OUR CURRENT EXHIBIT!
"Ingrid McBrian: Shelter Island in Thread and Paint"
FROM OUR ARCHIVES:
THE MANHANSETS — SHELTER ISLAND’S ORIGINAL INHABITANTS
America is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year. But long before our Revolutionary ancestors set foot on Shelter Island — some 4000 years ago, in fact — the Manhanset Indians had settled here. One of Long Island’s many tribes, this branch of the Algonquins occupied about 25 sites on Shelter Island, which they called “Manhansack-aqua-quash-awamock,” or an “island sheltered by islands.”
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According to Muriel Porter Weaver’s Where They Go By Water, “In spring, summer and fall, small family groups of Manhansets established residential hunting and fishing camps…They clammed and fished the bays, creeks and salt marshes. On wooded uplands men hunter deer, bear, wolves and raccoons. Women gathered, dried and preserved acorns, hickory nuts, wild cherries, sumac, elderberries and mustard. They fashioned moccasins, breech clothes, and skirts from deer, rabbit and bear skins.”
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To accomplish this, they used a variety of tools, which are described in the SIHM exhibit, “Our First Inhabitants – the Manhansets.” We’ve highlighted two types of tools — Atlatl Weights and Antler Flakes. Some of the tools were excavated by Roy Latham, who detailed his findings in a report on Shelter Island’s Native Americans. On one site close to the Mashomack Preserve — the Smith site — Latham found “artifacts such as axes, celts, pestles, mortars, projectile points, and pottery,” as well as the “presence of hearths, [and] two house structures,”…“indications of an established settlement,” according to Porter Weaver.
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The head of the Manhansets was its Sachem. In his 1932 The History of Shelter Island, author Ralph Duvall noted that, when Europeans first came to our Island, the Sachem at the time was Pogatticut. “Pogatticut was not only the Sachem of the Manhanset tribe, but was the Grand Sachem of most if not all of the tribes of Long Island,” wrote Duvall. Today’s Shelter Island travelers can actually visit a site frequented by Pogatticut — Sunset Rock. The SI Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 guide to the little-known historic places of Shelter Island described Sunset Rock as the “throne of Sachem Pogatticut, king of the Manhanset native peoples.”
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Pogatticut was getting on in years by the time the first Europeans arrived on Shelter Island. That was in 1637, when James Farratt, an agent for the Scottish Earl of Stirling, was sent to colonize Long Island. For his efforts, he was compensated with Robins Island and our own “rock.” Farratt claimed to have bought rights to Shelter Island from the Manhansets, but there were some doubts about that “bargain.” Nonetheless, he sold his interest to four sugar merchants, among them, Nathaniel Sylvester. Finally, in 1653, Porter Weaver writes, “the aging Pogatticut deeded away Shelter Island, delivering the traditional ‘turf and twig’…to Sylvester…and ‘did freely and willingly depart the aforesaid island.’…[S]hortly thereafter, Pogatticut died. Befitting his sachem status, he was carried to Montauk for burial in the traditional upright seated position.”
For more information on the Manhansets, visit the SIHM exhibit. And while here, check out the Havens Store for Where They Go By Water and other books on Shelter Island’s rich history.
For more information on the Manhansets, visit the SIHM exhibit. And while here, check out the Havens Store for Where They Go By Water and other books on Shelter Island’s rich history.
JOIN THE 250 CLUB!
BECOME A 250 CLUB MEMBER BY MAY 31 TO BE LISTED ON THE 250 DONOR WALL AND WEBSITE BEFORE OUR JULY 4 CELEBRATIONS!
BECOME A 250 CLUB MEMBER BY MAY 31 TO BE LISTED ON THE 250 DONOR WALL AND WEBSITE BEFORE OUR JULY 4 CELEBRATIONS!
