Earle-Wightman House facts for kids
The Earle-Wightman House is a special old building in Oyster Bay, New York. It was built a long time ago, around 1720, as a small one-room home. Over the years, it became the home of two important Baptist ministers. The house was originally on South Street. Later, it was moved to its current spot at 20 Summit Street.
In 1966, the house was given to the Town of Oyster Bay. It is now used by the Oyster Bay Historical Society. The Society runs the house as a museum. It shows what life was like in two different time periods: 1740 and 1830. You can see how an 18th-century tradesman might have lived. You can also imagine Reverend Earle entertaining his guests in the 19th century. Behind the house, there is a beautiful 18th-century garden. Today, the house is a Town of Oyster Bay Landmark. It is also a featured stop on the Oyster Bay History Walk audio tour.
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The Story of the Earle-Wightman House
The Earle-Wightman House is owned by the Town of Oyster Bay. The Oyster Bay Historical Society takes care of it. This Society is a group that works to save the history of Oyster Bay. They started in 1960. The house is their main office, a research library, and a museum.
From One Room to a Museum
The house was first built on South Street around 1720. It was a small home with just one room. Many different people lived there over the years. In the early 1800s, two Baptist ministers lived in the house. They were Reverend Marmaduke Earle and Reverend Charles S. Wightman. The house is named after them.
In 1966, a person named Bruce Wood Hall gave the house to the Town. It was then moved to Summit Street. This is where the Historical Society uses it today.
What You Can See Inside
The Society has set up the museum to show two different time periods. One part looks like a home from 1740. The other part shows what a home looked like in 1830.
When you visit, you can imagine how an 18th-century tradesman lived. He would have worked and lived with his family in that one-room house. Then, you can see how Reverend Earle might have welcomed his guests in the parlor during the 1800s.
The Historic Garden
Behind the house, there is a lovely 18th-century garden. The North Country Garden Club helped restore it. Their members still take care of it. Gardens from that time often had more than just pretty flowers. They also grew herbs for medicine, cooking, and for their nice smells.
Learning at the Historical Society
The Oyster Bay Historical Society has been helping visitors for over 40 years. They offer exhibits and talks. They also have many old maps, photos, and documents. These help people learn about Oyster Bay's history. Their library has many books and old papers. They also have a great collection for people researching their family history. You can find out about the military, shipping, and religious history of Oyster Bay there.
Take some time to visit the house and its garden. You can also join the Oyster Bay Historical Society. They work hard to keep the history of Oyster Bay alive for everyone.
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