BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Henry L. Ferguson Museum - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Henry L. Ferguson Museum REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250928T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250928T170000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20250320T220859Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250927T125031Z UID:34379-1759075200-1759078800@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Taking Manhattan DESCRIPTION:Join us for an illustrated talk with renowned historian and author of The Island at the Center of the World\, Russell Shorto\, who will introduce us to “Taking Manhattan” his new riveting narrative that chronicles the birth of New York City in 1664 after England decided to invade the Dutch-controlled city of New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island.\nBristling with vibrant characters\, Taking Manhattan reveals the founding of New York to be an invention\, the result of creative negotiations between Richard Nicholls\, the military officer who led the threatening English flotilla\, and Peter Stuyvesant\, New Netherland’s canny director general. The New York that emerged from their peaceful talks blended the multiethnic\, capitalistic society of New Amsterdam with the power of the rising English empire. \nWHEN: Sunday\, September 28\, 2025\nTIME: 4 p.m.\nPLACE: In person at the Museum and virtual via zoom\nReception and book signing to follow \nJoin Zoom WebinarThe birth of what might be termed the first modern city is also a story of the brutal dispossession of Native Americans and of the roots of American slavery. The book draws from newly translated materials and illuminates neglected histories—of religious refugees\, Indigenous tribes\, and free and enslaved Africans. Taking Manhattan tells the riveting story of the birth of New York City as a center of capitalism and pluralism\, a foundation from which America would rise. It also shows how the paradox of New York’s origins—boundless opportunity coupled with subjugation and displacement—reflects America’s promise and failure to this day. Russell Shorto\, whose work has been described as “astonishing” (New York Times) and “literary alchemy” (Chicago Tribune)\, has once again mined archival sources to offer a vibrant tale and a fresh and trenchant argument about American beginnings. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nJoin from PC\, Mac\, iPad\, or Android:\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/82918708887 \nPhone one-tap:\n+16469313860\,\,82918708887# US\n+16465588656\,\,82918708887# US (New York) \nJoin via audio:\n+1 646 931 3860 US\n+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)\n+1 305 224 1968 US\n+1 309 205 3325 US\n+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)\n+1 689 278 1000 US\n+1 719 359 4580 US\n+1 253 205 0468 US\n+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\n+1 360 209 5623 US\n+1 386 347 5053 US\n+1 507 473 4847 US\n+1 564 217 2000 US\n+1 669 444 9171 US\nWebinar ID: 829 1870 8887\nInternational numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kfhWZo95Z URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/taking-manhattan/ CATEGORIES:Illustrated Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/TakingManhattan-RussellShorto-cover-art.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251011T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251011T140000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20250114T145801Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250916T142939Z UID:33941-1760187600-1760191200@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Invasive Plant Guided Trail Walk DESCRIPTION:Join us for a guided walk on Chocomount Hill Trail – one of the newest HLFM Land Trust trails\, and learn how to identify and remove invasive plants.\nOur guides will help you develop the practical skills required to improve the Fishers Island native landscape on your property! \nWHEN: Saturday\, October 11\, 2025\nTIME: 1-2 pm\nPLACE: Meet at the Museum @ 12:30 pm before proceeding to carpool to Chocomount Hill Trail.\nLight refreshments and Q&A at the end of the trail walk!\nDRESS: We recommend long pants\, long sleeves\, and gloves to protect yourself from thorns and poison ivy. \nThis event is free\, but please register so we know you’re coming! \nREGISTER FOR FREE!Please let us know when you register for the event\, if you have or do not have a FIDCO sticker to get to the east side of the island so we can coordinate rides! \nDid you know that some invasive plants are easier to identify and remove during the fall? During this walk we will help you develop the practical skills required to improve the Fishers Island native landscape on your property! \nWhy Chocomount Hill Trail? \nThe HLFM Land Trust works diligently to remove invasive plants from their properties\, but as a newer trail\, it has not yet undergone the extensive invasive plant management that other trails have benefited from. This gives us a unique opportunity to find many species of invasive plants in one\, short\, easily accessed trail! We want to take advantage of this moment to share this experience with the Fishers Island community. \nOur incredible guides have many years of experience removing invasive plants on Fishers Island. As they guide you through the Chocomount Hill Trail\, they will: \n\nPoint out invasive plants\nDescribe how they identified them and distinguished them from native plants\nDemonstrate what they would do when removing them\nProvide the ideal timeline for the invasive plant’s removal\n\nThis event is organized by the Fishers Island Seagrass Management Coalition and sponsored by the Henry L. Ferguson Museum. \nABOVE PHOTO CREDIT: Diana Fiske leads community members on a guided trail walk through Clay Point Road Trail on Saturday\, October 12\, 2024.\n \nPHOTO CREDIT: Chocomount Hill Trail\, August 7\, 2025\, by Molly Heeney. \nLearn more. \nChocomount Hill Trail2024 Invasive Plant Guided Trail Walk: Clay Point Road Trail URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/invasive-plant-guided-trail-walk-2/ CATEGORIES:Nature Walk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/InvasivePlantWalk_7925.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251019T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251019T123000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20251015T180846Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251015T183949Z UID:36527-1760877000-1760877000@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Citizen Science Day DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Museum for a celebration of work by the community. Hear about the efforts of volunteers to gather data and conduct important conservation work on the Land Trust. Attendees will learn about various citizen science opportunities and what the initial data shows us about flora and fauna on Fishers Island. \nWHEN: Sunday\, October 19\, 2025\nTIME: 12:30 p.m.\nPLACE: In person at the Museum and virtual via zoom \nLunch will be provided. Optional guided trail walk to follow. \nPlease RSVP to Jessica NeJame at jnejame@fergusonmuseum.org by Friday\, October 17. \nJoin via ZoomMeeting ID: 864 5248 2130 \n— \nOne tap mobile\n+16465588656\,\,86452482130# US (New York)\n+16469313860\,\,86452482130# US \nJoin instructions\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/86452482130/invitations?signature=j2L-hbDite2n0hglTvopkriXTNEkA3foFWBfoQQNijo \nPHOTO CREDIT: In 2020 a group of 15 masked and distanced bird watchers got a perfect day for migrating hawks and songbirds (and a few Monarch butterflies and dragonflies) – Northwest winds following a front.\nPhotograph by Pierce Rafferty URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/citizen-science-day/ CATEGORIES:Museum Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/HLFM-Hawk-Watch-2020_3479.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251101T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251101T113000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20251028T134049Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T142223Z UID:36716-1761987600-1761996600@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Bunker Clearing DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Janet Harvey Sanctuary to help with our continued efforts to liberate historic Battery Hamilton and Battery Hoffman from vines and other vegetation. Meet next to the Ordnance. Lunch will be provided for volunteers.