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Contact UsFI Museum2024-09-20T17:43:31-04:00

Contact the Museum

info@fergusonmuseum.org
(631) 788-7239
Physical Address: 1109 Equestrian Ave
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 554, Fishers Island, NY 06390

FALL HOURS

By appointment only, please contact HLFM Director Pierce Rafferty at 631-788-7239
or e-mail info@fergusonmuseum.org

The Museum’s Land Trust trail system is open for visitors.

Have a question? Use the form below to contact us.

Pierce Rafferty, Museum Director

Pierce Rafferty, Director
Henry L. Ferguson Museum

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The last supermoon of 2024 (as seen over Darby’s

The last supermoon of 2024 (as seen over Darby’s cove) is visible tonight, Friday, November 15th. A supermoon is defined as an astronomical phenomenon where a full moon (180 degrees to the Sun) looks larger and brighter than usual. It happens when the full moon occurs at the same time when it is closest to the Earth in its orbit. Have a good view? Tag us!

📸: Terry McNamara
#supermoon #beavermoon #fergusonmuseum #hlfm #fisherisland #finy #fishersislandny

As the shadows grow longer and the witches take fl

As the shadows grow longer and the witches take flight,
Beware ghostly creatures seeking to give you a fright.

As Jack-o'-lanterns flicker, casting eerie light,
Happy Halloween to all, and good trick-or-treating, to-night!

Photos 1-3, Special guest docent
Photo 4, as seen off Peninsula road.

Join us this SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 at 4 PM, for “TH

Join us this SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 at 4 PM, for “THE HISTORY OF ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL FIELD TRIALS ON FISHERS ISLAND” an Illustrated Talk by Museum Director Pierce Rafferty, co-hosted by Ted Lagala, Eastern Regional Field Governor, Parent Club of the Breed, ESSFTA

Discover how Walton Ferguson, Jr. and a small group of friends and relatives staged the first Springer trials ever held in America and catch a glimpse of the camaraderie of gatherings at the Mansion House Hotel and in the field during the trials' rigorous tests. Celebrate the champion dogs that made sporting history here on Fishers Island.

WHEN; Sunday, October 13, 2024
TIME: 4:00 p.m.
PLACE: In person at the Museum, 2nd Floor and virtual via zoom

For more information about programs at the Museum, please visit our website:
https://fergusonmuseum.org/events

#hlfm #fergusonmuseum #fishersisland #fishersislandny #finy #springerspaniel

The Northern Lights as spotted over Darbys Cove to

The Northern Lights as spotted over Darbys Cove tonight, October 10th, by Terry McNamara. They are visible this far south as the result of a major geomagnetic storm creating disturbances in the earth’s magnetic field. Exactly how far south the aurora can be seen depends on the intensity of the storm. Thursday’s storm is not expected to reach the same strength we saw back in May, where people all along the East Coast were reportedly seeing the lights. They should be visible to the naked eye, but take your cellphone because the camera will capture even more vivid images. And don’t forget a jacket—it is chilly!

#northernlights #fisherislandny #fishersisland #finy #auroraborealis

Fireflies are surely among our greatest ambassador

Fireflies are surely among our greatest ambassadors for Earth’s natural magic. For centuries their ethereal beauty has sparked wonder and inspired poets, artists, and children of all ages. Join us this SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 at 4pm for "THE WONDROUS WORLD OF FIREFLIES" an Illustrated Talk by biologist and professor emerita at Tufts, Dr. Sara Lewis, who will give a presentation on their remarkable lifestyles and explain where they got their bright lights. Learn about human activities that put fireflies at risk and find out what you can do to help protect these dazzling creatures.

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024
TIME: 4 p.m.
LOCATION: In person at the Museum, 2nd floor and virtual via zoom

For more information about programs at the Museum, please visit our website:
https://fergusonmuseum.org/events

#hlfm #fergusonmuseum #fishersisland #fishersislandny #finy #fireflies

An ancient snapper emerged from Middle Farms Pond

An ancient snapper emerged from Middle Farms Pond recently. A fabulous reminder that humans were not the first to arrive on our shores. Photo by Amy Fine Collins.

Rocks are amazing! Join us at the Museum Wednesday

Rocks are amazing! Join us at the Museum Wednesday, August 28 @ 2pm for "ROCK CYCLE RUCKUS", a FAMILY PROGRAM presented by Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) for ages five and up. Learn about the cycle rocks go through as they turn from sedimentary to metamorphic to igneous and back again by playing games and seeing lots of awesome rock samples!

WHEN: August 28, 2024
TIME: 2 to 3 p.m.
LOCATION: In person at the Museum.
Suggested donation $10.

ATTENDANCE IS LIMITED SO ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED.
Please phone: 631-788-7239 or email info@fergusonmuseum.org
(note the name and date of the specific program and the name and age of the attendee/s).

#hlfm #fergusonmuseum #fishersisland #fishersislandny #finy #rocks #rockcycle

Join us this SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 at 4pm for "MENHADE

Join us this SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 at 4pm for "MENHADEN" an Illustrated Talk by Emmy-nominated filmmaker and naturalist Jacob Steinberg who will give a presentation on his current work in progress: a film illustrating the critical importance of menhaden to our fisheries and our development as a nation.

