Summer Children’s Theater PrograMRegistration for the 2026 Summer Children’s Theater Program is now open! Directed and facilitated by the Brooklyn Acting Lab, this 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. The program is limited to 25 participants only. The cost is $1300 per child. A 10 percent discount is available for a second child in the same household. Please contact SIHM directly about information on discounts for additional children in the same household |
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT THE SUMMER CHILDREN'S THEATER PROGRAM "Brooklyn Acting Lab camp at SIHS has been a magical and memorable summer experience for our children. For the past two summers, we've watched with delight as they stage an original production with creativity, joy, and support, while gaining a deeper connection to the history and lore of Shelter Island." Lisbeth
"Children’s summer theater at the Historical Society on Shelter Island with Brooklyn Acting Lab is nothing short of MAGICAL! Our daughter has participated in the program for the past three summer and has thrived under the creative tutelage of the entire team. The children have the dramatic freedom to express various characters, be part of a theatrical community and learn about various elements of Shelter Islands history. We hope the program will continue for many years to come and only wish it was longer for a continued eating experience." Susannah HERE'S THE LINK TO REGISTER:
https://shelterislandhistorical.networkforgood.com/events/95715-2026-summer-children-s-theater-program |
NEW CLASSES FROM THE SHELTER ISLAND ARTS CENTER (SIAC)!
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New to photography? Shelter Island landscape and nature photographer Adam Bundy has a workshop for you!
The SIAC Beginner Photographer course will focus on developing a personal creative style and visual storytelling. The 90-minute classes take place at the Shelter Island History Museum on four consecutive Wednesdays, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, starting November 5. Here’s a little more about Adam: Living full-time on idyllic Shelter Island, Adam Bundy has a truly unbridled passion for the East End of Long Island. From the smallest scale macro photography of plants and insects, to sweeping landscapes and nautical vistas, Adam’s photography has been featured in multiple Long Island publications. Adam lives to expose others to the unique and often overlooked magic of the natural world through the eye of his camera, and incorporates his love of the outdoors, through hiking, biking, and travel adventures, into his photographic art. The workshop is limited to 8 participants, so sign up early! You can scan the QR code (left) or register at https://square.link/u/AsQ6LU5n |
Here’s another chance to explore the magic of watercolor!
The Shelter Island History Museum, in collaboration with SIAC is now offering a series of classes where students can experiment and explore the unique qualities of this versatile medium.
Artist and SIAC founder June Shatken will teach you:
To register, scan the QR code (right) or paste this link into your browser:
https://square.link/u/ah7x9UnR
The Shelter Island History Museum, in collaboration with SIAC is now offering a series of classes where students can experiment and explore the unique qualities of this versatile medium.
Artist and SIAC founder June Shatken will teach you:
- basic watercolor techniques
- what makes a successful composition
- how to create a sense of depth and space
- some simple color mixing
To register, scan the QR code (right) or paste this link into your browser:
https://square.link/u/ah7x9UnR
Oscar the Oyster Returns for Oysters ‘R’ Here on September 27
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He’s back! Oscar the Oyster returns to the Shelter Island History Museum on Saturday, September 27 for our Oysters ‘R’ Here celebration. The festivities, which take place from 4-7pm, feature beer, wine, bites, charcuterie, and of course, all-you-can-eat local oysters. Also included: live music by the Peconic County Ramblers, amazing raffle and silent auction items, and a special souvenir glass. (Note: to win raffle items you must be present.)
You’ll also get to meet Oscar, who was the mascot of the Shelter Island Oyster Company, which was a thriving business on the island until the 1950’s. They cultivated, shucked and shipped their products to markets as far away as Boston. Oscar the Oyster, symbolized some of the best oysters on the East End of Long Island. Tickets for Oysters ‘R’ Here are available at the SIHM and online anytime at https://shelterislandhistorical.networkforgood.com/events/89541-oysters-r-here-2025 Note that with each ticket purchased, the Pridwin Hotel and Cottages is offering a coupon for a complimentary drink! |
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The Revolutionary War Era Comes To Life at the Shelter Island History Museum!
History comes alive on Saturday, September 6, when the 3rd NY Regiment Long Island sets up their encampment on the grounds of the Shelter Island History Museum. Bring the whole family and watch as they take us back 250 years to show what life was like in Long Island during the Revolutionary War era.
A nonprofit living history organization, the 3rd NY Regiment, as their website says, reproduces “the daily routine of Revolutionary War soldiers, wives, families and camp followers. We dress in period clothing and drill with reproduction firelocks just as in 1775.”
The SIHM encampment, which takes place from 10am to 2pm, will include cannon fire, as well as a British regiment from the era. (In the event of inclement weather, the encampment take place on Sunday, September 7.)
