Southampton History Museum

The Hamptons


Before the Hamptons were the Hamptons, there was this clutch of buildings, now nicely maintained and spread around Southampton. The main museum is Rogers Mansion, once owned by a whaling captain. You can also visit a former dry-goods store, now occupied by a local jeweler, around the corner at 80 Main St; and a 17th-century homestead, the Halsey House (adult/child $5/free, Saturday only, July to September).

Additional buildings include an 1830 one-room schoolhouse, an 1825 barn and a 19th-century paint store, among others.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Hamptons attractions

1. Southampton Arts Center

0.1 MILES

A well-appointed space in a pretty brick building, the gallery features local artists, while the performance space has concerts, films and other events…

2. St Andrew's Dune Church

1.07 MILES

The triple spires of this 19th-century red wooden church glow beautifully in the afternoon light. You can come to Sunday service if so inclined, admiring…

3. Parrish Art Museum

1.9 MILES

In a sleek, long barn designed by Herzog & de Meuron, this institution spotlights local artists such as Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Chuck Close…

4. Channing Daughters Winery

6.63 MILES

This vineyard has 30 acres of vine trellises and grape plants. Step across the wide brick patio that looks out onto the property, and keep your eyes…

5. Wölffer Estate

7.12 MILES

Stop by the graceful Tuscan-villa-style tasting room of Wölffer Estate, the whitewashed walls and massive wooden beams of which set the scene for cheese…

6. Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum

9.17 MILES

The cool collection here includes actual artifacts from 19th-century whaling ships: sharp flensing knives, battered pots for rendering blubber, delicate…

7. Pugliese Vineyards

10.79 MILES

Producing wine since 1980, Pugliese does especially nice sparkling varieties.

8. Bedell Cellars

10.84 MILES

This estate prides itself on sustainable production practices. A gorgeous tasting room is a repurposed potato barn and serves charcuterie and artisanal…