The United States of America was born 250 years ago when our nation’s founders gathered in Philadelphia to sign a Declaration of Independence from British rule. Those strokes of a quill were marked by eight years of warfare between a scrappy Continental Army and a British military machine that touched every region of the fledgling country, including Shelter Island.
The Shelter Island History Museum is embarking on a year-long effort to tell the stories about our Island’s role in this nation’s birth. You can be a part of that journey by joining our 250 Club that will support the many programs and exhibits the Museum has in store.
250 Club Membership Levels:
As a 250 Club member, starting at the $125 level, you will enjoy these benefits:
$125 — 250th Anniversary ornament; copy of Shelter Island in the Revolution by Helen O. Lamont.
$250 -- All the benefits of a $125 member, plus: invitation to an exclusive preview of our opening exhibit June 6.
$500 — All the benefits of a $250 member, plus: two admissions to the Historic House Tour or Oyster event.
$1,250 -- All the benefits of a $250 member, plus: four admissions to the Historic House Tour or Oyster event; monthly email update from the Executive Director.
$2,500 -- All the benefits of a $1250 member, plus: private museum tour with refreshments for up to six people.
Above $2,500 -- Please call our executive director to discuss how we may best recognize your support.
The Shelter Island History Museum is embarking on a year-long effort to tell the stories about our Island’s role in this nation’s birth. You can be a part of that journey by joining our 250 Club that will support the many programs and exhibits the Museum has in store.
250 Club Membership Levels:
As a 250 Club member, starting at the $125 level, you will enjoy these benefits:
$125 — 250th Anniversary ornament; copy of Shelter Island in the Revolution by Helen O. Lamont.
$250 -- All the benefits of a $125 member, plus: invitation to an exclusive preview of our opening exhibit June 6.
$500 — All the benefits of a $250 member, plus: two admissions to the Historic House Tour or Oyster event.
$1,250 -- All the benefits of a $250 member, plus: four admissions to the Historic House Tour or Oyster event; monthly email update from the Executive Director.
$2,500 -- All the benefits of a $1250 member, plus: private museum tour with refreshments for up to six people.
Above $2,500 -- Please call our executive director to discuss how we may best recognize your support.
BECOME A MEMBER NOW!
Join by clicking the Donate Now button below
or mail your check to 250 Club, Shelter Island History Museum, PO Box 847, Shelter Island, NY 11964.
YOU CAN ALSO SIGN UP FOR AUTOMATIC MONTHLY DONATIONS.
Your membership in the 250 Club supports our mission to collect and preserve the artifacts, records and stories that define this island's unique history. At the heart of that history and our collection is the Havens family and their home. Havens House was built on 1,000 acres in 1743 by William Havens. William’s son, the patriot Captain James Havens, was a privateer during the War for Independence and was a Representative of Suffolk County in the New York Provincial Congress of 1776. Havens House was a frequent meeting place for the Island’s patriots and is believed to be where 39 Islanders, including James Havens, signed their own Declaration of Independence in May 1775 after the Battle of Lexington in April of that year. Though British forces blockaded Gardiner’s Bay, they never occupied the Island. Instead, they pillaged crops, livestock and forests, and terrorized many of our residents.
For nearly three centuries Havens House has stood resolute through war and harsh weather; for the last six decades it has been home to the Shelter Island History Museum. As stewards of this historic landmark, we are committed to the challenge of preserving the historic house for present and future generations.
We invite you to visit us at Havens House and welcome your membership in the 250 Club!
We invite you to visit us at Havens House and welcome your membership in the 250 Club!
Registration for the 2026 Summer Children’s Theater Program is now open!
Directed and facilitated by the Brooklyn Acting Lab, the Summer Children's Theater Program invites young artists to explore theater, history, and community through a joyful, immersive creative process.
Over the course of three weeks, children will collaborate on a scripted performance written by BAL artist and playwright Jenna Scotti. Our 2026 production will transport students into the revolutionary past of Shelter Island, where they'll uncover the stories of the Havens family and transform history into a vibrant, original piece of theater. The workshop culminates in a celebratory performance on July 31 for family, friends, and the community to celebrate and share what the children have created.