\nWhen: Saturday\, November 1\, 2025\nTime: 9:00 – 11:30 am\nPlace: Meet next to the Ordnance \nPlease RSVP to Scott Reid at bsr1265@gmail.com or 646-431-8536 by end of day Friday so that we can get a count for lunch. \nPHOTO CREDIT: Battery clearing February 1\, 2025 by Kate Stevens. URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/bunker-clearing/ CATEGORIES:Trail Clearing ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CDSGBatteries_2-1-25-KStevens.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251102T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251102T090000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20251024T174117Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T174255Z UID:36680-1762074000-1762074000@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Backyard Birding with Ken DESCRIPTION:Join us for coffee\, tea\, pastries\, and birdwatching with local naturalist Ken Edwards\, Sr.\nWhen: Sunday\, November 2\, 2025\nTime: 9 am\nPlace: At the Museum\, Gazebo (back deck) \nKen is well-known on the Island and beyond for his wide breadth of wildlife knowledge and his particular passion for birds. Together\, we’ll watch the feeder at the Museum gazebo and learn from Ken’s expertise. All ages welcome. URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/backyard-birding-with-ken-2/ CATEGORIES:Bird Watch ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Ken-Edwards-Sr-TMcCormack_4042.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251128T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251128T160000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20251013T115444Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T134158Z UID:36509-1764338400-1764345600@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:20th Annual Thanksgiving Trail Clearing\, Beach Clean Up DESCRIPTION:The Henry L. Ferguson Museum\nPresents the\n20th Annual\nThanksgiving Trail Clearing\, Beach Clean Up\, Invasive Removal \nFriday\, November 28\, 2025 \nWE NEED YOUR HELP! You and your family and friends are invited to join the rest of the HLFM community for some hale and hearty in-the-field-fellowship on the Friday afternoon after Thanksgiving. Together we’ll clear invasives from bunker emplacements and trails\, de-vine trees\, and pick up debris along the beach. It’s a wonderful tradition\, now in its 20th year—as good for the soul as it is for the Island. ALL are WELCOME! \nWHERE / WHAT: \nBe sure to 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 before proceeding to the Museum’s Land Trust trails and beaches. This year we will be expanding assignments to include invasive plant control in order to clear vines on select trails such as the bunker emplacements along the new coastal trail\, as well as clean-ups at several beach areas. \nTOOLS: \nPlease bring tools you can handle safely (clippers\, loppers\, etc.) NO CHAINSAWS. We will provide heavy-duty garbage bags for beach and path cleaning. \nDRESS: \nWe suggest you wear long pants\, long-sleeved shirts\, socks and gloves to battle beastly thorns and poison ivy. \nPlease take photos of your team in action and share them with the Museum. \n“OYSTERS AFTER” PARTY (approximately 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.): \nAll participants are invited immediately thereafter to a post-clearing party AT THE MUSEUM to enjoy drinks and oysters. Thanks to Fishers Island Oyster Farm\, Summer Shuckers\, Bottlerocket\, and Fishers Island Lemonade for their generous sponsorship of this festive Island tradition. \nOysters on deck\, H.L.F. Museum\, Thanksgiving weekend\, November 26\, 2021.\nPhoto by Wendy O’Neil. \nFor further information please contact:\nScott Reid\n646.431.8536\nbsr1265@gmail.com\nor\nPierce Rafferty\n631.788.7239\ninfo@fergusonmuseum.org \nHappy Thanksgiving! URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/20th-annual-thanksgiving-trail-clearing-beach-clean-up/ CATEGORIES:Trail Clearing ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/StonyBeach_2021volunteers_26528.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251220T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251220T140000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20251205T195152Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T231812Z UID:37188-1766235600-1766239200@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Nature Crafts: Outdoor Ornaments for the Birds DESCRIPTION:Celebrate the season with a cozy crafting session at the Museum! Join us to create beautiful\, nature-inspired outdoor ornaments that not only brighten your yard but also provide food for local birds. \nWHEN: Saturday\, December 20\, 2025\nTIME: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm\nPLACE: In-person at the Museum\, second floor \nSupplies will be provided\, along with hot cocoa to keep you warm while you work. Participants will take their handcrafted ornaments home at the end of the workshop. \nAll are welcome at this family friendly activity. Children should be accompanied by an adult. URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/nature-crafts-outdoor-ornaments-for-the-birds/ CATEGORIES:Museum Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/gingerbread-birdseed_ornament.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251222T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251222T190000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20251201T140400Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T140604Z UID:37137-1766422800-1766430000@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:13th Annual HLFM Holiday Party DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening of Holiday cheer\,\nconvivial conversations\,\nand tasty light fare by Karla Heath.\nAdults and children of all ages are welcome\,\nas are visiting relatives and house guests! \nWhile at the Museum\, be sure to visit (or revisit)\nthe 2025 Annual Exhibit\nThe Cottage Colonies of Fishers Island\ngenerously sponsored by Altus Partners. \nWe hope to see you at the Museum! URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/13th-annual-hlfm-holiday-party/ CATEGORIES:Museum Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/HLFM_Holiday_Wreath_2025.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260201T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260201T170000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260120T185917Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T212943Z UID:37666-1769961600-1769965200@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:A Brief History of Land Use and Conservation on Fishers Island (Re-broadcast) DESCRIPTION:HLFM Director Pierce Rafferty will host a virtual-only re-broadcast of his recorded illustrated talk “A Brief History of Land Use and Conservation on Fishers Island” in which he surveyed the history of land use on Fishers Island since first European settlement before turning his focus to land conservation efforts on our island from the mid-1960s to date.\nThis virtual talk encompasses both the origins and evolution of the Museum’s Land Trust and its trail network\, and the FI Conservancy’s project to convert the former Fort Wright Parade Ground into a meadow – a model for restoration and successful invasive species management in an eastern grassland. \nWHEN: Sunday\, February 1\, 2026\nTIME: 4 p.m.\nPLACE: VIRTUAL via zoom \nJoin Zoom WebinarPLEASE NOTE: This recorded talk was first presented by Pierce at the Museum on August 10\, 2025 – a day celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Museum’s Land Trust. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Large color aerial photograph on display in the Museum lobby on which properties now preserved via the Land Trust are marked. Total acreage protected from development under Land Trust auspices\, either directly or through conservation easements\, now exceeds 377 acres\, more than 13% of the Island’s land mass when you exclude the water surface area.\n \n \n \n \n \n WOODLAND TRAILS\, Fishers Island – New York. Circa 1966. This early East End trail network was created by Matty Matthiessen and friends.