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The Southampton History Museum is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and incorporated under the New York State Education Department.
Our mission is education: We educate diverse audiences about Southampton’s history and culture through our unique historic sites, archives, collections, and engaging public programs.
Behind The Collection
Every artifact holds a story.
Join us for this ongoing series presented on select Tuesdays throughout the year.
Explore artifacts from the museum's permanent collection that have shaped Southampton's history and meet the extraordinary members
of our museum family dedicated to preserving these historic treasures.
Stephen Gould|SHM Research Associate
Stephen Gould, Research Associate at the Southampton History Museum, shares the Civil War cap, worn in battle, that sparked his journey with the museum.
Music: Taps/Battle Hymn of the Republic by The Piano Brothers
Sally Van Allan | SHM Business Manager
From her office in our historic Rogers Mansion, Southampton History Museum's Business Manager, Sally Van Allan has found unexpected inspiration from a collection of handwoven baskets. Each delicate piece tells a story of craft, community, and daily life in early Southampton.
Music: POV - Strings From Paris - (Bridgerton Season 3)
Laurie Collins | SHM Museum Manager
From welcoming guests to uncovering mysteries, Museum Manager Laurie Collins brings Southampton's history to life every day. As the first friendly face visitors encounter when entering the museum, Laurie sets the tone for a memorable experience.
In this week's "Behind The Collection," she introduces us to Tom Thumb—the tiniest treasure in our extensive doll collection. Though his origins remain unknown, this charming figure sparked Laurie's curiosity and led her on a special search.
A Southampton native, Laurie's favorite part of her role is connecting with visitors from around the world, often helping them research different subjects long after they've returned home from Southampton.
Music: Tom's Thumb - Song and Lyrics by Kenny Burrell with musicians Kenny Burrell,
Paul Chambers, Kenny Clarke, Pepper Adams, Tommy Flanagan
Liana Mizzi |
SHM Director of Development & Special Events
Director of Development and Special Events, Liana Mizzi, invites us into her private office at the Southampton History Museum, where she shares the artifacts and artwork that inspire her daily.
Liana has curated her office with artifacts that tell a unique side of Southampton's story, serving as a powerful reminder of both her passion for preserving local history and her dedication to her work at the museum.
Music: Bei Dir War Es Immer So Schön:
Composed by Theo Mackeben | Played by Bireli Lagrene