Details for this summer’s workshop:
Dates: July 13–31
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00am–12:00pm
Final Performance: Friday, July 31
Ages: Children 6–12 at the start of the program
Location: Shelter Island History Museum
Now in its fifth year, and made possible by the Elizabeth Pedersen Fund and the Victoria Loconsolo Foundation, Inc., this cherished part of the Shelter Island summer connects children to the island’s history, builds friendships, and allows participants to experience the joy of live theater.
Directed and facilitated by the Brooklyn Acting Lab, the Summer Children's Theater Program invites young artists to explore theater, history, and community through a joyful, immersive creative process.
Over the course of three weeks, children will collaborate on a scripted performance written by BAL artist and playwright Jenna Scotti. Our 2026 production will transport students into the revolutionary past of Shelter Island, where they'll uncover the stories of the Havens family and transform history into a vibrant, original piece of theater. The workshop culminates in a celebratory performance on July 31 for family, friends, and the community to celebrate and share what the children have created.
Details for this summer’s workshop:
Dates: July 13–31
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00am–12:00pm
Final Performance: Friday, July 31
Ages: Children 6–12 at the start of the program
Location: Shelter Island History Museum
Now in its fifth year, and made possible by the Elizabeth Pedersen Fund and the Victoria Loconsolo Foundation, Inc., this cherished part of the Shelter Island summer connects children to the island’s history, builds friendships, and allows participants to experience the joy of live theater.
Here’s the link to register:
https://shelterislandhistorical.networkforgood.com/events/95715-2026-summer-children-s-theater-program
Space is limited and early registration is encouraged.
For further information, check this website,
https://www.shelterislandhistorical.org
or the Brooklyn Acting Lab,
https://brooklynactinglab.org.
https://shelterislandhistorical.networkforgood.com/events/95715-2026-summer-children-s-theater-program
Space is limited and early registration is encouraged.
For further information, check this website,
https://www.shelterislandhistorical.org
or the Brooklyn Acting Lab,
https://brooklynactinglab.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2026
Tracy McCarthy Nanette Lawrenson
Sylvester Manor Shelter Island History Museum
631.749.0626 631.749.0025
[email protected] [email protected]
Tracy McCarthy Nanette Lawrenson
Sylvester Manor Shelter Island History Museum
631.749.0626 631.749.0025
[email protected] [email protected]
SHELTER ISLAND HISTORY MUSEUM AND SYLVESTER MANOR COLLABORATION
Safeguarding Historical Artifacts
Shelter Island, NY – The Shelter Island History Museum and Sylvester Manor are pleased to announce a new collaboration to safeguard historical artifacts during the extensive rehabilitation of the 1737 Manor House.
Directors and Trustees of the two organizations have approved a lease agreement to store Sylvester Manor’s most prized historical artifacts in the Museum’s climate-controlled, fire-proof vault during the anticipated three-year Manor House construction and renovation period. This will safeguard the objects and archival materials, keep them on the Island, and ensure they remain accessible to Sylvester Manor staff for further research while the Manor House undergoes its long-planned rehabilitation.
“As partners, we are making sure that the important documents of our Island’s history are preserved and made available to researchers, scholars and the public,” said History Museum Executive Director Nanette Lawrenson. “Documents from both organizations will serve as the basis for further collaboration on exhibits and programs. We look forward to working together to share stories about Shelter Island and the experiences of its people.”
“We are thrilled to be working with the Shelter Island History Museum to protect these precious resources during the Manor House construction,” said Sylvester Manor Executive Director Stephen Searl. “This partnership covers all three aspects of our mission — preserve, cultivate, and share historic Sylvester Manor."
Future exhibits and programs that highlight the role of Sylvester Manor in Shelter Island’s history will draw inspiration from the Manor’s collections in temporary storage and the Museum’s own archives.
