Home of George Washington’s intelligence operative Robert Townsend, Raynham Hall is a time capsule of Long Island life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Purchased by Robert’s father Samuel around 1740 and expanded from a two-over-two farmhouse into a four-over-four town house whose land extended down … [Read more...]
Historic Sites
Historic Homes, Sites, and a Grist Mill on Long Island's North Shore along the Washington Spy Trail
The Brewster House, c. 1665
The Brewster House of Setauket has a history which dates back to 1665. The quaint saltbox farmhouse, which sits on a knoll on Route 25A alongside Setauket Harbor, was home to six generations of Brewsters. One of the homeowners was Joseph Brewster, who was born in 1735 and served as a lieutenant … [Read more...]
The Thompson House, c. 1709
The Thompson House stands nestled among trees on one of Setauket’s country roads, reflecting the heritage of the community and its people. Built in 1709, this charming saltbox was the foundation of Thompson family life for generations. A very interesting account of the life in this house is … [Read more...]
Huntington Historical Society
The Huntington Society protects and interprets the history of Huntington and the central Long Island region. The Society maintains several national register historic properties – two as house museums, one for a gallery and display space for exhibiting selected portions of our collection. The fourth … [Read more...]
The Hawkins-Mount House, c. 1725
In the late 18th century, Jonas Hawkins used the house as a store and tavern. During the Revolutionary War, Jonas Hawkins was a messenger for the Culper Spy Ring. … [Read more...]
Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury Road. The Gardens’ 160 acres include the Walled Perennial Garden, the Boxwood Gardens, the formal Rose Garden, Cottage Garden and demonstration gardens, as well as sweeping lawns, over 100 species of trees, rolling fields and wildlife. The Westbury House mansion, virtually unchanged … [Read more...]
Oheka Castle Historic Hotel
This magnificent Gold Coast Mansion, resting majestically on the highest point of Long Island, emanates the elegant refinement of a chateaux in France coupled with world-class service and a rich history that is distinctly American. OHEKA has been celebrating the art of entertaining since 1919, when … [Read more...]
Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site
246 Old Walt Whitman Rd., South Huntington. The home of Walt Whitman, America’s greatest poet, c.1819. Exhibit includes his papers, school master’s desk, recordings of his voice, and more. In 2007, the Walt Whitman Trail, which begins at the birthplace, was designated a National Recreational Trail … [Read more...]
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
Theodore Roosevelt’s Home, a National Historic Site Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. During Roosevelt’s time in office, his “Summer White House” was the focus of international attention. Otherwise, it was the … [Read more...]
Jazz Loft
The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook is a combination of jazz history museum, a performance venue, and a center for educational outreach. The 6,000 sq. ft. venue, located in an historic building, is all about preservation, education and performance. Located at 275 Christian Avenue, Stony Brook (next to … [Read more...]
Stony Brook Grist Mill, c.1751
The Stony Brook Grist Mill was built in 1699 by Adam Smith, son of Richard “Bull” Smith. When the original mill and dam washed out in 1751, a new mill was erected on the present site using beams from the original 17th century structure. During the Revolutionary War, grains ground at the Stony Brook … [Read more...]
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium
The spectacular Spanish-Revival mansion and museum of William K. Vanderbilt II in Centerport, New York, is one of the few remaining estates on the legendary North Shore of Long Island. The mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a time machine to a rare and privilged way of … [Read more...]
