Wading River Historical Society and Museum has been the keeper of the small village’s history for over 75 years. Formed in 1947, the Society had its beginnings at a meeting in the Wading River Congregational Church on January 5 of that year, where it was formally established and its constitution adopted. In the early 1950s, the Society negotiated to acquire the home of Mary Raynor Howell for the purpose of housing the Society. The deed to the property was presented on July 11, 1952. Believed to have been built in about 1826, the house was owned by Frederick Hudson, Zophar Mills, Gabriel Mills, and other families, until in 1864 it was deeded by Ebenezer Jones to Daniel B. Howell. It then became the home of Chauncey and Mary Raynor Howell.
The Society maintains the History House Museum, which features local artifacts, farm tools, vintage clothing, historical documents, and books on local history and genealogy, and it hosts visits of school children and individuals by appointment.
The Society maintains the History House Museum, which features local artifacts, farm tools, vintage clothing, historical documents, and books on local history and genealogy, and it hosts visits of school children and individuals by appointment.
|
Coming Events
The Wading River Historical Society and Museum holds its meetings on the third Thursday of the month during April, May, June, and September. All meetings start at 7 PM and the public is invited to attend. The next two months will have special events instead of regular meetings in celebration of the USA 250th Birthday. They will be held in other locations. Please read carefully the information below. Additional information will be made available as each event is closer. Friday, September 25, at 7 PM Celebrate USA Independence with an IndepenDANCE! Contra dancing and fun for the whole family with a live caller and live musicians, just as it would have been for the early settlers of Wading River and the surrounding area! It will be held at St. John the Baptist Church Hall, North Country Road, Wading River Tickets are $20 Adults, $10 school age, Free Pre-K Register online: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-independance This year we'll wish a Happy 250th Birthday to the USA! And Happy 200th Birthday to our own History House! The Historical Society has begun to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence. We're making plans for some new events to celebrate our country's birthday, and also the 200th birthday of the History House! Duck Pond Day was on Sunday, June 14. Colonial Craftspeople presented their crafts and skills. Kids played Colonial games and families took photos with George or Ben. It was lots of fun! A presentation about Sacred Stones and Sites of Long Island was held in cooperation with the Village of Shoreham, and a special family IndepenDance is coming up! Follow our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. You can also see what else is happening throughout Suffolk County by visiting www.Suffolk250.org You can purchase a passport book that's fun to use as you visit Suffolk's historic sites. We're in it, too! Buy it online or from us at our upcoming events. You can also join the Long Island History Hunt! Have fun, learn about history, and be in the running for some prizes! The 2026 “Redcoats and Rebels” edition celebrates America’s 250th anniversary by sending participants on an interactive journey through some of Long Island’s most fascinating Revolutionary-era destinations. Join for free at: LIHistoryHunt.com |
To inquire about events, contact us at [email protected]
|
You can join anytime! Membership is for the calendar year.
Regular members $20 Couple $35 Family (three or more related people in one household) $50 Business $100 Please send your check to the address below. Interested in becoming more involved? Want to volunteer at some of our events? Contact us! |
|
Post Office Box 263
|
|