\n \n \n \n \n \n Queen Anne’s Lace on the Parade Grounds\, August 2\, 2018. Photograph by Jane T. Ahrens\n \n \n\nJoin from PC\, Mac\, iPad\, or Android:\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/87061257623 \nPhone one-tap:\n+16469313860\,\,87061257623# US\n+16465588656\,\,87061257623# US (New York) \nJoin via audio:\n+1 646 931 3860 US\n+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)\n+1 305 224 1968 US\n+1 309 205 3325 US\n+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\n+1 360 209 5623 US\n+1 386 347 5053 US\n+1 507 473 4847 US\n+1 564 217 2000 US\n+1 669 444 9171 US\n+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)\n+1 689 278 1000 US\n+1 719 359 4580 US\n+1 253 205 0468 US\nWebinar ID: 870 6125 7623\nInternational numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcKFAMsW1Q URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/a-brief-history-of-land-use-and-conservation-on-fishers-island-re-broadcast/ CATEGORIES:Illustrated Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/LandTrustPropMap_7-21-2023_81496.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260227T124500 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260227T140000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260211T223253Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260216T194038Z UID:37910-1772196300-1772200800@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Lunch and Learn: Osprey Nation DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Henry L. Ferguson Museum for lunch and a remote presentation on Osprey populations from the Connecticut Audubon Society’s Milan “Miley” Bull. Milan will describe how Osprey Nation volunteers “adopt” nearby nests and collect data like arrival dates\, nesting success\, and departure dates\, and what that data tells us about Connecticut Osprey. \nWhen: Friday\, February 27\, 2026 (NEW DATE!)\nTime: Lunch at 12:45 pm\, Lecture at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm\nPlace: At the Museum\, 2nd floor and virtual\, via zoom \nLunch will be provided at this free event. RSVP to Jessica NeJame at jnejame@fergusonmuseum.org. \nJoin Zoom WebinarMilan Bull is the Senior Director of Science and Conservation for the Connecticut Audubon Society. A long-time expert with over 60 years of birding experience\, he leads EcoTravel expeditions and directs conservation\, habitat improvement\, and research projects. Milan holds a B.S. in wildlife management from the University of Connecticut and an M.S. in biology from the University of Bridgeport. He is also a contributor to the society’s “Bird Finder” guide. \nOsprey with fish photograph by Todd McCormack \nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/86292490300?pwd=9RxK0VeXX0P1svUruq9hlvn6BuiW6V.1 \nMeeting ID: 862 9249 0300\nPasscode: 678939 \n— \nOne tap mobile\n+16465588656\,\,86292490300# US (New York)\n+16469313860\,\,86292490300# US \nJoin instructions\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/86292490300/invitations?signature=g444n3E_hYmslCY8CJzg48po33HOEAav-KCdsaaZXAY URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/lunch-and-learn-osprey-nation/ CATEGORIES:Illustrated Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/28198_osprey_with_fish_Todd_McCormack.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260322T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260322T160000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260306T202551Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T111102Z UID:38085-1774191600-1774195200@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:A Most Curious Shorebird: Secrets of the American Woodcock Revealed DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Museum for an illustrated talk by Scott R. McWilliams\, professor at the University of Rhode Island. The American Woodcock is a common (but declining) inhabitant of New England though this shorebird has abandoned the shores for the forests. Yet few of us have seen or heard this secretive bird\, and even fewer know about the woodcocks’ way of life and how our land use over time has affected their populations. The secrets of this secretive shorebird will be revealed including its migration patterns\, its unique mating system\, its habitat needs\, and how we can manage lands for their benefit. \nWhen: Sunday\, March 22\, 2026\nTime: 3-4 pm\nPlace: At the Museum\, 2nd floor and virtual\, via zoom \nScott McWilliams with Peregrine falcon \nPrior to coming to URI\, Scott McWilliams was a Postdoctoral fellow at the University of Wisconsin (Madison). Scott earned his PhD from University of California at Davis where he studied the physiological ecology of arctic-nesting geese\, and an MSc from Iowa State University where he studied the behavioral ecology of a threatened species of salamander. Scott earned a BA in Biology from Hiram College (Ohio). His research group primarily focuses on the nutrition\, physiology\, and ecology of wild vertebrates\, with an emphasis on migratory birds of conservation interest. Current research topics include the physiology and ecology of songbirds during migration; habitat use\, diet\, and nutrition of arctic-nesting geese\, sea ducks\, and migratory songbirds; forest management to support healthy bird populations; exercise physiology of long-distance migratory songbirds; effects of climate change on migratory birds; how offshore wind farms affect migratory birds. \n\nAmerican Woodcock photo by David Small\, USFWS \n\nJoin Zoom Webinar\n\nMeeting ID: 880 5313 5989\nPasscode: 485518 \n— \nOne tap mobile\n+16469313860\,\,88053135989# US\n+16465588656\,\,88053135989# US (New York) \nJoin instructions\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/88053135989/invitations?signature=fG47br7WKIWlmzI3qoNyHahdKJSnIgNL2GouwwoVVns URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/a-most-curious-shorebird-secrets-of-the-american-woodcock-revealed/ CATEGORIES:Illustrated Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/American-Woodcock_David-Small_USFWS.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260412T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260412T170000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260316T215158Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T111230Z UID:38158-1776009600-1776013200@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Firefly: A Solar Electric Boat DESCRIPTION:Join us for a VIRTUAL ONLY illustrated talk by Don Baugh\, President and Founder of Upstream Alliance\, and Ronnie Vesnaver\, Director of Regional Programs and Partnerships\, to learn about the innovative solar-electric vessel\, Firefly. It will be the first U.S. Coast Guard-approved passenger vessel powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries — marking a major step forward for carbon-neutral transportation on the water. Get the inside scoop on the construction of Firefly and the impactful programs it will provide.\nWHEN: Sunday\, April 12\, 2026\nTIME: 4-5 p.m.\nPLACE: Virtual via zoom \nJoin Zoom WebinarFirefly is a 49-foot\, fully electric\, aluminum catamaran being custom built by Lyman-Morse boatbuilding in Maine. Designed to be quiet\, smooth\, and totally emissions-free – to get people out on the water in a clean and sustainable way. With solar panels on the roof and a wide\, stable platform\, it’s ideal for hands-on learning\, group trips\, and connecting with nature — while showcasing what the future of boating can look like. Whether you care about innovation in marine technology or empowering communities through education\, Firefly is more than just a boat. It’s a flagship vessel for the Mid-Atlantic — a bold example of what’s possible when carbon-neutral design meets real-world impact. From students testing water quality to scientists studying river health\, Firefly will help bring a new generation of stories to life—on the water. \nDon Baugh is a national leader in environmental education programs and policies. Don’s hallmark is connecting students\, educators and leaders to nature through life-changing field experiences. His career includes 38 years directing education programs at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation\, founding the No Child Left Inside Coalition\, and leading the consulting firm Environmental Leadership Strategies. The impacts of Don’s work are far-reaching. He directed 19 education centers\, providing field investigation experiences to over 1\,000\,000 students. The No Child Left Inside coalition Don founded brought together 2\,250 environmental groups\, reaching 50\,000\,000 constituents. The partnership begot the first ever statewide high school graduation requirement for environmental literacy. It produced historic funding advances for outdoor environmental education. \nRonnie Vesnaver is passionate about the history and environment of waterways. That passion has steered her toward a career in education and conservation. After graduating from Colby College\, Ronnie taught at the Pennington School in New Jersey. While there\, she earned a masters in Environmental History at Rutgers University focusing her research on coastal and ocean history. Ronnie spent summers working on the schooner Mystic Whaler and is an alum of the Williams-Mystic maritime studies program. In 2020\, she moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland to join the Gunston School where she taught humanities for\, and later directed\, the Chesapeake Watershed Semester\, a place-based experiential semester program. Ronnie has enjoyed that her career has allowed her to share the history and environments she loves with others. