Pelletreau Silver Shop
A tiny historic silversmith workshop on Main Street that’s now part of the Southampton History Museum. It’s built around 1686, making it one of the oldest continuously used trade shops in the Americas. Originally a dry-goods store, it became a silver shop under Elias Pelletreau, a prominent colonial silversmith and local Patriot, around 1750.
What you can do there
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Free tours of the historic workspace where Pelletreau crafted silver items like tankards, flatware, and jewelry.
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Jewelry-making lessons and workshops with the current artist-in-residence, such as Alyssa Saccente of Gatta Zaffira.
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See occasional historic silver exhibitions and period demonstrations.
Visitor experience
Reviews describe it as a charming, intimate spot with unique handcrafted jewelry and personalized service. Some visitors especially enjoy the hands-on classes and custom design options. Overall reception is positive, though a few mixed reviews exist about customer interactions.
Halsey House & Garden
Halsey House & Garden — Quick Summary
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What it is: A historic house and garden managed by the Southampton History Museum in Southampton, NY. The site includes one of the oldest surviving English colonial homes in New York State (dating back to the late 1600s) along with traditionally styled gardens.
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History: The house was built around 1683 by Thomas Halsey Jr., whose father was one of Southampton’s early English settlers. It was later remodeled in the early 1700s into a saltbox-style home and passed through various owners before preservationists bought and restored it in the 1950s to maintain its colonial heritage.
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What you’ll see: The historic interior (with original timber framing and early colonial features) reflects early American domestic life, while the garden is designed with plantings inspired by traditional colonial era gardens and historic European parterre forms (including herbs and period-appropriate plants).
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Visiting: Grounds and gardens are typically open year-round (sunrise–sunset), while the house itself is open seasonally on select days or by appointment; admission is free during designated open hours.
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Why it’s notable: It offers a glimpse into 17th- and 18th-century life in early colonial America, combining architectural history with cultural context and horticultural interest.
Southampton History Museum
Southampton History Museum —
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What it is: A nonprofit history organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the local history and culture of greater Southampton, NY through historic sites, archives, exhibitions, and public programs. Founded in 1898 and incorporated in 1910, it operates multiple historic properties and collections spanning more than 400 years of regional history.
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Headquarters & Main Complex: The museum’s Rogers Mansion Museum Complex (its administrative hub) includes the 1843 Rogers Mansion and about a dozen other restored historic structures with period rooms, changing exhibits, and galleries in the heart of Southampton Village’s historic district.
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Collections & Archives: The Archives & Research Center houses more than 3,000 objects and 560+ cubic feet of archival material as well as a research library with thousands of books, manuscripts, maps, and photographs — useful for genealogy and local history research (by appointment).
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Historic Sites Managed: In addition to Rogers Mansion, the museum oversees sites such as the Pelletreau Silver Shop, Halsey House & Garden, and the Conscience Point Historic Site and Nature Walk, each focusing on a particular aspect of local heritage.
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Programs & Exhibits: The museum offers educational programs, special exhibitions, talks, and events that engage visitors of all ages with Southampton’s past, from colonial times to more recent history.
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Visiting Info: Admission to historic sites and exhibitions is free, with hours varying by location and season — for instance, Rogers Mansion exhibits are typically open Wed–Sat, mid-week afternoons (grounds open year-round).
Why it’s notable: The museum provides a comprehensive, place-based look at Southampton’s story — blending historic buildings, archival research, and community programs to bring local history alive for visitors and residents alike.
Southampton Arts Center
A nonprofit multidisciplinary arts center and cultural hub dedicated to connecting people through the arts. It hosts visual art exhibitions, performances, film screenings, talks, workshops, and community programs throughout the year — all designed to be inclusive and accessible.
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Rotating exhibitions featuring local, regional, and visiting artists.
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Live performances including music, theater, and dance.
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Film screenings, lectures & panel discussions.
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Workshops and classes for all ages.
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Community-focused events like student art shows and family activities. (e.g., recent partnership with the Southampton School District to showcase student artwork)
Admission & Access
Admission to the gallery is free; programs may vary in cost depending on the event.
Mission & Impact
The center’s mission is to build community through art by offering inspiring, socially relevant programming across disciplines and creating space for dialogue, collaboration, and creative expression.
Why it’s notable
It’s a cultural anchor in the Hamptons, blending traditional and contemporary art, performance, and education to engage diverse audiences and strengthen the local arts scene.