The Southampton History Museum will host its annual Halsey House Gala on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Halsey House & Garden, located at 249 South Main Street in Southampton, New York. Held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the eve of Independence Day, the benefit will carry special significance as the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Set on the grounds of Southampton’s oldest building, the evening will celebrate local history, community, and the enduring legacy of America’s founding era. Built in 1683, Halsey House remains one of the village’s most treasured historic landmarks and offers guests a rare living connection to the colonial period, early Southampton life, and the generations that helped shape the East End.
A Historic Setting for America 250
The 2026 gala will invite guests to mark America 250 in a setting that predates the founding of the United States. Against the backdrop of Halsey House & Garden, the benefit will honor both national history and Southampton’s own role in the story of American independence.
The location provides a meaningful stage for the evening, connecting guests to more than three centuries of local heritage. As one of the oldest English colonial buildings in Southampton, Halsey House serves not only as an architectural landmark, but also as a reminder of the community’s deep roots and its place within the broader American story.
An Evening of Cocktails, Music, and Community
This year’s Halsey House Gala will be co-chaired by Jean Shafiroff and Mary Slattery and emceed by Bill McCuddy. Guests will enjoy cocktails by Herbert & Rist, including the “Salty Sayre,” a specialty cocktail created in honor of the museum’s exclusive exhibition at Rogers Mansion, Stephen Sayre’s American Revolution, which will run from June 12, 2026, through January 2, 2027.
The evening will also feature a premier raw bar, fine hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Thyme & Again, and live music by D@’Band on the lush grounds of Halsey House & Garden. Together, the program will create a festive summer atmosphere rooted in history, hospitality, and celebration.
Supporting Local History and Education
Proceeds from the Halsey House Gala will support the Southampton History Museum’s mission to preserve and educate the public about local history and culture. Through its historic sites, archives, collections, and public programs, the museum continues to engage broad audiences in Southampton’s shared heritage.
“We look forward to gathering with friends and neighbors at our annual Halsey House Gala to toast local history,” said Sarah Kautz, Executive Director of the Southampton History Museum. “On this historic occasion, we are deeply honored to commemorate the sacrifices made by the Southampton community during the American Revolution 250 years ago.”
Key Supporters of the 2026 Halsey House Gala
The Southampton History Museum gratefully recognizes the generous supporters of the 2026 Halsey House Gala.
Platinum supporters include Fiona and Stan Druckenmiller, The Derfner Foundation, Jean and Martin Shafiroff, and the M. Sullivan Fund, in memory of Marge Sullivan.
Gold supporters include Susan K. Allen, George and Leslie Biddle, Judi and Kevin Donnelly, in memory of Marie Donnelly, and Southampton Inn.
Silver supporters include Averitt Buttry and Rob Coburn, Brian Brady, Peter L. Hallock and Craig P. Mowry, Jetsam Studio, Mary Slattery, and The Peter Marino Art Foundation.
Bronze supporters include 1708 House, Kathy and Gene Bernstein, Beatty Cramer, Gregory and Margaret Hedberg, Mrs. Heidi Curley Kline and Dr. Alan Kline, Design House, Edward R. Donovan and Cheryl L. Carter, Leslie Feldman, Mrs. Paul Hallingby, Jr., Liz and Tom Halsey, Jackie L. Halsey Family, HamptonSmile, HamptonsOffice Works, Noel and Deborah Hare, Herrick Hardware, Dr. Bruce Horten, Jefferson E Hughes, Jay and Valerie Ireland, Meg and James McCartney, Ed and Connie Moneypenny, Cynthia and Robert Schaffner, Linn Turecamo, Sandra Walser, Ellen Welsh, and Hilary and Eric Woodward.
About the Southampton History Museum
The Southampton History Museum preserves and educates the public about the history and culture of Southampton, New York, by engaging broad audiences in the community’s shared heritage. The 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.
For ticket and sponsorship information, visit www.southamptonhistory.org/hhg.
For further information, visit www.southamptonhistory.org.
