A division of the Huntington Historical Society, the David Conklin Farmhouse is a living history museum designed to exhibit three distinct American time periods: Colonial, Federal and Victorian. The museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about American history from the birth of the nation through the Civil War through the use of exhibits and authentic artifacts, inlucing a chair used by George Washington himself. Guided group tours are available, and donations are suggested. For more information, please contact the David Conklin Farmhouse Museum at the provided telephone number or visit its Web site.
Built in 1784, Clinton Academy was one of the first academies chartered by the Board of Regents in New York State. Reverend Samuel Buell of the East Hampton Presbyterian Church asked locals to donate money to construct the late-Georgian building. Co-educational, boys were schooled for careers, while girls were given classes in etiquette and spiritual reading. It was later a community center and a playhouse, held the town offices and even the local newspaper.
The East Hampton Historical Society oversees the historic site, which now hosts exhibitions and lectures. The Mimi Meehan Native Plant Garden, between the Clinton Academy and its neighbor, The East Hampton Star, is open year-round. The Garden Club of East Hampton tends to the small garden.
Founded in 1862, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery is one of the oldest public arts institutions in the United States. A smaller, more intimate museum, the Albright-Knox puts its focus on modern and contemporary art. Those fond of European, post-war American, and multiple styles of art up until the present time will delight in the wandering the gallery's halls, and won't have to spend an entire day doing so.
Best and worst times to go to the Albright-Knox
An extremely popular destination for children's field trips (the museum offers free docent-led tours for grades K–12), attending during the school year on weekdays may prove to be crowded. In addition, tours for the general public are offered each week on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. With the last tour at 1:30, visiting any evening after school hours will provide the most unencumbered viewing times. Take note: the museum is closed every Monday, as well as New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Must see/do at the Albright-Knox
Exhibitions come and go at the gallery, so check the website for any updates in what is coming or going. Non-permanent exhibits may be there as little as a couple of weeks, while the longer ones stick around for several months. One of the most extensive permanent collections was donated by the late Seymour H. Knox, Jr. and includes such works as Jackson Pollock's Convergence and Franz Kline's New York, N.Y. Numerous educational activities, such as art classes and animation workshops, let patrons also get hands-on with creative endeavors.
Admission to the Albright-Knox
Current admission to the museum is in the twelve dollar range for adults, with students and seniors paying a few dollars less. Kids ages six to twelve get even more of a discount, while the youngest get in for free. Members also get in for free (after paying their annual fee), and admission is also free for active-duty United States and Canadian Armed Services personnel and their families, and members of CIMAM (the International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art). Locally-owned M&T Bank sponsors a program called First Fridays, where admission is free the first Friday of every month – but this does not cover special exhibitions, which may still incur an additional fee.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Albright-Knox
The gallery has its own parking lot, which does have a fee for both members and non-members, with members paying a couple of dollars less. Parking on First Fridays is free, and also free for active-duty military. It's important to remember to take a parking ticket when entering the lot to have it validated at the Admissions Desk, as the parking fees support the museum. Getting there is easy enough, whether you're a local or coming from Canada; it's right off the Scajaquada Expressway (Rt. 198 East) – look for Exit 11, marked "Elmwood Avenue, Art Gallery." Buffalo's Metro Bus system provides a quick and safe trip to the gallery from multiple stops, both in and around the city.
Food at the Albright-Knox
The AK Café is within the gallery, but doesn't open until noon for lunch. The fare is simple: sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries. Dinner is only available on First Fridays and is also fairly basic. The children's menu is extremely limited, offering only pizza or mac and cheese. Wine and beer are available. You might be better off – especially in the summer months – to pack a picnic lunch and dine in nearby Delaware Park, which is pretty and serene after a day of viewing art.
Insider tip for visitors to the Albright-Knox
Large purses, bags, backpacks, baby carriers, umbrellas, briefcases, video cameras, flashes, and tripods are prohibited to enter the museum. And any smaller bags are still subject to inspection, so don't try to smuggle anything in that you might want back!
Author's bio: Kimberly Mintz is a writer and voice actor who lives in the Buffalo area. Find her on Twitter @KimIsWriting.
From 1880 to 1967, the Hopkins Family owned Muscoot Farm. At that point Westchester County acquired the property to help preserve the area's agricultural history. Today the farm is open to visitors, who can stroll through the original barns and visit animals. Muscoot also offers year-round events and activities for children and adults.
Pelham Art Center is a nonprofit public art gallery offering classes and public programs for the community. The center offers free weekend and evening events, a regularly changing exhibit (free to the public), and an annual craft show at the end of the year. There is also an outreach program designed to assist members of the community who may not otherwise be able to participate in the center's programs. Financial aid is available for those interested in taking classes; members of the center receive a discount.
Founded in 1963, the National Maritime Historical Society has been educating the public about our nation's vast maritime heritage for more than 50 years. Its national headquarters can be found at 5 John Walsh Boulevard on the bottom floor of the same building that houses Crystal Bay Seafood & Company. Membership with this highly esteemed group includes a subscription to its quarterly journal Sea History, 10 percent discounts on all NMHS merchandise, an official NMHS membership card and opportunites to participate in cruises and other special programs. Members also receive invitations to the annual meeting and other symposiums and conferences as well as opportunities to partake in special events and fundraisers. Visit its Web site for more details.
In the Northwest Woods section of East Hampton is a true hidden gem. LongHouse Reserve is about 16 acres of gardens and art works. Founded by Jack Lenor Larsen, a renowned textile designer, art collector and author. The gardens surround Mr. Larsen's house which double as his private residence and the reserve's offices. Sculptures, plant collections, ornamental borders and decorations make for a magical tour. There is also an educational focus and programs. It never quite looks the same as the last time you were there.
