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Ways To Get In Touch

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

Contact the Museum

[email protected]
(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 [email protected]

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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fergusonmuseum

The official Instagram account of the Henry L. Ferguson Museum, Fishers Island, NY.

Give the gift of a Museum Membership & support the

Give the gift of a Museum Membership & support the HLFM this Holiday season - and beyond. It’s easy! Just click the link in our bio and follow the directions. Museum Membership is the perfect gift for that person in your life that loves Fishers Island history and nature, and that wants to preserve and protect the uniqueness of Fishers Island for generations to come. Your support is critical for us to be able to provide the programs, illustrated talks, weekly children’s programs, and to continue our work conserving and protecting the undeveloped open spaces on Fishers Island through the HLFM Land Trust.

#givethegiftofmuseummembership #supportyourlocalmuseum #hflm #fishersisland #fishersislandny

The Osprey is lit! The tree has been trimmed! It’s time for the annual Museum Holiday Party! Sunday, December 22nd, from 5-7 pm. Come one, come all!

#hlfm #henrylfergusonmuseum #fishersisland #fishersislandny

Celebrate the season with us at the Henry L. Fergu

Celebrate the season with us at the Henry L. Ferguson Museum Holiday Party! It is this Sunday, December 22nd, from 5-7pm. It promises to be an evening filled with holiday cheer, engaging conversations, and delicious light fare crafted by Karla Heath. Bring your family, visiting relatives, and house guests—adults and kids alike are welcome.

While you're here, don't miss viewing our 2024 annual exhibit, "Bird’s Eye View: Fishers Island from Above," generously sponsored by Altus Partners. Hope to see you Sunday.

#hflm #henrylfergusonmuseum #holidayparty #fishersislandny #fishersisland #finy

Thank you, Fishers Island! Over 50 wonderful folks

Thank you, Fishers Island! Over 50 wonderful folks gathered at 2 PM on Friday at the Museum for the 19th Annual HLFM Trail Clearing and Beach Cleanup. The Museum’s Land Trust manages over 377 acres of undeveloped Fishers Island land, and your help is essential as we maintain, protect and restore these pristine natural areas. Things kicked off with hot cider and donuts, and Board Member Scott Reid gave a great overview of the Museum’s work to conserve and preserve Fishers Island for future generations, built on the foundation of over 60 years of institutional knowledge and current sustainable practices. All Museum trails and beaches were attended to by at least one group and fun was had by all on a glorious day where our trail network and the broader community collectively shined together. We hope to see you again next year—and the Annual Oyster Afterparty will return as well!

#hlfmlandtrust #trailclearing #fergusonmuseum #practiceconservation #fishersisland #finy #hlfm #fishersislandny #happythanksgiving

Photo Credits:
1-4 Eliza Trevor
5 Scott Reid

It was a Happy Thanksgiving indeed for sailors and

It was a Happy Thanksgiving indeed for sailors and fishermen alike when the Fishers Island Life-Saving Station crew first reported for duty on Thanksgiving Day, 1904. The station was built near East Harbor on the narrow neck of the island to allow surfmen access to both the north and south shores. It remained there until the 1950s, when the Coast Guard Station moved to its most recent location on Silver Eel Cove.

Happy Thanksgiving, and we hope to see you at the Trail Clearing event tomorrow--2 PM sharp at the Museum.

Credits:
1. Surfman on Shore Patrol, Fishers Island, NY c.1910s Museum Collection. Donated by Harry and Susie Ferguson
2. Coast Guard and Customs agents boarding Thelma Phoebe, Chocomount Beach, Fishers Island, NY circa May 2, 1923 Courtesy of Bob Brooks
3. Coast Guard from Fishers Island Station guard sacks of alcohol seized from rumrunner Thelma Phoebe, Chocomount Beach, April 2023. Donated by Harry and Susie Ferguson.
4. US Life-Saving Service Crew, Fishers Island, NY c.1910 Photograph by Lawrence D. Goodell. Museum Collection. Donated by Pierce Rafferty
5. US Life-Saving Station and Boathouse, East Harbor c.1913 Photograph by Brown & Dawson. Donated by Harry and Susie Ferguson
6. Crew of US Coast Guard Station No. 59 Fishers Island, NY c.1920 Museum Collection. Donated by Tim and Sharon Patterson
7. "The Life Savers, Fishers Island, N.Y." Real photo postcard published by Brown & Dawson, circa 1913. Donated by Pierce and Vicki Rafferty.
8. Crew and visitors posing in front of lifeboat on ramp at Fishers Island Life-Saving Station, circa 1911. Donated by Pierce and Vicki Rafferty.

#coastguard #fishersisland #finy #hlfm #fishersislandny #happythanksgiving

It’s trail clearing time! Come down to the Museu

It’s trail clearing time! Come down to the Museum at 2 PM on Friday, 11/29, to help clear the Museum’s Land Trust trails of invasives and our beaches of garbage and debris. Arrive promptly at 2 p.m. for hot cider and autumn treats as you get your team assignments and pep talk from Board Member Scott Reid. Please note that there is no ‘Oyster Afterparty’ this year. Check the Museum website for complete details. Bring everyone—as they say, ‘Many hands make light work.’

Also, don’t forget: 20% off ALL ITEMS in the Gift Shop, Friday and Saturday, 10am-1 PM.

Hope to see you soon!

Photos:
1. Community members gather at the Museum for the 18th Annual Trail Clearing in 2023.
2. A Black Cherry tree (Prunus Serotina) being suffocated by invasive Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus). Part of the tasks at this year’s trail clearing event will be to remove invasive vines.
3. Holiday Gift Shop Sale!

#hlfmlandtrust #trailclearing #fergusonmuseum #practiceconservation #fishersisland #finy #hlfm #fishersislandny #happythanksgiving

Holiday Sale! Get 20% off all items in the Museum

Holiday Sale! Get 20% off all items in the Museum Gift Shop this Friday and Saturday, from 10am to 1pm. We’ve got tons of new items in stock, from books to posters to stationary to educational toys to stuffed animals, and more. There’s something for every naturalist in your life, no matter the age. The large format images on the second-floor gallery are also for sale and proceeds benefit the Museum’s Art Fund.

#greenfriday #holidayshopping #fishersisland #finy #hlfm #fishersislandny

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

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