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nJoin from PC\, Mac\, iPad\, or Android:\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/84782353371 \nPhone one-tap:\n+16699009128\,\,84782353371# US (San Jose)\n+16694449171\,\,84782353371# US \nJoin via audio:\n+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)\n+1 669 444 9171 US\n+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\n+1 719 359 4580 US\n+1 253 205 0468 US\n+1 689 278 1000 US\n+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n+1 305 224 1968 US\n+1 309 205 3325 US\n+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n+1 360 209 5623 US\n+1 386 347 5053 US\n+1 507 473 4847 US\n+1 564 217 2000 US\n+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)\n+1 646 931 3860 US\nWebinar ID: 847 8235 3371\nInternational numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kE72H5cTi URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/firefly-a-solar-electric-boat/ CATEGORIES:Illustrated Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FireFly_full-boat-above.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T180000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260330T164054Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T191832Z UID:38361-1776186000-1776189600@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Community Art: Wrapped in Nature DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Museum for an engaging community art project with Lighthouse Works resident Laurie Lambrecht. Together\, we will connect with nature and art by wrapping driftwood with colorful wool yarn to create an adorned nest for the Museum’s Osprey statue.\nAll ages are welcome at this hands-on event. Driftwood and yarn will be provided\, but feel free to bring your own (wool yarn preferred for this outdoor installation please). \nWhen: Tuesday\, April 14\, 2026\nTime: 5-6 pm\nPlace: In-person only. At the Museum\, 2nd floor \nLaurie Lambrecht is a visual artist working in photography and fiber\, merging observation of the natural world with tactile\, hand worked processes. Her photographs are held in the collections of the National Gallery of Art\, the Center for Creative Photography\, and the Parrish Art Museum\, and she has presented solo exhibitions in the United States and abroad. In the early 1990s she served as administrative assistant to Roy Lichtenstein while photographing the artist and his studio\, later published as Roy Lichtenstein in His Studio (Monacelli Press\, 2011). Lambrecht has created site-specific outdoor installations at the Madoo Garden Conservancy\, the Watermill Center\, and the Nassau County Museum of Art\, and is the recipient of two recent NYSCA project grants. Her monograph Texere will be published by Radius Books in late spring 2026. \nThis event is co-sponsored with Lighthouse Works URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/community-art-wrapped-in-nature/ CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Laurie-Lambrecht_Installation.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260419T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260419T170000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260209T181622Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T111610Z UID:37859-1776614400-1776618000@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Nibbling on Native Plants in Your Back Yard and Beyond DESCRIPTION:Did you know that Juneberries (Amelanchier spp.)\, are equally edible by animals (songbirds\, e.g.) and people alike? The taste of the ripe fruit is like a cross between cherries and almonds (they’re all related species in the Rose family).\nThere’s an increasing interest among homeowners on island to utilize more native species in their landscaping\, thanks to books like Doug Tallamy’s book Bringing Nature Home\, which extol the virtues of native plants for attracting and sustaining beneficial insects. The fact that many of our native species are edible by people too provides an additional incentive to plant them in our yards beyond the ecological rationale. \nJoin us for a VIRTUAL ONLY illustrated talk with Russ Cohen\, author of the book Wild Plants I Have Known…and Eaten\, to learn about at least two dozen species of native edible wild plants suitable for adding to your landscape\, or nibbling on as you encounter them in other locales. Keys to the identification of each species will be provided\, along with edible portions\, seasons of availability and preparation methods\, as well as guidelines for safe and environmentally responsible foraging. Russ will also include a few details regarding some native edible plants he has grown successfully from seed\, and the partnerships he has made with conservation groups and others to add edible native plants to their landscapes. \nWhen: Sunday\, April 19\, 2026\nTime: 4-5 pm\nPlace: Virtual\, via zoom \n\nJoin Zoom Webinar\n\nAbout Russ \nUntil his retirement in June of 2015\, Russ Cohen’s “day job” was serving as the Rivers Advocate for the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration\, where one of his areas of expertise was in riparian vegetation. Now Russ has more time to pursue his passionate avocation\, which is connecting to nature via his taste buds\, and assisting others in doing the same. Russ is playing the role of “Johnny Appleseed” for edible native species. He has set up a small nursery (in Weston + Lincoln\, MA) where he grows/keeps hundreds of plants he propagates from seed (some of which he collected himself)\, as well as obtains from other sources\, such as the Native Plant Trust. Over the past decade\, Russ has collaborated on over two dozen such projects – partnering with land trusts\, cities and towns\, schools and colleges\, state and federal agencies\, organic farms\, tribal groups\, and others to plant plants from his nursery in appropriate places on their properties (including Fishers Island). \n\nJoin from PC\, Mac\, iPad\, or Android:\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/83074165598 \nPhone one-tap:\n+16694449171\,\,83074165598# US\n+16699009128\,\,83074165598# US (San Jose) \nJoin via audio:\n+1 669 444 9171 US\n+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)\n+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\n+1 719 359 4580 US\n+1 253 205 0468 US\n+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n+1 386 347 5053 US\n+1 507 473 4847 US\n+1 564 217 2000 US\n+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)\n+1 646 931 3860 US\n+1 689 278 1000 US\n+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n+1 305 224 1968 US\n+1 309 205 3325 US\n+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n+1 360 209 5623 US\nWebinar ID: 830 7416 5598\nInternational numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kd4btyIpFv URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/nibbling-on-native-plants-in-your-back-yard-and-beyond/ CATEGORIES:Illustrated Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Russ-Cohen_P1070120.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260426T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260426T170000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260316T131048Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T112004Z UID:38146-1777219200-1777222800@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Atlantic Coast Piping Plovers: 40 Years on the Road to Recovery DESCRIPTION:Join us for a VIRTUAL ONLY illustrated talk by wildlife biologist\, Maureen Durkin\, who will highlight the fascinating ecology and behavior of the Piping Plover – one of our most notable local shorebird species. Hear all about this charismatic little bird\, their delicate coastal habitat\, and how you can help share our beaches.