About Us
 

Havens House, the Society's Historic House Museum, was built in 1743. Jonathan Nicoll Havens lived here when he was a member of the 4th Congress.

The Shelter Island Historical Society was founded in 1924 by a group of citizens determined to preserve and research a collection of manuscripts held in the Town's public library.  In 1969, the Society was granted a New York State Educational Department Board of Regents Absolute Charter.  Havens House and Manhanset  Chapel Museum were listed on the  State and National Register of Historic Places in 1986 and 1997, respectively.

The mission of the Society is to collect, record, and preserve local history, and to teach the community and its many visitors about life on Shelter Island.  Artifacts and archival material are used to interpret the social, economic, and cultural conditions of the island's past. To this end the Society maintains and operates an historic house, barn, and museum, and conducts such activities and meetings as may serve to maintain, stimulate and promote its purpose.

The Society Office, located in Havens House at 16 South Ferry Road (Route 114), is open from 9 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday.


The barn at Havens House was built by local craftsmen in 1986. It houses the Society's collection of carriages and is used for many purposes, including giant barn sales.
Beginning April 15, 2006, the Havens House Museum and Store will be open Friday & Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm and during July and August also on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. The museum is open otherwise by appointment.

Archivists are available from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm on Wednesday.

The Collections Committee is available on Tuesday, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am

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