Montauk Historical Society

Programs: The lighthouse museum: the montauk historical society owns and maintains the montauk point lighthouse museum. The montauk point lighthouse has long been famed as the symbol of long island and one of america's oldest lighthouses. Authorized in 1792 by the second congress under president george washington, it was built by new york architect, john mccomb, in 1796. On march 5, 2012, the montauk point lighthouse was designated a national historic landmark, joining the ranks of fewer than 2500 prestigious sites in the united states that are designated by the secretary of the interior as having exceptional value in illustrating and interpreting the heritage of our nation. The lighthouse tower and museum are open to the general public and tours are available for schools and other groups. Events and exhibitions are held throughout the year on the lighthouse grounds. The lighthouse museum, which is located in the 1860 keepers' house, displays an assortment of historical documents and photographs and is home to several unique collections. In addition to the historic buildings and dwellings, the collection includes nautical instruments, ship models, furniture, and whaling industry artifacts. There are exhibits showing the history of the lighthouse and the erosion control efforts that have been implemented over the years. The lighthouse museum's collection features two exclusive original documents. One of these is the congressional authorization to construct a lighthouse at montauk point and is signed by then secretary of state, thomas jefferson. The other is the federal authorization to purchase the land at montauk point for the purpose of building a lighthouse. That document is signed by then president george washington. The second house museum: second house built in 1746, and rebuilt in 1797, was originally a cattle keeper dwelling. It is located on the western edge of montauk. Second house was one of the only three houses that existed on montauk in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It is the oldest and most historic building still standing on montauk. It is currently operated as a museum by the society. In addition to managing the museum, the society holds two craft fairs on the grounds each year. The society does not own the land or property at the second house museum the montauk indian museum: the montauk indian museum, to be operated by the society, will be dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the history and culture of the montauk indian. Through exhibits, demonstrations, lectures, and events, the museum will bring the story of the original inhabitants to the public.