Adult Programs

Take a tour of the historic Brewster House! Built in 1665 and considered 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 the Joseph Brewster and presumably a frequent visitor to the house, was a member of George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring during the Revolutionary War. WMHO education programs are held here by appointment.  The Brewster House is listed on the New York State and National Register of Historic Places.

Duration:
Adult Fee: 6

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

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.  WMHO education programs are held here by appointment including “Medicine: Past, Present and Future” where students are given the opportunity to discover medicine from the 18th through the 21st Century. The Thompson house is listed on theNew York State and National Register of Historic Places.

Duration:
Adult Fee: 10

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

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.

Duration:
Adult Fee: 6

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

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

Duration:
Adult Fee: 6

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

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 27-passenger vessel cruises through the organization’s 88-acre wetlands preserve for a 1 1/2 hour tour.  A naturalist onboard will highlight and describe the wildlife and flora that the passengers will see.

Cruises are scheduled according to the tide table through October 20.

Advance reservation tickets are $28 for adults, $25 for seniors 60+ and students, and $18 for children under 6.  Group discounts are available!

Click here or the image to the left to view the full brochure (scroll down to see both pages)

 

 

We are collaborating with Camera Concepts and Telescope Solutions to bring special photography cruises to our attendees!  Each session will begin at half an hour earlier on land with a discussion from a Camera Concepts photography instructor, the cruise will then set out for 1 ½ hours, ending with a 15-30 minute wrap-up/critique session after.  This cruise is $50 per person.

Please call (631) 751-2244 to make any reservations or to inquire about additional information.

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

 

Duration:
Adult Fee: See brochure for prices

Location: Discovery Wetlands Cruise
Address: Across from the Three Village Inn, which is at 150 Main Street Stony Brook Marine Services Stony Brook NY 11790