Huntington Historical Society

Huntington Historical Society
Name	Huntington Historical Society
Founded	0 1903
Location	Huntington, New York, United States
Focus	Local history, Historic preservation
Website	https://www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org/

Huntington Historical Society is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich history of Huntington, New York. Founded in 1903, it is one of the oldest historical societies in Suffolk County and operates several significant historic properties. The society maintains extensive archival collections and offers a wide array of educational programs, public events, and community outreach initiatives focused on the cultural heritage of Long Island.

History

The society was established in 1903 by a group of prominent local citizens, including members of the Conklin family and other descendants of Huntington's early English colonial settlers. Its formation coincided with a national wave of interest in Revolutionary-era history and historic preservation, following the success of organizations like the Daughters of the American Revolution. Early efforts focused on collecting artifacts and documents related to the town's founding in 1653 and its role in events like the Revolutionary War. Key figures in its development included historian Charles R. Street, who authored early works on the area. Throughout the 20th century, the society expanded its mission from pure collection to active preservation, acquiring and restoring several threatened historic structures.

Collections and Archives

The society's research library and archives house a comprehensive repository of materials documenting the social, economic, and political history of Huntington and western Suffolk County. The collection includes over 10,000 photographs, manuscripts, account books, maps, and an extensive genealogical database. Notable holdings feature papers from the Town of Huntington government, records of local shipbuilding and whaling industries, and documents pertaining to the Long Island Rail Road. The artifact collection encompasses Native American tools, colonial and Federal-period furniture, and items from significant local families like the Brush family and the Prime family.

Historic Properties

The society stewards two primary historic house museums that are open to the public. The **David Conklin Farmhouse**, built circa 1750, is a rare example of a saltbox-style structure and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It interprets 18th-century agricultural life and features period furnishings. The **Dr. Daniel W. Kissam House**, a Greek Revival residence constructed in the early 19th century, serves as the society's headquarters and a museum showcasing Victorian domestic life. The society also maintains the **Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building**, a 19th-century structure originally built for the Grand Army of the Republic.

Educational Programs

A core component of its mission, the society offers diverse educational initiatives for students, teachers, and the general public. School programs align with New York State Education Department learning standards and include hands-on history lessons, living history demonstrations, and guided tours of its historic sites. Popular offerings explore themes such as colonial America, the American Revolution, and Victorian customs. The society also provides curriculum materials for educators, hosts college and university interns, and conducts workshops on topics like historic preservation and archival science.

Events and Community Outreach

The society organizes a annual calendar of public events that engage the community with local history. Signature events include historic house tours, antique shows, traditional craft fairs, and seasonal celebrations like a colonial Thanksgiving dinner. It partners with other local organizations such as the Huntington Public Library, the Heckscher Museum of Art, and the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site for collaborative programs. Outreach efforts include a regular newsletter, public lectures by historians, participation in community festivals like the Huntington Holiday Parade, and maintaining an active presence on social media platforms.

Governance and Organization

The society is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees, which includes a president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary, along with numerous committee chairs. Day-to-day operations are managed by a professional staff including an Executive Director, a Curator of Collections, and an Education Coordinator. It relies on membership dues, donations, grants from institutions like the New York State Council on the Arts, and revenue from special events and facility rentals. A dedicated corps of volunteers supports all aspects of its work, from archival processing and museum docenting to event planning and garden maintenance at its historic properties.

Category:Historical societies in New York (state) Category:Organizations based in Suffolk County, New York Category:Museums in Suffolk County, New York Category:1903 establishments in New York (state)