The Southampton Historical Museum (17 Meeting House Ln., 631/283-2494, www.southamptonhistoricalmuseum.org [1], 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Tues.–Sat. year-round, adults $4, children under 17 free) administers a number of historic buildings. The museum is centered at the Rogers Mansion (17 Meeting House Ln.), a Greek revival home built by a whaling captain in 1843.
Inside the home are period furnishings, a Shinnecock Indian exhibit, and Revolutionary War artifacts. Out back cluster a compact collection of historical buildings, including a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith’s shop, carpenter’s shop, and cobbler.
The 1648 Thomas Halsey Homestead (249 South Main St.) is the oldest building in Southampton [2], a tiny gray cottage sitting primly behind a fence, oblivious to the modern world. Built by one of the town’s original settlers, the house is still in excellent condition and is furnished with 17th- and 18th-century antiques. Nearby Pelletreau Shop (78 Main St.) offers silversmithing workshops and demonstrations.
Links:
[1] http://www.southamptonhistoricalmuseum.org
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-city-long-island/long-island/the-hamptons/southampton