Sarah Guide to Culture, Community, and Curiosity in the Hamptons
- Christine Merser
- Mar 27
- 4 min read
In my mind, one of the reasons the Hamptons is the Hamptons is because of the incredible effort, investment, and commitment our community has to providing outlets for curiosity, culture, art, and education. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in history, support the arts, or find a cultural home, the options are around every corner.
Here’s my curated list of some of the best institutions, societies, and organizations in the Hamptons—focusing on everything from history and art to film and literature. If you’re looking to get more involved, explore new places, or discover membership opportunities, this is the list for you.
(This list covers my territory—from Southampton Village east—and does not include golf clubs or private memberships. That’s for another time.)
– Sarah
Historical Societies & Museums
• What it offers: Preserves the history of East Hampton through its collection of historic houses, including the 17th-century Mulford Farm and the Osborn-Jackson House.
• Membership Perks: Invitations to exclusive events, historical lectures, and preservation initiatives.
• Main Event: The annual House & Garden Tour each fall, showcasing some of the most spectacular homes in the Hamptons.
• What it offers: A collection of historic buildings, exhibitions on Hamptons history, and walking tours exploring the region’s past.
• Membership Perks: Private tours, free admission, and discounts on events.
• Main Event: The Insider’s View House Tour, offering a rare glimpse into historic and architecturally significant homes.
• What it offers: A deep dive into Sag Harbor’s whaling and maritime history through exhibitions and special programs.
• Membership Perks: Exclusive access to archival material and special history talks.
• Main Event: The Whale of a Day Festival, celebrating Sag Harbor’s
maritime heritage.
• What it offers: The iconic Montauk Lighthouse, built in 1796, plus exhibits on the region’s maritime history.
• Membership Perks: Free entry to the lighthouse, discounts in the gift shop, and invites to special events.
• Main Event: The Montauk Lighthouse Lighting Ceremony—a magical
holiday tradition.
Arts & Culture
• What it offers: A stunning collection of works by American impressionists and contemporary artists, plus an architecturally striking space that hosts art talks and workshops.
• Membership Perks: Free admission, early access to exhibitions, and invitations to exclusive receptions.
• Main Event: Midsummer Party, the most glamorous art event of the season, attracting collectors and celebrities alike.
• What it offers: A multidisciplinary arts center with rotating exhibitions, live theater, and lectures by prominent artists.
• Membership Perks: Discounted tickets, artist meet-and-greets, and behind-the-scenes access.
• Main Event: Summer Gala, featuring world-renowned artists and performances.
• What it offers: An interdisciplinary laboratory for performance and art, founded by Robert Wilson, with artist residencies and public workshops.
• Membership Perks: Private tours, access to exclusive artist salons, and invitations to performances.
• Main Event: The Watermill Center Benefit, an avant-garde, immersive arts experience.
Film & Literature
Sag Harbor Cinema
• What it offers: An iconic independent cinema, lovingly restored, showcasing everything from classic films to international cinema and director Q&As.
• Membership Perks: Early access to tickets, members-only screenings, and special filmmaker events.
• Main Event: Sag Harbor Cinema Film Festival, featuring industry panels and exclusive premieres.
• What it offers: A not-for-profit professional regional theater offering a variety of performances, including new, classic, and contemporary works.
• Membership Perks: Discounted tickets, priority seating, and invitations to special events.
• Main Event: Summer Mainstage Season, featuring a lineup of theatrical productions that attract audiences from all over.
• What it offers: A literary haven with extensive collections, community programs, and events.
• Membership Perks: Access to special collections, priority event seating, and participation in exclusive workshops.
• Main Event: Authors Night, an annual fundraiser featuring over 100 authors, book signings, and private dinners.
• What it offers: An independent bookstore known for its curated selection and literary events, including author readings and community discussions.
• Membership Perks: Invitations to members-only events, discounts on purchases, and early notification of special events.
• Main Event: The Moby-Dick Marathon, an annual event where community members participate in a continuous reading of Melville’s classic.
• What it offers: Interactive exhibits on local wildlife, guided nature walks, and educational programs for all ages.
• Membership Perks: Unlimited museum access, priority registration for programs, and members-only events.
• Main Event: SOFO Annual Summer Gala, supporting environmental education and preservation initiatives.
For Families & Community Engagement
• What it offers: Interactive exhibits, art programs, and educational workshops designed for children and families.
• Membership Perks: Unlimited museum visits, discounts on programs and camps, and exclusive member events.
• Main Event: CMEE Family Fair, a summer event featuring games, crafts, and performances for children.
• What it offers: A compassionate space dedicated to the rescue and care of cats and dogs, with opportunities to volunteer, socialize with animals, and support adoption efforts.
• Membership Perks: Invitations to members-only events, early access to adoption days, and exclusive ARF merchandise.
• Main Event: ARF’s Stroll to the Sea Dog Walk — a beloved annual fundraiser where people (and pups!) walk together from the ARF Adoption Center to the ocean.
• What it offers: Provides safety, shelter, and support for victims of domestic abuse, along with education and prevention programs.
• Membership Perks: Opportunities to volunteer, participate in community outreach, and support fundraising events.
• Main Event: All Against Abuse Gala, an annual event to raise awareness and funds for their vital services.
The Hamptons’ rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and community organizations offers endless opportunities for engagement and enrichment. Whether you’re passionate about the arts, history, nature, or community service, there’s a place for you to connect and contribute.
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