WELCOME TO THE HENRY L. FERGUSON MUSEUM ~ FOUNDED IN 1960
Named in honor of a man who devoted his entire life to the civic and business affairs of Fishers Island.
The mission of The Henry L. Ferguson Museum is the collection, preservation and exhibition of items of Prehistory, History and Natural History of Fishers Island and, through its Land Trust, the preservation in perpetuity of undeveloped property in its natural state. It is organized for the education and enjoyment of the Island’s community and visitors and for the protection of habitat for the Island’s flora and fauna.
Museum Programs & Activities
In addition to maintaining its extensive collections, the H.L. Ferguson Museum offers annual exhibits, talks, children’s programs and nature trails.
The Museum will open its doors with regular visiting hours beginning July 1, 2021.
The most recent CDC COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed. Any restrictions on the number of people allowed inside at a given time will be posted. For special appointments before July 1st, please contact Pierce Rafferty, HLFM Director, at the Museum’s landline, 631-788-7239, or fimuseum@fishersisland.net.
Young eastern painted turtle on lily pad, Darby’s Cove, Peninsula, Fishers Island. Photo by Terry McNamara
Fishers Island, Naturally: A Photographic Celebration
This year’s Annual Exhibition and associated Special Exhibitions will open on July 1, 2021, both in the Museum and on this website.
Made in the Shade Photo of barred owl by Justine Kibbe.
Illustrated Talks
The 2021 summer series begins, Sunday, July 11 with Ornithologist Rob Bierregaard’s illustrated talk on the Barred Owl, the most widespread owl on Fishers Island. Additional topics include gardening, vernal pools, bats, the Common Loon, rare species, bird banding, and the Most Pivotal Decade.
Children’s Programs at the Museum
The Museum partners with local educators from the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center and the Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut to offer family program for ages 5 and up. Through hands-on science based activities, children learn about the natural environment on Fishers Island.
HLFM Nature Trails
Thursdays in July and August nature walks are led by board member Terry McNamara, an educator with decades of experience teaching science and the natural sciences at the high school level. Trail Guides are available for islanders who wish to take self-guided hikes.
Meet Our Board President & Our Staff
Working together to support the mission of the Museum.
