DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Greetings from the Whaling Museum! After a long “winter’s nap” we’re gearing up for another busy spring, summer and fall and invite all of our members and friends to join us. First, I’d like to welcome our newest board member, Sarah Heming, a Sag Harbor native who remembers visiting the museum fondly as a child. Sarah joins a dedicated board of trustees that supports the staff in programming, fund-raising and many other functions. Welcome aboard!

Our summer exhibit was so well received last year – and it’s such a good introduction to the significance of whaling in 19th century American life – that we’ve decided to keep it up another season. If you didn’t have an opportunity to view it last year, this is your second chance! In addition, we’re offering a related exhibition of oil- and energy-themed cartoons that should put a smile on your face. Many are borrowed from the archives of The New Yorker and I know you’ll enjoy them. Special thanks are owed the Town of Southampton and Suffolk County for their support of this exhibition.

These exhibitions give us the platform to host another Energy Fair, scheduled this year for one day only, Saturday, July 11, from 10 am to 5 pm. Many of our exhibitors are returning and we expect to see some new vendors, too. Be sure to mark your calendar for this free, educational event. And check the calendar listings as we draw closer to that weekend for special events being offered that day.

In the mean time, we’re planning two Tom Sawyer Days in May to spruce up our historic picket fence. On Saturday, May 2 and 9 (rain dates Sunday, May 3 and 10) from 10 am to 2 pm you can join us and other local residents for a few hours of old-fashioned fun! An architectural relic surviving from the 1840s, the fence is a beautiful asset to our historic property that needs a little TLC from time to time. We’ll supply the paint and brushes; all we need is your enthusiasm!

Later in the season, we’re sponsoring both the traditional summer Luau (Friday, July 10) and fall Lobster Bake (Friday, September 11), two fund raising events that sell out early. So don’t be left out this year; both events are tented and held rain or shine. We hope to see you at one or both of these fun evenings fund raisers and, of course, at other events throughout the season.

Best regards,

Zachary N. Studenroth
Director