We had several great conversations about the house and our visit, and we saw things that really brought to life the 17th century life of an official of the newly established United States. The bedrooms and the kitchen were particularly interesting (the peaches!) and the details of the dining room china and furniture really set this gem of a museum apart. Loved our guide and we continue to recommend this to friends who are visiting Sag Harbor.
8. East Hampton Historical Society: Clinton Academy
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
9. Osborn Jackson House
10. The Bridgehampton Museum
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 5 reviews
Formally known as The Bridgehampton Historical Society The Museum includes the Archives Building at 2359-A Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton
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