\nWhen: Sunday\, April 26\, 2026\nTime: 4-5 pm\nPlace: Virtual\, via zoom \nJoin Zoom WebinarPiping plovers have been the focus of intensive conservation efforts since their listing under the Endangered Species Act in 1986. This is an opportunity to learn about the strides made toward recovery in the last four decades\, current management strategies\, and the challenges still facing the piping plover across its range. \nMaureen Durkin with juvenile oystercatcher \nMaureen Durkin is a Rhode Island-based Wildlife Biologist specializing in coastal birds and management of threatened and endangered species. She received her undergraduate degree from Connecticut College\, where she had some of her formative academic experiences in ecology in and around Long Island Sound. Maureen became fascinated by shorebirds while working field technician jobs around the Gulf of Mexico after college. She went on to receive her M.S. from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse\, NY\, conducting her research on the impacts of recreational disturbance to snowy plovers in the Florida Panhandle. She continued working in Florida for several more years through SUNY-ESF\, partnering with the National Park Service to conduct research to understand mortality risks and inform management of nesting shorebirds and terns. Maureen returned to New England in 2019\, as a Wildlife Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Rhode Island. She oversees the monitoring and management of piping plovers\, least terns\, and American oystercatchers across southern Rhode Island\, and works on a variety of projects related to coastal wildlife management. She also serves as the Piping Plover Recovery Lead for USFWS. \nJoin from PC\, Mac\, iPad\, or Android:\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/82665513749 \nPhone one-tap:\n+16699009128\,\,82665513749# US (San Jose)\n+16694449171\,\,82665513749# US \nJoin via audio:\n+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)\n+1 669 444 9171 US\n+1 719 359 4580 US\n+1 253 205 0468 US\n+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\n+1 507 473 4847 US\n+1 564 217 2000 US\n+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)\n+1 646 931 3860 US\n+1 689 278 1000 US\n+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n+1 305 224 1968 US\n+1 309 205 3325 US\n+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n+1 360 209 5623 US\n+1 386 347 5053 US\nWebinar ID: 826 6551 3749\nInternational numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kCjqz3hAC URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/atlantic-coast-piping-plovers-40-years-on-the-road-to-recovery/ CATEGORIES:Illustrated Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Piping-Plover_M-Durkin_4163.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260510T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260510T170000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260326T204650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260501T202424Z UID:38336-1778428800-1778432400@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:From Declines to Recovery: A Half Century of Changes in Migratory Songbird Abundance on Block Island DESCRIPTION:Join us for a VIRTUAL illustrated talk by DPNC Outreach Coordinator Lauren Michael\, who draws on more than 50 years of bird banding data from Block Island Banding Station – where each fall\, thousands of young songbirds pass through on their first migration south.\nThis talk explores the history of one of the longest running bird-banding stations in North America\, as well as how migratory songbird populations on Block Island have changed over time. By looking closely at long-term patterns\, we uncover a more nuanced—and more hopeful—story about migratory songbirds\, and what it may mean for their conservation today. \nWHEN: Sunday\, May 10\, 2026\nTIME: 4 p.m.\nPLACE: Virtual via zoom \nJoin Zoom WebinarLauren Michael is the Outreach Coordinator at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center in Mystic\, CT. Before stepping into this role\, she spent most of her twenties crisscrossing North America as a field biologist\, studying a wide range of bird species — from songbirds and seabirds to the elusive rail. She received her MSc from the University of Rhode Island\, where she studied long-term trends in migratory songbirds on Block Island\, RI. Lauren earned a BA in Biology from Kenyon College in Gambier\, OH. \nAbove Myrtle Warbler photo by Bonello\, Jake\, Public Domain via FWS \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Song Sparrow\, photo by Ken Thomas\, Public domain\, via Wikimedia Commons\n \n \n \n \n \n Blue-headed Vireo\, photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren\, CC BY 2.0\, via Wikimedia Commons URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/from-declines-to-recovery-a-half-century-of-changes-in-migratory-songbird-abundance-on-block-island/ CATEGORIES:Illustrated Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/yellow-rumped-warbler_usfws_Bonello_Jake.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260523T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260523T130000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260324T232208Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T162307Z UID:38265-1779534000-1779541200@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Gardening from the Ground Up: The Whys and Hows of Native Plants DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Museum to explore the heart of our ecosystem and discover how native plants play a thrilling role in sustaining our food chain and environment on Fishers Island. Our lineup of peers and professionals will unveil the secrets of native gardening – and its powerful impact on biodiversity.\nFeaturing the insightful Emily Baiden from the Wild Seed Project\, local legends Diana Fiske and Dianne Crary\, and the dynamic Maggie Redfern from the CT College Arboretum. Their stories and expertise will open your eyes to the wonders of our local flora and fauna\, offering you fresh\, actionable tips for incorporating these natural treasures into your own gardening projects! Learn how embracing native plants can transform your garden into a vibrant habitat that supports local wildlife\, conserves water\, and minimizes the need for harmful chemicals. Say goodbye to the time and effort spent on non-native species that struggle in our climate! \nAfter a series of lightning talks that are sure to spark your curiosity\, we’ll open the floor for a lively Q&A session! And don’t miss the chance to mingle and celebrate with fellow nature enthusiasts at our reception afterward. Enjoy delicious refreshments and explore the plant sale showcasing a colorful array of native species waiting to enhance your garden. But that’s not all—Maggie will guide a delightful excursion into the HLFM Land Trust Wildlife Sanctuary\, showcasing the beautiful trees she highlights in her talk. Come join the fun! \nWhen: Saturday\, May 23\, 2026\nTime: 11 am (Short Talks)\, 12 pm (Reception & Plant Sale)\nPlace: At the Museum\, second floor and virtual\, via zoom \nDon’t miss this chance to make a positive impact on our ecosystem through gardening! Program is free but space is limited\, so be sure to reserve your spot today. \nRegister Today!This event is organized by the Fishers Island Seagrass Management Coalition and sponsored by the Fishers Island Conservancy and the Henry L. Ferguson Museum. \nPhotos from 2025 Event: Right Place\, Right Plant – Native Plants and Practical Uses URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/gardening-from-the-ground-up-the-whys-and-hows-of-native-plants/ CATEGORIES:Illustrated Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/iSt-835524206-native-plants.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260614T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260614T170000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260324T152309Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T191751Z UID:38240-1781452800-1781456400@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Intro to Colored Pencil Botanical Drawing DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Museum for an Introduction to Colored Pencil Botanical Drawing class by art educator Mary Barresi.