The East Hampton Historical Farm Museum

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The Museum includes the restored farmhouse and its barn, set on three acres of land that was once "common ground" where early settlers grazed their sheep and cattle in the 1700's. Farmer Selah Lester purchased the house from its builder, Jonathan Barnes, in 1870, and transported it to the museum's current grounds after purchasing the land from sawmill owner Cybil Dominy. Shortly after the Lester Family moved to the property, Selah built the still-standing barn to store horse-drawn wagons and farming tools. Selah's descendant, Dana Lester, is a 12th generation East Hamptonite who helps operate the museum today!

The East Hampton Historical Farm Museum seeks to deepen the understanding of East Hampton history during the 1880’s through the 1930’s. It places a unique focus on the lifestyles of generations of the local residents: farmers, baymen and local craftsmen (known as "Bonackers").

Once the family home of the Lester Bonackers, our museum exists in the same structure moved by horse and buggy from Amagansett to its present location on Cedar Street in East Hampton in the winter of 1875-76. Our museum offers a fascinating journey through time, featuring exhibits of a historic family home, including exhibits of bedrooms, a kitchen, and a den, constructed solely from artifacts between 1880 and 1910. Our restored barn holds an array of carriages and farming equipment that accurately depict the materials used in early 20th-century East Hampton. Plan your visit today and travel back in time at the East Hampton Historical Farm Museum.

Freetown is an area that originally started at the corner of Cedar St  (which was referred to by locals as "below the bridge") and extends approximately to Abraham's Path. Freetown was settled in the 19th century by free people of Black and Native American descent, as well as people of European descent (Bonackers). Freetown maintained its multicultural ethos throughout the 20th century, developing into a mainly working-class neighborhood home to East Hampton's labor force. Our museum often hosts expert anthropological archaeologist Dr. Allison McGovern, who graciously presents her extensive research on Freetown's history.