The 3rd NY Regiment festivities kicks off our celebration of the nation's semiquincentennial. Watch for more information soon on upcoming events and activities!
A nonprofit living history organization, the 3rd NY Regiment, as their website says, reproduces “the daily routine of Revolutionary War soldiers, wives, families and camp followers. We dress in period clothing and drill with reproduction firelocks just as in 1775.”
The SIHM encampment, which takes place from 10am to 2pm, will include cannon fire, as well as a British regiment from the era. (In the event of inclement weather, the encampment take place on Sunday, September 7.)
The 3rd NY Regiment festivities kicks off our celebration of the nation's semiquincentennial. Watch for more information soon on upcoming events and activities!
Come explore the magic of watercolor!
The Shelter Island History Museum, in collaboration with SIAC (the Shelter Island Arts Center) is now offering a series of classes where students can experiment and explore the unique qualities of this versatile medium.
Artist and SIAC founder June Shatken will teach you:
- basic watercolor techniques
- what makes a successful composition
- how to create a sense of depth and space
- some simple color mixing
The class consists of six sessions, listed below, and is limited to 8 people. A list of supplies will be emailed after registration is received. Some experience is helpful, but most important – bring your enthusiasm and an open mind.
To register, scan the QR code below or paste this link into your browser.
https://square.link/u/ah7x9UnR
Artist and SIAC founder June Shatken will teach you:
- basic watercolor techniques
- what makes a successful composition
- how to create a sense of depth and space
- some simple color mixing
The class consists of six sessions, listed below, and is limited to 8 people. A list of supplies will be emailed after registration is received. Some experience is helpful, but most important – bring your enthusiasm and an open mind.
To register, scan the QR code below or paste this link into your browser.
https://square.link/u/ah7x9UnR
ANNUAL SUMMER PERFORMANCE
- “Once Upon A Runway, ” The 2025 SIHM Annual Summer Show.
At the Shelter Island History Museum, our mission is to preserve the artifacts, records, and stories that define the rich and unique history of our island. Through engaging exhibits, research, educational programs, and live performances, we strive to foster a sense of welcome and connection across our community—honoring the past while inspiring future generations.
Since 2021, our annual summer performance has become a beloved tradition and a powerful storytelling opportunity. These original productions breathe life into captivating storylines, evoking cherished moments from various periods in our Island's past. Performed entirely by a dedicated team of local volunteers that return every year to showcase their talents, each show offers both an introduction to newcomers and a nostalgic reflection for longtime residents.
This summer, we’re thrilled to collaborate with acclaimed local artist Roz Dimon to bring her digital artwork, Havens House DIMONscape, to the stage. This innovative piece—on permanent display at the Havens House Museum—explores the 280-year history of the Havens family and homestead through a layered, immersive visual experience. Our performers will animate these layers, transforming visual storytelling into a live, multidimensional journey through time. Guests will be welcomed with refreshments before the show—and may even encounter historical characters mingling among them!
SHELTER ISLAND HOUSE TOUR
Each year the Shelter Island History Museum offers a tour of extraordinary Shelter Island homes, followed by a post-tour reception with beverages, local culinary bites and auction.
Each year the Shelter Island History Museum offers a tour of extraordinary Shelter Island homes, followed by a post-tour reception with beverages, local culinary bites and auction.
The Artemas Ward Garden Party
In 1883, Ward, the great-grandson and namesake of Revolutionary War General Artemas Ward, took Sapolio, “a cake of greasy, gritty soap and put it in almost every grocery store in the U.S.,” according to Time magazine. He went on to manage commercial investments, including the establishment of groundbreaking transit advertising, vending machines and a car company.
Shorewood Farm was Ward’s stately 200-acre summer home, where he added buildings for pigs, chickens and horses; a dairy barn, creamery, and a pheasant-breeding center. In 1910, this avid yachtsman, built a huge Gothic Revival boathouse of poured concrete and later, a large Italian-style garden. He died a multimillionaire at the age of 76 in 1925.
(For more information on Artemas Ward, please see the SIHM website article by Mary Fran Gleason at https://www.shelterislandhistorical.org/the-soap-the-salesman-and-the-sailor.html).
Shorewood Farm was Ward’s stately 200-acre summer home, where he added buildings for pigs, chickens and horses; a dairy barn, creamery, and a pheasant-breeding center. In 1910, this avid yachtsman, built a huge Gothic Revival boathouse of poured concrete and later, a large Italian-style garden. He died a multimillionaire at the age of 76 in 1925.
(For more information on Artemas Ward, please see the SIHM website article by Mary Fran Gleason at https://www.shelterislandhistorical.org/the-soap-the-salesman-and-the-sailor.html).