by Evelyn J. Mocbeichel
Take a step back in time and visit this unique, charming museum in downtown Montauk. As you drive down the hill coming into town you will see the Second House Museum building on your left. As its name implies, it was the second home built in Montauk in 1746. First House unfortunately burned down and was near the Hither Hills State Park. Third House still remains and is outside of town near the Deep Hollow Ranch and is now owned by Suffolk County. The Montauk Historical Society has worked for several years to bring this newly renovated building back to its original purpose to preserve our Americana history and to welcome visitors for tours. Second House has a special connection to me as my late mother was a docent there for many years back in the mid 1980’s. At the time she was a docent there, the program, Little House on the Prairie was a popular series on television and a visit to Second House felt like it was watching the series come to life. Based on the Laura Ingalls Wilder books about her childhood as a pioneer and settler, young children could see what life was like “in the old days”. Now with a new version and cast of that series coming to television, a new generation can get a taste of how life was like when they visit Second House in Montauk. Families with young children will surely enjoy another fascinating outing while visiting Montauk and so will adults that enjoy historical discoveries.
Tours inside Second House include seeing how early settlers cooked, using heavy cast iron pots over a fire inside a large brick fireplace. There are two bedrooms and living room with artifacts from that time, including furniture, homemade wooden beds and quilts giving a feel for the simple life. To bring a bit of realism to visitors on tour, the young women guides are dressed in full colonial period outfits. Young children can make beeswax candles and corn husk dolls upstairs in the craft area if they would like. There is also a gift shop inside with an assortment of unique souvenirs. Second House is open daily Thursday through Monday. No reservations are necessary and tickets can be purchased at the door. https://montaukhistoricalsociety.org/second-house-museum/
The Montauk Historical Society is a privately funded, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Montauk. The Montauk Historical Society also operates the Second House Museum in Montauk, which is the site of three Art & Crafts Fairs that take place on the Second House Museum grounds at the west end of the village. (As well as The Montauk Lighthouse and the Montauk Indian Museum) (631) 668-5340 • https://montaukhistoricalsociety.org/