Earle-Wightman House facts for kids
Imagine a house built almost 300 years ago! The Earle-Wightman House in Oyster Bay started as a tiny one-room home around 1720. Over time, it grew and became home to two important Baptist ministers in the 1800s.
In 1966, this historic house was carefully moved from South Street to its current spot on Summit Street. It was then given to the Town of Oyster Bay. Today, the Oyster Bay Historical Society uses it as a museum. You can explore two rooms that show what life was like in 1740 and 1830. There's also a beautiful 18th-century garden outside. The house is now a special landmark and part of the Oyster Bay History Walk audio tour.
Contents
Discovering the House's Story
The Earle-Wightman House is a treasure owned by the Town of Oyster Bay. The Oyster Bay Historical Society runs it as their main office, a research library, and a museum. This society is a group that started in 1960. Their main goal is to protect and share the history of the Oyster Bay community.
From One Room to a Museum
The house began its life on South Street around 1720. It was a very small home with just one room. Many different people lived there over the years. In the 1800s, two Baptist ministers, Reverend Marmaduke Earle and Reverend Charles S. Wightman, lived in the house. The house is named after them! In 1966, a kind person named Bruce Wood Hall donated the house. It was then moved to Summit Street for the Historical Society to use.
Step Back in Time: Museum Rooms
The Historical Society has created a museum inside the house. You can visit two special rooms. One room shows what life was like around 1740. The other room takes you to 1830.
Life in the 1700s
In the 1740s room, you can imagine how a tradesman (a skilled worker like a carpenter or shoemaker) lived. You'll see how he and his family might have worked and lived in just one room. It gives you a peek into daily life long ago.
Visiting in the 1800s
Then, you can explore the 1830s parlor. This room shows how Reverend Earle might have entertained his guests. It helps you picture what it was like to visit someone important in the 19th century.
Exploring the Historic Garden
Your visit isn't complete without a walk through the garden! Behind the house, there's a beautiful garden that looks just like one from the 1700s. The North Country Garden Club helped restore it. Their members still take care of it today.
What's in the Garden?
Like many gardens from that time, it has more than just pretty flowers. You'll find herbs that were used for medicine. Some herbs were for cooking delicious meals. Others were grown just for their wonderful smell.
The Oyster Bay Historical Society
For over 40 years, the Oyster Bay Historical Society has welcomed visitors. They offer interesting exhibits and talks. They also have a special Research Library. This library is full of old maps, photos, and important historical papers. It even has a great collection for learning about your family history. Their archives also have lots of information about Oyster Bay's military, shipping, and religious past.
We hope you'll take time to visit the house and grounds. Join the Oyster Bay Historical Society in their mission to save and celebrate Oyster Bay's amazing history!
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