Considered by some to be the most important fish in the ocean, menhaden are a fascinating fish (on top of being one of the ospreys’ favorite meals). This talk will cover the history of the menhaden fishing industry and the reverberating environmental impacts it has had over time.

WHEN; Sunday, August 25, 2024
TIME: 4:00 p.m.
PLACE: In person at the Museum, 2nd Floor and virtual via Zoom

For more information about programs at the Museum, please visit our website:
https://fergusonmuseum.org/events

PHOTO CREDIT: Menhaden, photo by Virginia Institute of Marine Science

#hlfm #fergusonmuseum #fishersisland #fishersislandny #finy #menhaden #fish

Join us this SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 at 4pm for a spec

Join us this SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 at 4pm for a special screening of Emmy-nominated filmmaker and naturalist Jacob Steinberg’s PBS Nature Special “SEASON OF THE OSPREY” at the FI Theater. Following the screening there will be a Q&A and discussion with the filmmaker. No admission charge. Voluntary contributions will go to the Ken Edwards Wildlife Conservation Fund of the HLFM to assure the continuance of the range of work that Ken has been providing, including the construction and maintenance of osprey platforms, as well as nesting boxes for a range of birds.

Steinberg’s celebrated “Season of the Osprey” is a unique film, narrated by Paul Giamatti, that captures the struggles, failures and triumphs of an osprey family over the course of a summer on the Connecticut River. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as you watch a pair of ospreys battle their enemies, withstand the elements, and hunt hundreds of fish, all to raise the next generation of these consummate sea hawks.

WHEN: Saturday, August 24, 2024
TIME: 4:00 p.m.
PLACE: FI Theater. This will be in-person only.
Q&A and discussion to follow.

For more information about Museum programs, please visit our website:
https://fergusonmuseum.org/events

PHOTO CREDIT: Osprey photo courtesy of Jacob Steinberg

#hlfm #fergusonmuseum #fishersisland #fishersislandny #finy #osprey #raptors #birds

Discover the interesting and important work wildli

Discover the interesting and important work wildlife rehabilitators do to help injured animals! Join us Wednesday, AUGUST 21 for "ANIMAL REHABILITATION STORIES" - a FAMILY PROGRAM presented at the HLF Museum by Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) for ages five and up. We will talk about what it means to be a rehabilitator, what you can do at home to protect wildlife and meet some of the Nature Center’s non-releasable animal residents. Suggested donation $10.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 21, 2024
TIME: 2 to 3 p.m.
LOCATION: All Wednesday children’s programs are in person at the Museum.

ATTENDANCE IS LIMITED SO ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED.
Please phone: 631-788-7239 or email info@fergusonmuseum.org
(note the name and date of the specific program and the name and age of the attendee/s).

For more information about programs at the Museum, please visit our website:
https://fergusonmuseum.org/events

#hlfm #fergusonmuseum #fishersisland #fishersislandny #finy

The Ferguson Museum Trail Dogs reported that Sanct

The Ferguson Museum Trail Dogs reported that Sanctuary Pond overflowed its banks and connected with Belle Hill road due to the 1.65” rain event last night. Many areas in the region saw even more rainfall, including close to 10” in parts of Long Island.

#fishersisland #fergusonmuseum #fergusonmuseumlandtrust #fergusonmuseumtraildogs #fishersislandny #finy

Join us at the Museum this SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 at 4p

Join us at the Museum this SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 at 4pm for "PLASTIC IN THE WATER, PLASTIC ON THE LAND, AND PLASTIC IN YOU!" an illustrated talk by Dr. Megan J. Wolff, policy director at Beyond Plastics co-hosted with Fishers Island Conservancy. Dr. Wolff will speak about what efforts individuals can make to reduce their personal consumption and exposure to plastics with a focus on the threat of microplastics to your health.

Plastic pollution is a bad neighbor. Michele Klimczak of the Fishers Island Conservancy, along with other organizations and volunteers, works tirelessly to clean up beach litter, but there is always more washing ashore, and plenty more being manufactured and discarded every day. Plastic waste is on track to triple by 2060. As plastic breaks up into microplastics it disperses into the environment. Researchers are finding plastic particles almost everywhere they look, including inside the human body.

What are the impacts of these plastics, and what can we do to stop them?

WHEN: Sunday, August 18, 2024
TIME: 4:00 p.m.
PLACE: At the Museum, 2nd Floor and virtually via Zoom.
Reception to follow.

For more information about programs at the Museum, please visit our website:
https://fergusonmuseum.org/events

PHOTO CREDIT: plastic scum, by Justine Kibbe

#hlfm #fergusonmuseum #fishersisland #fishersislandny #finy #plastic

A treasure trove for anyone looking to excite, ent

A treasure trove for anyone looking to excite, entertain, or delight the Naturalist in their life. Stop by the museum and look through our gift shop; we guarantee that there is something for just about everyone. And don’t you deserve a little something too? Of course you do. Come on by!

