Why did General Washington create the Culper Spy Ring? Bring your students on a journey to the Brewster House Inn & Tavern to find out.  This authentic historic site (c. 1665)  was where neighbors gathered to share news, and where British soldiers ate and slept during their occupation of Long Island in the midst of the American Revolution. 

This living history experience is set in 1777, after the Battle of Long Island and the death of Nathan Hale. Students will meet Rebecca Brewster, who is completely unaware that her neighbors have just begun to spy as members of the Culper Spy Ring!  During their conversation with Rebecca,  students will learn about life under British occupation. In a group activity, students will discover how the secret spy ring operated and will speculate on why it was so successful. Then, students will be put to the test and become spies themselves – searching around the Brewster House for a secret message! 

We support NY State and Common Core Standard learning.  Students use artifacts, primary sources and secondary documents, as well as participate in an exchange of ideas, critical thinking and peer collaboration.

Duration: 1.5 hr
Levels: Customized
Per Student Fee: 8
Teacher Fee: No Fee for Teachers
Chaperone Fee: We encourage chaperone participation of up to 5 chaperones, and do not charge chaperones in exchange for their support during group activities in the program.

Location: Brewster House
Address: 18 Runs Rd, Setauket- East Setauket, NY 11733

Across Dock Road from the Three Village Inn, the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s pontoon boat “Discovery” departs from Stony Brook Marine Services located in Stony Brook, NY.  The vessel cruises through the organization’s 88-acre wetlands preserve for a 1 1/2 hour tour.  A naturalist on board explains the wildlife  that passengers observe, the natural history of the area and the individuals and events that have shaped it!

Due to COVID-19, we are only permitting private charter cruises. 

Discovery Pontoon Boat Cruise Schedule 2021

Charter Boat Pricing

Whole Boat Charter Cruise –  $550

To make a reservation, please call 631-751-2244. 

Charter with Fully Vaccinated Patrons:

Full capacity (27 passengers) if all patrons in the party are fully vaccinated. Masks and social distancing are not required.

To ensure that the parties are fully vaccinated, naturalists will check each adult patron for proof of vaccination at check-in. New York State has approved paper form, digital application, or the State’s Excelsior Pass as sufficient proof.

Patrons will not be permitted on the charter cruise if they cannot provide proof of full vaccination. 

Charter with Unvaccinated Patrons:

Parties that are not fully vaccinated must wear masks and social distance on the charter cruise, and are allowed to have up to 21 passengers.

For any questions, please call 631-751-2244. 

Get a taste of what the cruise is like by watching this award-winning story from MyLITV!

Duration: 1.5

Location: Stony Yacht Club Marina
Address: Address: 55 Shore Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11790 Directions

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Youth Corps is a volunteer group run by students and facilitated by WMHO staff and volunteers with a common goal of doing something positive to help our community. Our projects are focused on history and the environment. Together we strive to promote stewardship, emulating Ward and Dorothy Melville and their incredible contributions to our community.

Duration: 1 hour
Levels: Customized

Location: Various Locations
Address: Stony Brook and East Setauket

Students explore artifacts, games and tasks and learn what home life was like in a typical colonial Long Island family.

Duration: 1.5 hr
Levels: Customized
Per Student Fee: 8
Teacher Fee: FREE
Chaperone Fee: 5

Location: Brewster House
Address: 18 Runs Rd, Setauket- East Setauket, NY 11733

What made a Doctor in the year 1800? How is medicine different today? How will this change medicine for the future?

Students will create their own answers to these questions as they explore the world of Doctor Samuel Thompson. Students will examine the complex  life Thompson lived being both a doctor and a farmer, as well as a patriot and a slave owner – by becoming his apprentices!

From inside of his 18th century home, students will discover the origins of American medicine and examine its progression into the 21st century. Students will learn about the viruses that Thompson dealt with daily and diagnose their classmates using primary documents. Then, using this diagnosis, students will create their own pills, grinding herbs using mortars and pestles just like a doctor would have at that time. They will then be challenged by a real-life healthcare professional to conduct a patient-interview to diagnose a mysterious 21st century illness! Students are given the opportunity to ask their own questions about medicine, disease and illness, and are encouraged to engage in a discussion with a medical professional about the future of the medical field. 

