From Farm to Fabric: Early Woven Textiles of Long Island
May 2023 - September 2023
Until the mid-nineteenth century, Long Island families spent many hours engaged in household textile production. Months of labor were involved, even before weaving took place–from growing flax and raising sheep, to processing the fiber, to spinning and dyeing the yarn. While some households had a loom for weaving simple textiles, families could also bring their homespun yarn to a professional weaver, who had the training and equipment to weave more complex textiles. Featuring locally-made textiles from the Huntington Historical Society and Preservation Long Island, From Farm to Fabric: Early Woven Textiles of Long Island explores the influence that the available tools and materials had on the appearance of those textiles, with a particular focus on the design of woven bed coverings known as coverlets.
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From Swamp to Park: The History of Hecksher ParkOctober 2022 - December 2022
Heckscher Park has been a highlight of Huntington Village for over one hundred years. This eighteen acre park has attracted locals and tourists alike, providing space for creation, culture, and relaxation. The park is named after August Heckscher, who purchased the land in 1096 and provided funding for its eventual development into a public park and museum, known as Heckscher Museum of Art. But just who was August Heckscher? How was the area transformed from swampy farmland to the landscaped park we know today?
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Lloyd Harbor and Beyond: Lanscapes by Joy Buba, 1944-1951
April 2022 - August 2022
The Huntington Historical Society is pleased to present a collection of oil paintings by internationally recognized sculptor, painter, and illustrator Joy Buba. Born in the Lloyd Manor House on Lloyd’s Neck in 1904, Joy grew up exploring and sketching the surrounding landscape, developing a lifelong appreciation for nature and the outdoors. The paintings on display capture quiet scenes of rural Long Island in the post-WWII period, just before the rapid growth in the 1950s.
Highlights from Huntington's African American History
approx. February 2022 - April 2022
Celebrate Black History Month with the Huntington Historical Society! Our new exhibition, “Highlights from Huntington’s African American History,” shares the story of such prominent figures and organizations as Booker T. Washington, Samuel Ballton, John and Alice Coltrane, the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church. This exhibit is co-sponsored by the African American Historic Designation Council, and is based on their work to educate and increase awareness about the values and contributions of African Americans in the town.
Remembering a Huntington Hero: Peter H. Fleury, 1924-2004
This exhibition tells the story of a Huntington veteran, Peter Fleury, who fought in World War II and participated in the invasion of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944, known as D-Day. On display are military letters, personal photographs, and nine medals that Peter received for his service during World War II, including the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.
Holiday Hour Tour in Miniature
December 2021 - February 2022
Five dollhouses from the 1920-2020 decorated for the holidays. This exhibit will be on display from December- February.
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Comfort and Joy
This beautiful memorial exhibit honors longtime Huntington Historical Society quilter and instructor, Joan Orr. Quilts collected and made by Joan will be on display. |
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Poetry in Thread

“Poetry in Thread” celebrates one of our most delicate and beautiful textiles. This exhibit was shown throughout the Dr. Daniel Kissam House and introduced visitors to the history and technique of lace making from the 17th century to present day. Nearly 50 examples of beautiful hand and machine-made lace were on display, including several fine pieces from a collection of Kissam family lace, which were recently acquired from the descendants of Dr. Kissam.
"The Civil War Comes Home"

This exhibit highlighted Civil War-era items in the Society's collection and was held in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. Held in the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building, artifacts on display included a 150-year-old flag with its 35 stars that once flew over Fulton Street, period clothing, and the 19th century diary of Huntington woman Amelia Brush.
“Wedding Days & Wedding Nights”

The Exhibit “Wedding Days & Wedding Nights” provides a view of wedding attire from the late 1800’s through the 1950’s. In addition to the gowns and nightwear of the brides, clothing for the men worn during the ceremonies, photos of couples, brides and wedding parties from the period were on display in the Dr. Daniel Kissam House.