About The Ward Melville Heritage Organization

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO), founded in 1939, is a privately funded not-for-profit corporation that protects and preserves historic and environmentally sensitive properties deeded to it by Ward Melville. By enhancing and interpreting its properties, the organization creates educational and cultural experiences that integrate history, art, theater, music, science, and technology. The organization owns three (3) historic properties listed on the state and national register for historic places, and an 88-acre wetlands preserve. The properties are open to the general public for programs and distance learning programs. Over 70 multidisciplinary educational programs and performances are offered year-round for children and adults.

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Located in the historic Stony Brook Village Center, The Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s 8,800 square-foot Educational & Cultural Center is a year-round venue providing activities, events and educational programs to families and children. These include performing arts, music, theater and dance, WMHO Youth Corps activities and community events, outreach to local cultural and educational groups, intergenerational programs and lifelong learning opportunities. The facility also houses classrooms for on-site adult and youth programs, as well as distance learning programs. Through video conferencing/distance learning, people of all ages are able to experience programs in Stony Brook that are broadcast to museums, schools and other institutions across the globe and interact with instructors in real time. WMHO also features its own unique video conferencing programs in Coastal Ecology, History and Literacy.

Properties Owned and Preserved by The Ward Melville Heritage Organization:

The Brewster House, c. 1665
The Brewster House, c. 1665

East Setauket NY

The Thompson House, c. 1709
The Thompson House, c. 1709

East Setauket NY

Hercules Pavilion
Hercules Pavilion

Stony Brook NY