We support NY State and Common Core Standard learning.  Students use artifacts, primary sources and secondary documents, as well as participate in an exchange of ideas, critical thinking and peer collaboration.

Duration: 1 hr
Levels: Customized
Per Student Fee: 8
Teacher Fee: No Fee for Teachers
Chaperone Fee: We encourage chaperone participation of up to 5 chaperones, and do not charge chaperones in exchange for their support during group activities in the program.

Location: The Thompson House
Address: 91 North Country Rd, East Setauket, NY 11733

Built in 1665, this grist mill included some of the newest innovations of its time. The mill’s owners would continue to update the mill over the next three centuries,including the use of elevators, moving belts, and screw conveyors to make a milling operation more efficient and profitable.

Take your students see applied mechanical engineering at its best!  Students perceive how America’s early millers understood math and science and what today’s engineers could learn from their historical predecessors in the field.

Duration: 1.5
Levels: Customized
Minimum Program Fee: $105
Per Student Fee: 8
Teacher Fee: FREE
Chaperone Fee: 5

Location: Stony Brook Grist Mill, c. 1751
Address: 100 Harbor Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11790

Explore the freshwater pond ecosystem at the Mill Pond!  Observe the fascinating habitat where cormorants, egrets, mallards, Canada geese and other wildlife congregate.  Students will identify a variety of fish, birds, and insects. Discovering the diversified spectrum of life, students will gain a better understanding of food webs and energy transfers.  They will participate in hands on experiments including pH testing.

Participation in the “Pond Ecology” and “Coastal Ecology” programs on the same day allows students to compare freshwater and salt water systems.

Duration: 1.5 hr
Levels: Customized
Minimum Program Fee: $105
Per Student Fee: 8
Teacher Fee: Free
Chaperone Fee: 5

Location: T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond Park
Address: 200 Harbor Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11790

What would you do for your freedom?  

Imagine a world where escaping everything you have ever known was your only chance to truly live. Set just as the Fugitive Slave Act is passed, Students will meet a former slave named Carolina. Though the story of her life, students will have to figure out how she became free and the secret methods she uses to lead other slaves to their freedom. With the new act in place, Students will be challenged to design escape routes along the Underground Railroad!

Learning Standards:  Broadcasted live from WMHO’s authentic historic and environmental Long Island properties, WMHO supports NY State and Common Core Standard learning by creating rich virtual environment where students study and observe artifacts, primary sources, and participate in an exchange of ideas.

Virtual Format:  WMHO digital platform include (and are not limited to) Zoom, Google Classroom and MS Teams. Please let us know your digital preferences and we will work with you.

Cost:  $160.00 for 45-60 minute live class & accompanying learning kit

Duration: 1 hr
Levels: Customized
Minimum Program Fee: $160

Location: From our classroom to yours!
Address:

Transport your students to birthplace of American espionage!  Visit the Brewster House, home of Joseph Brewster – first cousin of Culper Spy ring member and whale boat captain, Caleb Brewster.

Using distance learning technology, students will perform a reader’s theater, learning about America’s colonial history to debate the American Revolution as Patriots and Loyalists; discover and foil a plot by Benedict Arnold, and use invisible ink and numeric codes to write messages!

Learning Standards:  Broadcasting live from Long Island’s historic and environmental landmarks, WMHO supports NY State and Common Core Standard learning by creating rich virtual environment where students study and observe artifacts, primary sources, and participate in an exchange of ideas.

Virtual Format:  WMHO digital platform include (and are not limited to) Zoom, Google Classroom and MS Teams. Please let us know your digital preferences and we will work with you.

Cost:  $150.00 for 45-60 minute live class & accompanying learning kit

Duration: 1 hr
Levels: Customized
Minimum Program Fee: $150

Location: From Your Classroom to Our’s
Address:

Located at the Doctor Ernst Marine Conservation Center, in the heart of an 88-acre wetland preserve, our facilities include an equipped lab, classroom, touch tank, and wetland creek full of live marine creatures. Your student explore the water’s edge for shellfish, finfish and plants in this interactive program illustrating the salt marsh food web.  Using field guides, microscopes and touch tanks students discover the ecological relationships, plant and animal adaptations, and geology of one of Long Island’s most pristine environmental habitats.