\nWhen: Sunday\, June 14\, 2026\nTime: 4-5 pm\nPlace: In-person only. At the Museum\, 2nd floor \nThis class begins with practicing “learning to see” exercises\, and includes a demonstration of the unique characteristics of Prismacolor color pencils. Participants will begin their individual botanical drawings\, which they can complete on their own. All drawing and reference materials will be provided. \nProgram is free but registration is requested. Please RSVP to Jessica: jnejame@fergusonmuseum.org. \nMary Barresi is an art educator and administrator\, experienced in a wide variety of art media. Her preferred focus being both graphite and color pencil nature studies. She has had her work displayed in numerous art exhibitions throughout her career. Mary assisted her advanced drawing students with preparing their college portfolios and continues to teach drawing skills to all ages. URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/intro-to-colored-pencil-botanical-drawing/ CATEGORIES:Class,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mary-Barresi_colored_pencil_drawings.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260627T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260627T190000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260115T141035Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T162934Z UID:37611-1782579600-1782586800@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:2026 Annual Exhibitions Opening Reception DESCRIPTION:The Museum will open for the season Saturday\, June 27\, 2026. \nAll are invited to come view the new exhibits and enjoy the opening reception. \nRefreshments will be served on the deck\, weather permitting\, or inside\, if need be. \n1st & 2nd Floor Main Galleries \nMatt Kaelin\nPhotographs of Year Round Community 2016-2023\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Luke with his dog\n \n \n \n \n \n Mary and John Ski 2018\n \n \n\n1st Floor Side Gallery \nSukey Bryan\nBrickyard Marsh Mono Prints\nBrickyard Marsh 3 Monotype \n2nd Floor Side Gallery \nIPP\nMurals Gallery\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rainbow mural\n \n \n \n \n \n Sarah Upson with IPP kids URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/2026-annual-exhibitions-opening-reception/ CATEGORIES:Museum Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Museum-renderingbadge-logo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260628T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260628T170000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260312T185851Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T160759Z UID:38116-1782662400-1782666000@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Return to the Sky: The Reintroduction of the Bald Eagle DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Museum for an illustrated talk by Tina Morris\, one of the first women to engage in a raptor reintroduction program.\nIn 1976\, as the bald eagle was facing extinction in the continental U.S.\, Tina was beginning her graduate work at Cornell University. By luck and circumstance\, she was selected to reintroduce the species into New York state – in the hope that eagles could repopulate eastern North America. Young\, female\, with no experience\, she faced the challenges of saving this iconic bird while striving for acceptance in the unfamiliar male-dominated world of raptor biology. Playing mother to seven eagles forced her to transcend the isolation and tedium of field research to rescue an endangered species while in turn rescuing herself. Her remarkable story is as much about the human spirit as it is about birds of prey. \nWHEN: Sunday\, June 28\, 2026\nTIME: 4 p.m.\nPLACE: In person at the Museum and virtual via zoom\nReception and book signing to follow. \nJoin Zoom WebinarTina Morris completed her graduate work in ornithology and wildlife biology at Cornell in 1978\, writing her thesis on the adaptations of hacking techniques to reintroduce bald eagles. Following her studies at Cornell\, she worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nature Conservancy for several years\, focusing on endangered species and critical habitat conservation\, before embarking on a 23-year career teaching English and biology. Since her retirement in 2020\, she has devoted her time to her own writing\, especially creative non-fiction with a science or nature focus. Thirty years ago\, with four children in tow\, Tina and her husband bought a farm in northern Massachusetts\, which they manage as a wildlife sanctuary\, promoting biodiversity and habitat protection for species in decline. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eagle in flight USFWS natdiglib16081\n \n \n\nJoin from PC\, Mac\, iPad\, or Android:\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/86040872787 \nPhone one-tap:\n+16699009128\,\,86040872787# US (San Jose)\n+16694449171\,\,86040872787# US \nJoin via audio:\n+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)\n+1 669 444 9171 US\n+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\n+1 719 359 4580 US\n+1 253 205 0468 US\n+1 689 278 1000 US\n+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n+1 305 224 1968 US\n+1 309 205 3325 US\n+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n+1 360 209 5623 US\n+1 386 347 5053 US\n+1 507 473 4847 US\n+1 564 217 2000 US\n+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)\n+1 646 931 3860 US\nWebinar ID: 860 4087 2787\nInternational numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kClM0NPw3 URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/return-to-the-sky-the-reintroduction-of-the-bald-eagle/ CATEGORIES:Illustrated Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Tina_Morris_wEagle004.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260705T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260705T170000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260324T161045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T164221Z UID:38255-1783267200-1783270800@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Intro to Cyanotypes DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Museum for an Introduction to Cyanotypes – a camera-less photography workshop by photographer Emily Barresi.\nWhen: Sunday\, July 5\, 2026\nTime: 4-5 pm\nPlace: At the Museum\, 2nd floor \nLearn about one of the earliest forms of photography in this hands-on\, nature-centered workshop. Emily Barresi will guide students through the unique camera-less process of Cyanotypes – which involves laying objects on paper coated with a solution before exposing it to UV light. Students will bring home 2-3 original artworks on paper; great for adults and children alike! The Museum will provide materials\, though participants are welcome to bring any negatives or personal items they would like to create with during the course. \nProgram is free but registration is requested. Please RSVP to Jessica: jnejame@fergusonmuseum.org. \nEmily Barresi is a photographer and independent filmmaker from Connecticut. Her photographs and short films search for magic and meaning in suburban American spaces. She holds an MFA from Yale University and has exhibited both nationally and internationally. She currently lives and works in New London\, where she continues to observe and imagine technicolor futures for everyone. \nPHOTO CREDIT: Anna Atkins cyanotypes\, (wikimedia commons) Courtesy of The New York Public Library www.nypl.org URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/intro-to-cyanotypes/ CATEGORIES:Class,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Anna_Atkins_cyanotypes.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260708T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260708T150000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260325T111556Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T111556Z UID:38291-1783519200-1783522800@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Awesome Amphibians DESCRIPTION:We love our slimy friends!\nLearn what amphibians are\, meet live frogs\, and find out why amphibians are so important to the environment. \nWHEN: Wednesday\, July 8\, 2026\nTIME: 2 to 3 p.m.\nLOCATION: In person at the Museum \nDenison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) family program for ages five and up.\nSuggested donation $10.\n \nAll Wednesday children’s programs are in person at the Museum.\nAttendance is limited to 15 children so advance registration is recommended.\nPlease phone: 631-788-7239 or email info@fergusonmuseum.org\n(note the name and date of the specific program and the name and age of the attendee/s). URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/awesome-amphibians-3/ CATEGORIES:Family Program ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DPNC-frog-hopping.