About the Shelter Island History Museum: The 283-year-old Havens House is the anchor of the Shelter Island History Museum. The farmhouse, built by William Havens in 1743 on 1,000 acres, was integral to Island living, serving as a store, tavern, school, post office and town meeting hall. It remained in the Havens family for 170 years. The Shelter Island Historical Society, founded in 1922, took possession of the house and grounds in 1971 and established the History Museum there in 2024. Havens House was placed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places in 1986. Today, the Museum preserves thousands of historic documents and countless artifacts related to Shelter Island and shares that history though exhibits, tours, events and cultural and educational programs. For more information, visit https://www.shelterislandhistorical.org.
About Sylvester Manor: Home for millennia to indigenous Manhansett People, Sylvester Manor is the most intact remnant of a former slaveholding plantation north of Virginia. The 236-acre site passed through 11 generations of Sylvester descendants, from 1652 until 2014, when heirs gifted it to the nonprofit Sylvester Manor organization. Now a historic district of national significance on the New York and National Registers of Historic Places, over the past 370 years, Sylvester Manor has been a provisioning plantation, an Enlightenment-era farm, and a pioneering food industrialist’s summer estate. Today it includes the 1737 Manor House, a restored 19th-century windmill, an Afro-Indigenous Burial Ground, and a working farm, with educational and cultural arts programs open to all. For more information, visit www.sylvestermanor.org.
Photo credit: Adam Bundy
L to R: Peter Dinkel, Oliver Shearer, Stephen Searl, Tracy McCarthy, Nanette Lawrenson, Lenore Dileo-Berner, Chris Carey.
L to R: Peter Dinkel, Oliver Shearer, Stephen Searl, Tracy McCarthy, Nanette Lawrenson, Lenore Dileo-Berner, Chris Carey.
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CURRENT EXHIBIT:
Behind the Scenes of the "Ingrid McBrian: Shelter Island in Thread and Paint" Exhibit Our Robert David Lion Gardiner Young Scholar Recipient, Charlotte B., was instrumental in creating our current exhibit, "Ingrid McBrian: Shelter Island in Thread and Paint." Her duties included researching our archives for material related to this beloved Shelter Island artist, writing Ingrid's biography, and creating a layout for the exhibit. Charlotte also produced this video outlining some of her efforts.
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OUR MISSION:
The Shelter Island History Museum collects and preserves the artifacts, records and stories that define the island's unique history. We welcome and connect our community by exploring our shared history through exhibits, research, educational programs and performances. Hours of Operation
Wednesday through Friday, 10am to 2pm |
A big THANK YOU to the the New York State Council on the Arts for awarding us one of their 2025 Professional Development Grants for Museums!
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THANK YOU to the North Forker readers for voting us the Best History Center!
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Physical Address: 16 South Ferry Road, Shelter Island, NY 11964
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 847, Shelter Island, NY 11964
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 631-749-0025
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The Shelter Island History Museum's main floor and lower level are ADA accessible.
Service Animals are welcome .
Personal photography, without flash, is allowed in the galleries. No photographic equipment (tripods, selfie sticks) is permitted.
When sharing your photos on social media, please tag the Museum! #shelterislandhistorymuseum
Outside food and drink are not permitted inside.
This is a completely smoke-free location. Smoking and Vaping are not permitted anywhere on the grounds.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 847, Shelter Island, NY 11964
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 631-749-0025
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The Shelter Island History Museum's main floor and lower level are ADA accessible.
Service Animals are welcome .
Personal photography, without flash, is allowed in the galleries. No photographic equipment (tripods, selfie sticks) is permitted.
When sharing your photos on social media, please tag the Museum! #shelterislandhistorymuseum
Outside food and drink are not permitted inside.
This is a completely smoke-free location. Smoking and Vaping are not permitted anywhere on the grounds.