Duration: 1 hr
Levels: Customized
Minimum Program Fee: $150
Per Student Fee: 8
Teacher Fee: FREE
Chaperone Fee: 5

Location: Ernst Marine Conservation Center
Address: West Meadow Creek, Setauket

Over the course of this 5 day program, that takes place in the heart of an 88-acre wetland preserve, students gain an understanding of the salt marsh ecosystem.  Each day students explore a specific facet of the marsh ecosystem including plants, invertebrates, fish, birds and mammals.   Time is divided between outdoor exploration, hands-on lab activities and crafts.

Duration: 5 hrs
Levels: Customized
Per Student Fee: TBD

Location: Ernst Marine Conservation Center
Address: West Meadow Creek

As marsh detectives, students search for the many forms of life comprising the intricate marsh ecosystem, and then bring their “evidence” inside the lab for further observation.  Among their many observations included the invasive species, Japanese knotweed, which they used to make a flute in the tradition of Native Americans.

Duration:
Per Student Fee: TBD

Location: Ernst Marine Conservation Center
Address: West Meadow Creek

Why are Long Island’s coastal habitats important? How do they compare to other types of ecosystems?

How does energy flow through an ecosystem?  From the heart of an 88-acre Wetland Preserve and the Ernst Marine Conservation Center lab, this STEM program immerses students in the marine sciences.  Participants encounter and study the amazing variety of unique animals and plants that are adapted to live in this tidal marsh environment and the ecosystem services each of the animals provides.   This hands-on experience in the field brings to life the transfer of energy from the sun to consumers and decomposers, the interdependence of plants and animals, and how the moon gravitational pull on the earth creates tides.

Live from the heart of an 88-acre wetland preserve and the Ernst Marine Conservation Center lab, this STEM program will introduce participants to the marine science and ecology of coastal environments. Students will virtually encounter and study the amazing variety of unique animals and plants that have adapted to live in this tidal marsh environment and the ecosystem services each of the animals provides.

This experience brings to life the transfer of energy from the sun to consumers and decomposers, the interdependence of plants and animals, and how the moon’s gravitational pull on the earth creates tides.  Presented by a marine scientists, students will be able to ask questions in real time.

Learning Standards:  Broadcasting live from Long Island’s historic and environmental landmarks, WMHO supports NY State and Common Core Standard learning by creating rich virtual environment where students study and observe artifacts, primary sources, and participate in an exchange of ideas. 

Virtual Format:  WMHO digital platform include (and are not limited to) Zoom, Google Classroom and MS Teams. Please let us know your digital preferences and we will work with you.

Cost:  $160.00 for 45-60 minute live class & accompanying learning kit

Duration: 1
Levels: Customized
Minimum Program Fee: $160

Location: The Ernst Marine Conservation Center from the comfort of your own home or classroom!
Address: Trustee’s Road, Stony Brook NY 11790

The Doctor Ernst Marine Conservation Center, in the heart of an 88-acre wetland preserve, is adjacent to the site of a famous archaeological dig that unearthed evidence of 5000-year-old encampment of an Algonquin tribe.  This hands-on program enables your students to identify all the natural resources that were available to the Native American family, as well as the ways of survival in the salt marsh environment including how to create shelter, make tools and clothing.

Duration: 1.5
Levels: Customized
Minimum Program Fee: $150
Per Student Fee: 8
Teacher Fee: FREE
Chaperone Fee: 5

Location: The Ernst Marine Conservation Center
Address: West Meadow Creek, Setauket

What would you do for your freedom?  

Imagine a world where escaping everything you have ever known was your only chance to truly live.  Set just as the Fugitive Slave Act was passed, students will meet a former slave named Carolina. Though the story of her life, students will identify how she gained her freedom, and the secret methods she uses to lead other slaves to their own. With the new act in place, Students will be challenged to design escape routes along the Underground Railroad!

Learning Standards:  Broadcasting live from WMHO’s authentic historic and environmental Long Island properties, WMHO supports NY State and Common Core Standard learning by creating rich virtual environment where students study and observe artifacts, primary sources, and participate in an exchange of ideas.

