Guest Speaker

Taking Manhattan Illustrated talk on the the birth of New York City, presented at the Museum September 28, 2025, by Russell Shorto, author of The Island at the Center of the World. Hosted by HLFM director Pierce Rafferty Russell introduces us to “Taking Manhattan” his new riveting narrative that

Dialogues: Harriet Brickman & Jenny Dixon Artist Harriet Brickman sat down with Jenny Dixon, former Director of the Noguchi Museum, August 22, 2025, to revisit Passages: Beach Forms, a site-specific public artwork Brickman created on South Beach, Fishers Island, in 1980. Their conversation explores the work's origins, its connection to

Fort H.G. Wright and the Defense of the Race Illustrated talk on the history of Fort H.G. Wright, presented at the Museum August 31, 2025, by Terrance McGovern, author of eight books on fortifications and long-time officer of the Coast Defense Study Group. Hosted by HLFM director Pierce Rafferty

Birds at Rest Illustrated talk, presented at the Museum August 24, 2025 by noted ornithologist and author, Roger Pasquier, about how birds have evolved unique sleep habits to match their intensely energetic lifestyle. Hosted by HLFM director Pierce Rafferty Everybody enjoys watching birds during the daytime, but what do

Understanding the Global-to-Regional Climate Driven by Atmospheric CO2 Illustrated talk presented at the Museum August 3, 2025 by John P. Jasper Ph.D., Molecular Isotope Technologies, Niantic, Conn. Hosted by HLFM director Pierce Rafferty. With geochemical experience in natural sciences spanning the last forty-five years, Dr. John Jasper will present

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: Waves of Change Update and Apex Ocean Predators Illustrated talks presented at the F.I. Theater August 7, 2025 by WHOI President and Director, Peter de Menocal and by Robert L. James Early Scientist Chair, Camrin Braun Hosted by HLFM director Pierce Rafferty and Elizabeth and Richard

Healthy Landscape Ecosystems Illustrated talk presented at the Museum July 27, 2025 by Jim Sirch, naturalist and President of the Connecticut Horticultural Society. Hosted by HLFM director Pierce Rafferty. Nature, like life, is about relationships. When you observe a tree in your landscape, what do you see? Do you

Homegrown National Park Illustrated talk presented at the Fishers Island Theater July 20, 2025, by Doug Tallamy, founder of Homegrown National Park whose goal is to create a national movement to restore 20 million acres with natives, an area representing ½ of what is now in lawn, as well as

Temple to the Wind: The Story of America's greatest naval architect, Nathanael G. Herreshoff and his masterpiece, Reliance Illustrated talk, presented at the Museum July 13, 2025 by Christopher L. Pastore, author and Associate Professor of History at the University at Albany, State University of New York, where he teaches

American Seacoast Defenses and the Long Island Sound Illustrated talk, presented virtually May 18, 2025 by Mark Berhow, author and chairman of the publications committee for Coast Defense Study Group Hosted by HLFM director Pierce Rafferty From the establishment of the United States in 1790 through 1950 the federal