About Huntington Historical Society
Five National Register Properties in the Heart of Huntington
The Huntington Historical Society traces its origins to September 1903, when four Huntington women — Lizbeth Sammis, Jessie Kendall Brush, Jeanie Dusenbury Platt, and Carrie Shaw Dusenbury Shakeshaft — organized what was first called the Colonial Society. The group received its New York State charter on December 3, 1903, and took its present name under a new charter granted on April 19, 1911. More than a century later, the society remains the focal point for preserving the ongoing heritage of the Town of Huntington on Long Island's North Shore, pursuing its mission through public education programs, museums, collections, a regional research center, and advocacy for the preservation of historic buildings and sites.
The society maintains five properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The David Conklin Farmhouse at 2 High Street — given to the society by Ella Conklin Hurd in 1918 — operates as a house museum, as does the Dr. Daniel Kissam House at 434 Park Avenue, which is shown by appointment. The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building at 228 Main Street serves as museum and exhibit space, while the former Huntington Sewing and Trade School at 209 Main Street houses the society's offices along with its Resource Center and Archives, where researchers and genealogists can work by appointment. The society also cares for the Arsenal at 425 Park Avenue, a property of the Town of Huntington.
Public programming runs throughout the year. The society presents monthly lectures on historical topics in the spring and fall, hosts school group tours during the academic year, and offers Passport to the Past, a summer program for children. Signature annual events include the spring Sheep to Shawl Festival featuring wool-working demonstrations, a fall Apple Festival, and the annual fall Historic House Tour, which opens notable private and historic homes to visitors.
Plan Your Visit
The Huntington Historical Society's offices and archives are located at 209 Main Street in Huntington, New York 11743, with its house museums a short distance away at 2 High Street and 434 Park Avenue. Museum hours vary by property, and the archives are open by appointment. For current hours, tour information, and event schedules, visit huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
← Back to New York Societies