Virtual Format:  WMHO digital platform include (and are not limited to) Zoom, Google Classroom and MS Teams. Please let us know your digital preferences and we will work with you.

Cost:  $160.00 for 45-60 minute live class & accompanying learning kit

Duration: 1 hr
Levels: Customized
Minimum Program Fee: $160

Location: From our classroom to yours!
Address:

About the Property

Built in 1665 and known as the oldest house in the Town of Brookhaven, the Brewster House, was home to six generations of Brewsters.  The house has transformed over the centuries from the one-room cottage to its present saltbox structure.  During the American Revolution, Joseph Brewster operated the house as a tavern and general store, entertaining British troops inside.  American Patriot Caleb Brewster, cousin of Joseph Brewster and presumably a frequent visitor to the house, was a member of George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring during the Revolutionary War.

About the Program

The Taste of the Tavern program at the Brewster House allows a group to not only explore the oldest house in the town of Brookhaven, but learn about the way that colonial long islanders lived under British rule during the American Revolution. The history of the Culper Spy Ring is brought to life with an interactive and engaging escape room. In this escape room, you will discover for yourself where Joseph Brewster’s loyalties lied – to the British who controlled his family’s welfare or the patriots who promised freedom.  After the escape room, guests will experience an authentic colonial bite to eat and tea or cider to drink in the original tavern room (circa 1740).

The Brewster House is listed on the New York State and National Register of Historic Places.

Duration: 1.5
Adult Fee: For groups of 20 or less, $12 per person. For groups of 20 or more – the 20th person and so on, $10 per person.

Location: The Brewster House, c. 1665
Address: 16 Runs Road East Setauket NY 11733

About the Property

Built in 1709, this five-room saltbox farmhouse is one of the largest houses in the Town of Brookhaven. The Thompson House was home to five generations of Thompsons. American Patriot, Farmer and Physician, Doctor Thompson was a prestigious member of the Setauket community, who treated many local residents. Members of George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring are listed in his “Cash Receipt Book,” c. 1787, which was a list of his patients.

About the Program

The adult program at the Thompson House focuses on the development of medicine since the 18^th century. It includes a look into the complex life that Dr. Samuel Thompson lived – as a doctor, apothecary, slave-owner and American patriot. Guests will learn about the influences of Thompson’s life, especially his involvement in the Revolutionary War and his bloodletting practices. A discussion of Revolutionary War diseases including Yellow Fever, Smallpox and dysentery will give guests and understanding of the impact illness has had on the course of American history. With this program, guests will be able to select a choice of tea to drink while they learn about the natural medicines that doctors would have prescribed during the Revolutionary War.

The Thompson house is listed on the New York State and National Register of Historic Places.

Duration: 1.0
Adult Fee: For parties of 20 or less, $10 per person. For groups of 20 or more – the 20th person and so on, $8 per person.

Location: The Thompson House
Address: 91 North Country Road East Setauket NY 11733

About the Property

The Stony Brook Grist Mill, Long Island’s most completely equipped working mill, is listed on the National and New York State Register of Historic Places.

During the 1800s, a vineyard was planted on the island in the Mill Pond. Catawba grapes were pressed and fermented in the Stony Brook Grist Mill, bottled in Brooklyn and sold at a nearby tavern.  In earlier times, the mill was the center of community life. People exchanged news and gossip as they waited for the miller to grind their grain. In the 19th century a miller by the name of Alois Kopriva who emigrated from Poland, played the violin and entertained his guests with gypsy music. Kopriva was also an advocate for women’s right to vote. As recently as the 1950’s, farmers still brought their wheat and corn to be ground at the mill. Miller Schaefer ground natural wheat at the mill and shipped his “health food” to customers in 42 states.

About the Program

The adult program at the Stony Brook Grist Mill invites its guests to learn about the inner workings of a mill and trace the evolution of industry in America from the early 18th century to today. Visitors will hear about the owners and workers of the mill and how it has developed over 320 years. After the program, the Country Store will be open for your shopping pleasure. 

Duration: 1.0
Adult Fee: For groups of 20 or less, $8 per person. For groups of 20 or more – the 20th person and so on, $6 per person.

