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.

HLFM Collections

History

Natural History

Land Trust

Archaeology

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. Due to Covid-19, the Museum is closed until further notice and scheduled programs will be offered virtually.

Battery Wooster, former site of two 8-inch disappearing guns, Fort Mansfield, Napatree Point, R.I., circa 2011. Photo by John Leuba.

The Coastal Forts of Eastern Long Island Sound: Abandonment, Ruination and Repurposing

This year’s virtual exhibition examines the current state of the fort properties that stretch across the Sound from Napatree Point, R.I., to Gardiners Point Island, N.Y.

Go To Exhibitions

The Eclectic Houses of Fishers Island and Beyond

On July 5, 2020 at 4 p.m., Jacob Albert of Albert, Righter & Tittmann Architects, Inc., Boston, Mass., will give an illustrated talk focusing on Fishers Island’s diverse, eclectic architecture.

View Upcoming Talks

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.

Go To Children’s Programs

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.

Nature Trails
 
Guided Walks

The Fishers Island Seagrass Management (FISM) Coalition

co-management, shared learning, communication, and building trust

LEARN MORE!

Virtual Annual Exhibit

The Coastal Forts of Eastern Long Island Sound: Abandonment, Ruination and Repurposing

Photo Galleries

View featured photo galleries and selected images from the Museum’s archives.

Recorded Talks

Watch recorded Museum talks from the comfort of your home.

Nature Notes

Learn more about the natural history of Fishers Island.

Documents

Download selected brochures, maps, photographs and other documents from the Museum’s collection.

Newsletters

Read the latest newsletter from the Museum – along with newsletters from the archive.

Meet Our Board President & Our Staff

Working together to support the mission of the Museum.

Elizabeth McCance
Elizabeth McCancePresident
As a descendant of Henry Ferguson, I have deep roots to Fishers Island and proud to be a part of educating the community and preserving the Land Trust. The Museum reminds us all of our rich history and many natural assets.
Pierce Rafferty
Pierce RaffertyMuseum Director
My passion is history and Fishers Island has plenty of it. Being more than slightly obsessive, much of my time at and away from work is spent focusing on ferreting out and revealing new facets of Fishers Island’s history. For example, the day I stumbled upon documents chronicling the New York State legislature’s attempts to buy Fishers Island and move Sing Sing prison here from “up the river” in Ossining was my definition of a perfect day.
Mary Linda Strunk
Mary Linda StrunkAdministrative Assistant
I’m a life-long resident of Fishers Island and a graduate of the Fishers Island School. I worked for the Island’s Post Office for 37 years, 28 of those as Post Master. Even though I’ve lived on the island my whole life, working at the Museum has been an eye opening experience and has taught me a great many things about our history that I just didn’t know.
Jack Schneider
Jack SchneiderLand Trust Stewardship Coordinator
I have been inspired by nature since childhood and studied zoology and ecology in college and graduate school. My goal is to engage people with nature and foster an understanding of the natural history of Fishers Island, and the unique lands conserved by the Museum.
Connor Jones
Connor JonesF.I. Seagrass Management Coordinator
I have a passion for protecting coastal ecosystems, and will use my experience from past projects in Maine and Rhode Island as support for my work preserving the Seagrass of Fishers Island.

LIVE WEB CAM

Osprey

FEATURED PHOTO GALLERY

Owls