Oysterponds People: Captain W.W. Stephenson & Private John Henry Young – This exhibition focuses on two celebrated native-son veterans of the Civil War: one officer–Col. William Wilson Stephenson, and one enlisted man–Private John Henry Young. Both of the men experienced interesting Civil War years, and lived notable Oysterponds lives. Of special interest are photographs of Stephenson, a recruitment poster with his name, a diary, a sketch of his camp, his trunk, and more. Equally absorbing are Young’s extensive Civil War diaries and photographs of Young taken both during the war and decades after at memorial events.

Maritime Photographs – The photographs of warships date from the late 19th century up to the time of World War I and, given the proximity of Oysterponds to both the Naval Yard in New York and the submarine base at New London, there were many opportunities for photographers to see warships in these waters. Equally compelling are the images of five-masted schooners, which were among the largest and most impressive vessels of their time. Steamboats played a significant role in the maritime history of Oysterponds, as they were the early years of the twentieth century. They were the preferred means of transport for visitors coming to the East End from New York. Two freighters, docked in Greenport, show the maritime tradition of this area in the first part of the twentieth century. Three evocative maritime photographs of vessels in full sail by William Steeple Davis complete the exhibition.

Reliable Sources: Documents from the OHS Archives – Sheds light on day-to-day life in East Marion and Orient over a period of several hundred years. Focus will be on some of the most compelling items in OHS’s distinguished collection.

Recent Acquisitions – Highlights include a tall case clock, one of OHS’s important acquisitions in recent years, which comes with its original label, proving that it is a “Porter Contract Clock” made in 1808 by the renowned Connecticut clock maker Eli Terry. The shoemaker’s bench is known to have come from Orient’s Hommel House, located near the wharf. Smaller objects include a large silver spoon, made by a member of the Pelletreau family, the leading Long Island silversmiths of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.  A charming painting, together with a signed print of the exact same Oysterponds subject, make a particularly fascinating acquisition. A ceramic plate of a five-masted schooner complements the photographs of such schooners on view down the hall. Two large framed groups of post cards of East Marion and Orient may seem familiar as they formerly hung for many years at the Orient by the Sea restaurant.

Firefighting in Oysterponds – Focuses on the Orient and East Marion fire departments and their essential role in the community. Includes engrossing material such as old photographs; documents; medals; old fire buckets; firefighting uniforms and headgear; fascinating images of the firemen with their firefighting equipment, etc.

An Orient Garden, curated by Charles Dean – During the last 38 years a relatively secret garden has taken shape behind a colonial house on Village Lane in Orient.  Clyde Philip Wachsberger, known to everyone as Skip, began the garden on his shy half-acre in 1983 and gardened there for thirteen years before being joined by his partner Charles Dean.  Since Skip’s untimely death in 2011, Charles has managed the garden. The garden has undergone significant changes throughout the years.  Not only have small trees and shrubs grown dramatically, but the focus of the garden has also evolved.  This exhibition documents those changes, relying on archival photographs as well as paintings that the garden inspired. Skip’s influence on the gardens of Orient is lasting.  Several gardens that thrive today were designed by him, while others show the influence of his advice.  But it was his beloved Adsworthy that he considered his most important artistic achievement.

Home Teams: Baseball on the North Fork, co-curated by Tom Dyja and Billy Hands – Copious historical artifacts from OHS’s collection, complemented by deep research into adjacent communities, show how, for more than 150 years, the people of the North Fork of Long Island have been both enthusiastic participants in and devoted fans and spectators of America’s pastime. Exhibition designed by Alison Ventura.