Location: The Stony Brook Grist Mill, c. 1751
Address: 100 Harbor Road Stony Brook NY 11790

About the Property

Located in the heart of The Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s 88-acre wetlands preserve is the Erwin J. Ernst Marine Conservation Center (EMCC).  Named after Dr. Erwin J. Ernst, the Center has been an important part of WMHO for more than 50 years. The building houses two classrooms, a learning lab, microscopes and touch tanks.

About the Program

The adult program at the EMCC includes a discussion on conservation history, the DNA of our marine ancestors and current ecological challenges facing our planet.  A short nature walk follows where guests will identify birds, marine invertebrates and the marsh plants. Healthy snack included.

Duration: 1.5
Adult Fee: For parties of 20 or less, $12 per person. For groups of 20 or more – the 20th person and so on, $10 per person.

Location: The Ernst Marine Conservation Center
Address: Trustee’s Road, East Setauket, NY 11733

Long Island’s most completely equipped working Grist Mill, the Stony Brook Grist Mill is a unique historic site for your student’s field trip experience. Students join the miller in their day’s work, discovering the principles of how water powers the mill’s mechanisms. Students apply their knowledge as Assistant Millers by shelling corn and bagging ground grain.

“When I ask my students their favorite memories from the school year, they say it is our trip to the Stony Brook Grist Mill.” – 5th grade teacher, Middle Country School District

Duration: 1.5
Levels: Customized
Per Student Fee: 8.00
Teacher Fee: 0
Chaperone Fee: 0

Location: Stony Brook Grist Mill
Address: Harbor Road Stony Brook NY 11790

How did the Culper Spy Ring form and why was Long Island its birthplace?  

This virtual program experience, live from the authentic Brewster House, promotes critical thinking, team work and dialogue.  As a group, students will be challenged with converting inn keeper Rebecca Brewster to join the Culper Spy Ring. Like many colonists at the time, Rebecca has mixed feelings about whether to rebel against the Crown or to stay loyal. Can your students convince her? Putting their own skills to the test, students will undergo a full exploration of the Brewster House (c. 1665) in search of clues and secret messages!

Learning Standards:  Broadcasted live from Long Island’s historic and environmental landmarks, WMHO supports NY State and Common Core Standard learning by creating rich virtual environment where students study and observe artifacts, primary sources, and participate in an exchange of ideas.

Virtual Format:  WMHO digital platform include (and are not limited to) Zoom, Google Classroom and MS Teams. Please let us know your digital preferences and we will work with you.

Cost:  $150.00 for 45-60 minute live class & accompanying learning kit

Duration: 1
Levels: Customized
Minimum Program Fee: $150
Teacher Fee: FREE

Location: The Brewster House from the comfort of your own home or classroom!
Address:

In this interactive video series, students will meet Rebecca Brewster whom will take them on a journey of her tavern during the American Revolution. Using  an accompanying print out kit, students will complete a variety of activities, such as scavenger hunts, puzzles, critical thinking activities while using primary documents and codes.

Learning Standards:  Broadcasting live from Long Island’s historic and environmental landmarks, WMHO supports NY State and Common Core Standard learning by creating rich virtual environment where students study and observe artifacts, primary sources, and participate in an exchange of ideas.

Cost:  $125.00 for digital series and accompanying activity kit. Access up to 14 days. BOCES Arts-in-Education reimbursable.

Duration: 1
Levels: Customized
Minimum Program Fee: $125
Teacher Fee: FREE

Location: The Brewster House from the comfort of your own home or classroom!
Address:

Would you have survived a summer on Long Island’s West Meadow Creek as an Algonquin?  

Based on WMHO’s historic archaeological dig in 1960 that unearthed evidence of a 5000-year-old encampment of an Algonquin peoples, students will be engaged in an interactive survival game!  They will be challenged with surviving on West Meadow Creek in the Archaic period, using and also conserving the natural resources of the marsh to provide shelter, food and even medicine.

Learning Standards:  Broadcasting live from WMHO’s authentic historic and environmental Long Island properties, WMHO supports NY State and Common Core Standard learning by creating rich virtual environment where students study and observe artifacts, primary sources, and participate in an exchange of ideas.

