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.
We envision a Fishers Island where our unique history and natural character are protected and treasured by all. Our mission is to preserve our shared history and conserve our natural habitats by engaging, educating, and inspiring all Fishers Islanders.
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 open its doors each summer with regular visiting hours beginning June.
For special appointments before June 26th and after Labor Day, please contact Pierce Rafferty, HLFM Director, at the Museum’s landline, 631-788-7239, or fimuseum@fishersisland.net.
The Cottage Colonies of Fishers Island
The 2025 Annual Exhibitions are on display at the museum..
Illustrated Talks
The weekly Sunday lecture series begins each summer in July with additional talks scheduled throughout the year.
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.
Treasure Pond Trail in Charles B. Ferguson Wildlife Sanctuary.
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.
Elizabeth McCance
President
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.
Kate Stevens
Executive Director
I moved here full-time in 2020, drawn to the island’s distinctive duality of remoteness and community. With a background in architecture and teaching, I am grateful for the opportunity to advance special projects that support the HLF Museum and Land Trust’s mission of conservation and education.
Pierce Rafferty
Museum 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.
Matt Edwards
Administrative Assistant
I have been fascinated with Fishers Island history and have fond memories of learning about Fort Wright as a child during frequent visits to the Museum. I am very excited to work alongside Pierce, as well as the entire staff and Board, and help to continue the great work the Museum does connecting the history of Fishers to the entire community.
Jack Schneider
Land Trust Manager
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.
Jessica NeJame
Land Trust Stewardship Coordinator
I have strong ties to Fishers Island, having worked for years at Hay Harbor Club and the Pequot. I also served as the Outreach Coordinator for the Fishers Island Seagrass Management Coalition and am so excited to continue to be a part of the Fishers Island community to help protect our beautiful and unique environment. I hope to support our native flora and fauna, and to foster connections between people and nature.
Hannah Vagts
F.I. Seagrass Management Coordinator
My research experience in marine biodiversity will support my work to develop awareness building initiatives for the Fishers Island Seagrass Management (FISM) Coalition Plan.
