Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society

The Barn Museum of the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society is open to the public from Memorial Day to Labor Day, or by appointment.

However, the research facilities of the Society, including manuscripts, pictures, and documents, will be closed until the spring of 2011 to facilitate the completion of the documentation of these collections. During this time requests to make an appointment to work with these materials cannot be considered.

For further information please call 631-776-7640.

			The Barn Museum of the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society is open to the public from Memorial Day to Labor Day, or by appointment. However, the research facilities of the Society, including manuscripts, pictures, and documents, will be closed until the spring of 2011 to facilitate the completion of the documentation of these collections. During this time requests to make an appointment to work with these materials cannot be considered. For further information please call 631-776-7640.
			In these collections, you'll find paperweights, pill boxes, figureheads, ship models, fiddle music manuscripts, candy jars, grain measures, hand woven blankets—reminders of all that was once possible in this small corner of the world.
			The Wilbur R. Corwin Decoy Collection Captain Wilbur R. Corwin’s working decoy collection is displayed on the second floor of the Barn Museum. You’ll also find shore bird decoys, folk art pieces, and contemporary carvings.
			The Elmer A. Sperry Gallery of Gyroscopic Instruments This unique exhibit is dedicated to the life work of the inventor of the gyroscope and long-time Bellport resident. Among the items displayed is a copy of the 1914 patent issued to Sperry for his invention.
			The Emilie Underhill and Ruth Morse Collection of Early American Decoration The Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society has one of the country’s largest collections of early American toleware, believed to be second only to that in the Smithsonian. Many of the pieces date back to the early to mid 1800's. Selected pieces in the collection are on display in the Barn Museum and the entire collection may be viewed by appointment.
			Gun Collection These artifacts on display are the tools that were needed to load a gun and to make bullets. One of the powder horns on display was used during the French and Indian War. There are guns used by the average person during the 19th century and an assortment of military guns dating back to the American Revolution.
			Antique Tools This collection provides a glimpse of the everyday tools people used to earn their livelihood along the South Shore of Long Island.
			Wedding Gowns A new exhibit that displays the society’s collection of wedding gowns donated by Bellport residents. The oldest gown in the collection dates from the early 1860s.
			Doll and Toy Collection The society has an extensive doll collection on display in the Barn Museum. There are dolls from many famous European doll makers dating back to the mid 1800s. The toys in this collection are from the mid 1800s to the mid 1900s. Many of the toys are handmade. There is a collection of tin toys and the simple toys from the turn of the century such as the magic hoop game, tabletop croquet, marbles and an original Punch and Judy Show.