Virtual Format:  WMHO digital platform include (and are not limited to) Zoom, Google Classroom and MS Teams. Please let us know your digital preferences and we will work with you.

 Cost:  $150.00 for 45-60 minute live class & accompanying learning kit

Duration: 1
Levels: Customized
Minimum Program Fee: $150

Location: West Meadow Creek from the comfort of your own home or classroom!
Address: For our classroom to yours!

What made someone a Doctor in the year 1776? How is medicine different today? And how will it change in the future?

Set during the American Revolution, students will enter the world of Samuel Thompson – doctor, farmer, patriot. By becoming Doctor Thompson’s apprentices, they help diagnose and treat his patients – Students even create a specialized treatment plan including medicinal herbs from Doctor Thompson’s medicinal garden – all while avoiding being captured by the British!

Students will meet a current healthcare professional and are empowered to diagnose a fictional 21st century patient, while learning the methods and technologies doctors and scientists use to diagnose and treat patients today.  

Learning Standards:  Broadcasting live from WMHO’s authentic historic and environmental Long Island properties, WMHO supports NY State and Common Core Standard learning by creating rich virtual environment where students study and observe artifacts, primary sources, and participate in an exchange of ideas.

Virtual Format:  WMHO digital platform include (and are not limited to) Zoom, Google Classroom and MS Teams. Please let us know your digital preferences and we will work with you.

Cost:  $150.00 for 45-60 minute live class & accompanying learning kit

Duration: 1
Levels: Customized
Minimum Program Fee: $150

Location: The Thompson House from the comfort of your home or classroom!
Address:

Experience a week in the life of the Thompson household. Based on authentic excerpts from Doctor Thompson’s diaries, students will experience primary documents come to life!  Over the course of this 5 part video series, students will “meet” Doctor Samuel Thompson, and partake in interactive activities such as diagnosing diseases, making pills using mortars and pestles, and learning about the members of the Thompson household.  Doctor Thompson looks back on his time in the American Revolution and discusses whether he too, was a spy!         

Learning Standards:  Broadcasting live from Long Island’s historic and environmental landmarks, WMHO supports NY State and Common Core Standard learning by creating rich virtual environment where students study and observe artifacts, primary sources, and participate in an exchange of ideas.

Cost:  $125.00 for digital series and accompanying activity kit.   Access up to 14 days. BOCES Arts-in-Education reimbursable.

Duration: 1
Levels: Customized
Minimum Program Fee: $125
Teacher Fee: FREE

Location: The Thompson House from the comfort of your home or classroom!
Address: 91 North Country Road, Setauket NY 11733

What does your freedom mean to you?

Students will compare and contrast the role of freedom and education among three black men in Early American Long Island:  A black loyalist spy named Benjamin Whitecuff; a young slave named Simon Thompson, and James McCune Smith, the first African-American physician to hold a medical degree in the United States. 

Learning Standards:  Broadcasting live from Long Island’s historic and environmental landmarks, WMHO supports NY State and Common Core Standard learning by creating rich virtual environment where students study and observe artifacts, primary sources, and participate in an exchange of ideas.

Cost:  $125.00 for digital series and accompanying activity kit.   Access up to 14 days. BOCES Arts-in-Education reimbursable.

Duration: 1
Levels: Customized
Minimum Program Fee: $125
Teacher Fee: FREE

Location: From Your Classroom to Ours
Address:

Why is the Long Island Sound important for human and animals health?

In this STEM and conservation program, students explore the variety of animal and plant habitats that call Long Island Sound their home. Comparing and contrasting variables including water quality, turbidity and species across the Long Island Sound, participants discover the sheer range of the Long Island’s Sound biodiversity. Students learn that every animal and plant needs a home, and how humans can help make that possible.

Booking now for Spring 2021 45-60 minute program. Interested Long Island and Connecticut Schools should contact 631-751-2244 for more information. 

Please contact the Education Department for more information about this program.

Duration: 1
Levels: Customized

Location: The Ernst Marine Conservation Center from the comfort of your own home or classroom!
Address: Trustee’s Road, Stony Brook NY 11790