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260712T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260712T170000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260408T162641Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T162937Z UID:38487-1783872000-1783875600@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:The Once and Future Osprey DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Museum for an illustrated talk by Dr. Paul Spitzer on the rise of osprey populations over the past 70 years and their potential fall due to menhaden shortage.\nThis talk is presented by the ornithologist who led the campaign to restore ospreys in the northeast in the 1960s and 1970s. \nWhen: Sunday\, July 12\, 2026\nTime: 4 pm\nPlace: In person at the Museum\, 2nd floor and virtual via zoom\nReception to follow. \nEcologist Paul Randolph Spitzer has a lifelong love affair with the East Coast of North America.  His scientific studies began with failing Ospreys in 1968\, when they were severely impacted by DDT in some areas.  He was then a protégé of bird-people Roger and Barbara Peterson\, and a biology student at CT’s Wesleyan U.  DDT’s destruction of bird life\, reported by Rachel Carson in “Silent Spring”\, demanded more evidence and proofs.  Thus Paul devoted his 1970’s decade to detailed Osprey biology studies\, for his Cornell U. doctorate.  He happily documented initial northeastern Osprey recovery\, NJ to MA\, as DDT passed out of ecosystems.  His PhD thesis predicted Ospreys’ subsequent success in many parts of the world.  Paul says: “That decade based at Cornell was the making of me as a scientist and a humanist”. \nIn the 1980’s\, between international conservation projects in India\, Central America\, and New Zealand\, Paul gradually made the Choptank River–on Maryland’s eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay–his home for life.  Chesapeake Osprey population studies anchored him here\, by our “Choptank Osprey Garden”.  Currently\, Chesapeake  Ospreys are under detailed study as bioindicators of their Menhaden prey base depletion. \nPaul is currently completing “Dark of the Loon”\, his ecologist’s memoir about three decades of nonbreeding Common Loon study\, 1988-2020\, along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.  He seeks a friendly editor and strong publisher for his book.  He can tell you about his long and happy boater’s life of Osprey and Loon study cruises. URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/the-once-and-future-osprey/ CATEGORIES:Illustrated Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Osprey_Burton-Robert-H_USFWS.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260715T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260715T150000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260325T113345Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T113345Z UID:38293-1784124000-1784127600@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Every Seed Tells a Story! DESCRIPTION:From a tiny acorn to a towering tree\, seeds grow into the plants that create food and shelter for wildlife. Discover how seeds become habitat for owls\, hawks\, turtles\, and frog—and how animals help plants grow in return. Meet live animals\, explore the journey from seed to ecosystem\, and create a seed craft to help plant native habitat in your own community. \nWHEN: Wednesday\, July 15\, 2026\nTIME: 2 to 3 p.m.\nLOCATION: In person at the Museum \nDenison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) family program for ages five and up.\nSuggested donation $10.\n \nAll Wednesday children’s programs are in person at the Museum.\nAttendance is limited to 15 children so advance registration is recommended.\nPlease phone: 631-788-7239 or email info@fergusonmuseum.org\n(note the name and date of the specific program and the name and age of the attendee/s). URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/every-seed-tells-a-story/ CATEGORIES:Family Program ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/iSt-2223489097-blueJay-wAcorn.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260719T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260719T170000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260212T105919Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260212T171855Z UID:37925-1784476800-1784480400@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:How Native American People Lived on Fishers Island DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Museum for an illustrated talk with archaeologist John Pfeiffer who will give an overview of Fishers Island archaeology that focuses on the excavation of sites\, artifacts discovered\, and John’s interpretation of how Native American people lived on the Island. This talk is based on co-research during the 1980s and 1990s\, with Dr. Robert Funk of the New York State Museum – which began as a survey of what had been discovered earlier\, and evolved into a thorough study focusing on newly discovered sites\, as well as scientific excavations of some of the earlier known places where prehistoric materials had been found. Together\, the data generated a reasonable picture of how island resources were utilized by indigenous people and how the availability of such resources changed over time. Funk and Pfeiffer’s experience from mainland archaeological sites\, when compared to the discoveries on Fishers\, demonstrated a special island adaptation that permitted stable subsistence throughout the entire year – which was not always the pattern witnessed within inland sites\, and in some instances\, scarcity and famine had been revealed. \nWhen: Sunday\, July 19\, 2026\nTime: 4-5 pm\nPlace: At the Museum\, 2nd floor and virtual\, via zoom \nThe archaeological investigation of Fishers Island by Funk and Pfeiffer was guided by Charles Ferguson\, whose family had been residents for over a century. Charlie and his father\, Henry\, kept a watchful eye upon the discovery and recording of Native American artifacts found. A section of the H. L. Ferguson Museum was dedicated to their initial archaeological studies. Charlie’s daughter Marnie wrote a report that complemented their findings and the museum’s displays. \nDr. John Pfeiffer during the decade long archaeological investigation of Fishers Island (1986-1996). \nAbout John\nDr. Pfeiffer has lived in coastal Connecticut for his entire life and began his archaeological career at an early age\, working locally as a high school student.  Before entering college\, John worked in England as an archaeologist on Roman and Arthurian sites. He majored in Anthropology at the University of Connecticut\, then continued his anthropology and archaeology studies at Wesleyan University\, earning a master’s degree. He received his PhD in anthropology from the State University of New York at Albany.  There he met his mentor\, colleague\, and long-time friend Bob Funk who was the New York State Archaeologist. Together they worked on many sites throughout New York State and after a full day of excavation\, they would retire to a ping-pong table and play well into the night. On Fishers they were often joined by the field crew and their host\, Charlie Ferguson. \nThe above Mural of West Harbor was painted by former Museum president\, Charlie Ferguson. URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/how-native-american-people-lived-on-fishers-island/ CATEGORIES:Illustrated Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/HLFM_Native-American-WestHarbor-CBF.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260722T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260722T150000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260325T121640Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T121819Z UID:38298-1784728800-1784732400@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Hidden Creatures DESCRIPTION:Some animals are masters of staying out of sight! Discover hidden creatures who hide in plain sight\, come out only at night\, or live beneath our feet. We’ll meet real animal ambassadors and learn how their special adaptations help them survive sight unseen. \nWHEN: Wednesday\, July 22\, 2026\nTIME: 2 to 3 p.m.\nLOCATION: In person at the Museum \nDenison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) family program for ages five and up.\nSuggested donation $10.\n \nAll Wednesday children’s programs are in person at the Museum.\nAttendance is limited to 15 children so advance registration is recommended.