#fishersisland #hlfm #fergusonmuseum #fishersislandny #finy #giftshop

Taking their name from the indefatigable four-legg

Taking their name from the indefatigable four-legged companions that accompany park rangers in the wilds of our US National Parks, the Ferguson Museum Trail Dogs have spent the summer boldly going where no Island ecologists have gone before to stop and mitigate the spread of harmful invasive invasives in our ponds and on our trails. If you see them, give them a wave or even say hello—we promise they don’t bite!

…except for Jack. And maybe Quinn. Perhaps you should just stick with a wave to be safe.

#fishersisland #fergusonmuseum #traildogs #hlfmlandtrust #fishersislandny #finy #invasivespeciesremoval

Today’s 7-10 year old FIND group found a Hickory

Today’s 7-10 year old FIND group found a Hickory horned devil caterpillar in the parade ground just past the Demonstration Garden on the left of the path. Hickory horned devil caterpillars become Regal Moths.

“The Regal Moth is the largest moth by mass north of Mexico. Fully developed specimens reach five inches in size. It burrows into the ground to pupate in an earthen chamber rather than spinning a cocoon.” Per wiki/Citheronia_regalis…

In recent years it has mostly been seen on Middle Farms Flats so it’s great to see it on the Parade Ground, where Tom Sargent informs me it had been seen in the past.

Photo by DPNC educator/ FIND Program Day 4, 2024 .

#fishersisland

Fishers island School student Nadia netted a Spott

Fishers island School student Nadia netted a Spotted turtle, a species of “special concern” in NYS, from Sanctuary Pond behind the Museum on Day 3 of weeklong FIND program (Fishers Island Nature Discovery). Only a few Spotted turtles have been seen in the wild on FI in the past ten years. A great catch! Kim Hargrave, the education director for Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, seen at right, said the turtle’s size indicates an age of approximately 20 years The turtle has since returned to the depths of Sanctuary Pond.

Join us at the Museum Wednesday, AUGUST 14 @ 2pm f

Join us at the Museum Wednesday, AUGUST 14 @ 2pm for "CREEPERS AND LEAPERS", a Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) FAMILY PROGRAM for ages five and up. Live frogs, snakes and salamanders provide an up-close introduction to the interesting adaptations of our native amphibians and reptiles.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 14, 2024
TIME: 2 to 3 p.m.
LOCATION: All Wednesday children’s programs are in person at the Museum.
Suggested donation $10.

ATTENDANCE IS LIMITED SO ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED.
Please phone: 631-788-7239 or email info@fergusonmuseum.org
(note the name and date of the specific program and the name and age of the attendee/s).

PHOTO CREDIT: American bullfrog, USFW

#hlfm #fergusonmuseum #fishersisland #fishersislandny #finy #frogs #snakes #salamanders #amphibians #reptiles

Join us at the Museum this SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 at 4p

Join us at the Museum this SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 at 4pm for "JELLYFISH NEAR FISHERS ISLAND AND BEYOND" – an illustrated talk by Dr. Mary Beth Decker, marine scientist and educator at Yale University. Mary Beth will introduce us to jellyfish biology and the ecological roles that jellyfish play in our coastal and open-ocean ecosystems.

WHEN: Sunday, August 11, 2024
TIME: 4:00 p.m.
PLACE: In person at the Museum, 2nd Floor and virtual via Zoom

For more information about programs at the Museum, please visit our website:
https://fergusonmuseum.org/events

#hlfm #fergusonmuseum #fishersisland #fishersislandny #finy #jellyfish

Flowers come in an incredible array of shapes, siz

Flowers come in an incredible array of shapes, sizes and colors. Join us at the Museum Wednesday, AUGUST 7 for "WILDFLOWERS" - a FAMILY PROGRAM presented by Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) for ages five and up. Students will have a chance to dissect a flower and learn the roles pollination plays in plant reproduction. Create a beautiful craft! Suggested donation $10.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 7, 2024
TIME: 2 to 3 p.m.
LOCATION: All Wednesday children’s programs are in person at the Museum.

ATTENDANCE IS LIMITED SO ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED.
Please phone: 631-788-7239 or email info@fergusonmuseum.org
(note the name and date of the specific program and the name and age of the attendee/s).

For more information about programs at the Museum, please visit our website:
https://fergusonmuseum.org/events

#hlfm #fergusonmuseum #fishersisland #fishersislandny #finy #wildflowers #pollination

Join us at the Museum this SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 at 4pm

Join us at the Museum this SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 at 4pm for “THE HOUSE THAT HISTORY FLOWED THROUGH” - an illustrated talk by Museum Director Pierce Rafferty that chronicles how the history of Fishers Island from the Colonial era to date can be traced through the evolution of a single island structure: the Mansion House.

WHEN: Sunday, August 4, 2024
TIME: 4:00 p.m.
PLACE: Museum, 2nd Floor and virtual via Zoom

For more information about programs at the Museum, please visit our website:
https://fergusonmuseum.org/events

#hlfm #fergusonmuseum #fishersisland #fishersislandny #finy

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