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 on board explains the wildlife that passengers observe, the natural and human history of the area and the individuals and events that have shaped it!
** Please note – Our office is not available on the weekends. We strongly encourage you to make a reservation during our business hours: Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5pm.**
**The Tuesday, October 26th and Wednesday, October 27th cruises are cancelled due to the weather.
Thank you for a wonderful cruise season! We will be returning in Spring 2022 – stay tuned for the 2022 Schedule coming this winter!
Reservation Pricing
Please note – if you would like to reserve space on the Discovery, you must do so no later than one hour before the cruise is set to depart (Monday through Friday). Spaces on cruises departing 4:30pm or later need to be reserved by 4pm.
$25 per child age 3 to 6
$5 per child age 2 and younger
As there is a maximum capacity onboard, we strongly recommend calling ahead to make reservations. We do allow for walk-ons – walk-on pricing is different and is CASH ONLY.
Walk-On Pricing [CASH ONLY]
$40 per person
$30 per child aged 3 to 6
$5 per child aged 2 and younger
We are following guidelines and recommendations set forth by the CDC.
To make a reservation and 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
Contact: 631-751-2244
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
Contact: 631-751-2244
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 18th 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
Contact: 631-751-2244
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
Contact: 631-751-2244
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
Contact: 631-751-2244
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:
Contact: 631-751-2244