\nPlease phone: 631-788-7239 or email info@fergusonmuseum.org\n(note the name and date of the specific program and the name and age of the attendee/s). \nPHOTO CREDIT: Groundhog exiting burrow\, Amy Moore\, Some Rights Reserved URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/hidden-creatures/ CATEGORIES:Family Program ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Groundhog-exiting-burrow_Amy-Moore.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260726T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260726T170000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260316T224616Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T225810Z UID:38169-1785081600-1785085200@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Biography as Pilgrimage: On the Trail of Peter Matthiessen DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Museum for an illustrated talk by author\, Lance Richardson\, who will discuss his eight-year undertaking — including a two-hundred mile trek in the Himalayas of Nepal — to write a biography of the twentieth century literary titan Peter Matthiessen\, a novelist\, naturalist\, and Zen roshi\, whose trailblazing work championed Native American rights and helped usher in the modern environmental movement.\nWHEN: Sunday\, July 26\, 2026\nTIME: 4-5 p.m.\nPLACE: In person at the Museum and virtual via zoom\nReception and book signing to follow. \nMatthiessen’s many books include travel classic The Snow Leopard\, and also Men’s Lives\, a moving account of the lives and struggles of East End Bonackers. He spent many childhood summers on Fishers Island. \nLance Richardson’s new book\, True Nature: The Pilgrimage of Peter Matthiessen\, was published in October 2025 to international acclaim. The Washington Post\, The New Yorker\, and Vogue named it one of the most notable books of the year. Richardson’s previous book\, House of Nutter: The Rebel Tailor of Savile Row\, was a New York Times Editors’ Choice and named one of the notable titles of 2018 by The Sunday Times\, The Mail on Sunday\, Esquire and the American Library Association. He has been awarded numerous awards and fellowships\, including a year-long residency at the New York Public Library’s Cullman Center. He currently teaches in the MFA Writing program at Bennington College\, Vermont. \nMatthiessen in the Himalayas photo by George Schaller \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peter Matthiessen\n \n \n \n \n \n Matthiessen family off Fishers Island URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/biography-as-pilgrimage-on-the-trail-of-peter-matthiessen/ CATEGORIES:Illustrated Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Matthiessen_in_Himalayas_Photo-by-George-Schaller.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260729T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260729T150000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260325T122521Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T122521Z UID:38302-1785333600-1785337200@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Amazing Owls DESCRIPTION:Meet DPNC’s ambassador owls and discover what makes these remarkable birds so unique! Learn about our native owl species and explore the incredible adaptations that help them thrive as nighttime hunters. Get hands-on with real owl artifacts\, then create your own owl craft to take home. \nWHEN: Wednesday\, July 29\, 2026\nTIME: 2 to 3 p.m.\nLOCATION: In person at the Museum \nDenison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) family program for ages five and up.\nSuggested donation $10.\n \nAll Wednesday children’s programs are in person at the Museum.\nAttendance is limited to 15 children so advance registration is recommended.\nPlease phone: 631-788-7239 or email info@fergusonmuseum.org\n(note the name and date of the specific program and the name and age of the attendee/s). URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/amazing-owls/ CATEGORIES:Family Program ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/great-horned-owl-Jake-Bonello-usfws.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260802T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260802T170000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260316T133050Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T133050Z UID:38152-1785686400-1785690000@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Shorebirds of the Northeast: Success Stories and Species on the Precipice DESCRIPTION:Join us for an illustrated talk by Wildlife Biologist\, Maureen Durkin\, who will provide an introduction to shorebirds and their ecology – and explore what makes them unique and vulnerable in a changing world. This presentation will highlight some of the species that can be seen on our local beaches\, including both resident breeding species and Arctic-nesting migrants\, with a special focus on American oystercatchers and red knots.\nWhen: Sunday\, August 2\, 2026\nTime: 4-5 pm\nPlace: At the Museum\, 2nd floor and virtual\, via zoom\nReception to follow \nFor those of us who spend time on beaches\, marshes\, and coastlines of the northeast\, shorebirds are a familiar sight\, from tiny sandpipers to boisterous oystercatchers. However\, shorebirds are among the groups of birds undergoing the steepest declines\, as they face a myriad of threats in their breeding\, migration\, and wintering grounds. \nMaureen Durkin with juvenile oystercatcher \nMaureen Durkin is a Rhode Island-based Wildlife Biologist specializing in coastal birds and management of threatened and endangered species. She received her undergraduate degree from Connecticut College\, where she had some of her formative academic experiences in ecology in and around Long Island Sound. Maureen became fascinated by shorebirds while working field technician jobs around the Gulf of Mexico after college. She went on to receive her M.S. from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse\, NY\, conducting her research on the impacts of recreational disturbance to snowy plovers in the Florida Panhandle. She continued working in Florida for several more years through SUNY-ESF\, partnering with the National Park Service to conduct research to understand mortality risks and inform management of nesting shorebirds and terns. Maureen returned to New England in 2019\, as a Wildlife Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Rhode Island. She oversees the monitoring and management of piping plovers\, least terns\, and American oystercatchers across southern Rhode Island\, and works on a variety of projects related to coastal wildlife management. She also serves as the Piping Plover Recovery Lead for USFWS. \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n American oystercatcher with chick\, USFWS\n \n \n \n \n \n Red knots along Delaware Bay near Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge\, Gregory Breese\, USFWS URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/shorebirds-of-the-northeast-success-stories-and-species-on-the-precipice/ CATEGORIES:Illustrated Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/american-oystercatcher-usfws.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260805T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260805T150000 DTSTAMP:20260511T162350 CREATED:20260325T124426Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T124426Z UID:38304-1785938400-1785942000@fergusonmuseum.org SUMMARY:Super Animal Senses DESCRIPTION:Explore the incredible senses animals use to understand the world around them! Meet live animals and discover how sight\, sound\, smell\, and touch help our native animals find food\, avoid danger\, and survive in the wild. \nWHEN: Wednesday\, August 5\, 2026\nTIME: 2 to 3 p.m.\nLOCATION: In person at the Museum \nDenison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) family program for ages five and up.\nSuggested donation $10.\n \nAll Wednesday children’s programs are in person at the Museum.\nAttendance is limited to 15 children so advance registration is recommended.\nPlease phone: 631-788-7239 or email info@fergusonmuseum.org\n(note the name and date of the specific program and the name and age of the attendee/s). \nPHOTO CREDIT: Black Racer snake\, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge\, USFWS URL:https://fergusonmuseum.org/event/super-animal-senses/ CATEGORIES:Family Program ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fergusonmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/black-racer-snake-usfws.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR