Henry L. Ferguson with his champion English springer spaniel, Fleet of Falcon Hill.

History of
The Henry L. Ferguson Museum

Fishers Island's museum was founded in 1960 and named in honor of a man who devoted his entire life to the civic and business affairs of Fishers Island. Henry L. Ferguson, a son of one of the Island's owners, served as the president of the Fishers Island Farms for more than 50 years, and was involved in many aspects of the Island's development. His true passions, however, had little to do with business. He was an avid amateur ornithologist who loved to collect and study Fishers Island bird life, and a self-taught archaeologist who spent countless hours scouring the Island for Native American artifacts.

After his death in 1959, a small group of his friends decided that a new institution should be formed to house his extensive collections in these fields. Bishop Henry W. Hobson, a member of that group, wrote of their decision: "The founders felt that Mr. Ferguson's unique collection of birds should be preserved, and also that the artifacts and relics left on the Island by the Indians, who were its first residents...should be made available to those who live here now. It also seemed fitting that historical material should be gathered and placed where it could be seen and studied by all who are interested in the Island."

From 1960 to 1971 the Henry L. Ferguson Museum was based in a rented storefront across from today's Fire Station. As years passed the inadequacies of that space became clear to all. In 1972, with the generous help of the Jansen Noyes Sr. family and the entire community, a new museum was erected on the current site of the Museum. For almost 30 years that structure ably housed the Museum's collections. In 1998, however, the Museum's board authorized the construction of a new building that would meet exacting professional standards for the display and storage of its growing collections, and provide more space for a new library, as well as programs and activities. In 2000, the 40th anniversary of its founding, the board approved the design submitted by the architectural firm of Albert, Righter & Tittman, Boston, Mass. The new Henry L. Ferguson Museum celebrated its grand opening on July 4, 2003 with a party attended by 600. Approximately 2,500 people visited the Museum during the 2003 season, making it by far the most successful year since its founding.

Mrs. Henry L. Ferguson in front of the Museum's first site. From 1960 until 1972, the Museum operated out of a small rented storefront across from today's Fire Station.

The Museum's second site. Built in 1972, this structure served as the Museum's home until 2000. The generosity of the Jansen Noyes Sr. family enabled its construction.

Architectural sketch of the new Museum. Designed by the firm of Albert, Righter & Tittman of Boston, Mass., the new Museum had its Grand Opening on July 4, 2003. The building was constructed by Z&S Contracting. Inspired by the generosity of a few key benefactors, the entire Fishers Island community joined together to help finance its construction.