The United States of America was born 250 years ago when our nation’s founders gathered in Philadelphia to sign a Declaration of Independence from British rule. Those strokes of a quill were marked by eight years of warfare between a scrappy Continental Army and a British military machine that touched every region of the fledgling country, including Shelter Island.

The Shelter Island History Museum is embarking on a year-long effort to tell the stories about our Island’s role in this nation’s birth. You can be a part of that journey by joining our 250 Club that will support the many programs and exhibits the Museum has in store.

250 Club Membership Levels:

As a 250 Club member, starting at the $125 level, you will enjoy these benefits:

$125 — 250^th Anniversary ornament; copy of Shelter Island in the Revolution by Helen O. Lamont.

$250 — All the benefits of a $125 member, plus: invitation to an exclusive preview of our opening exhibit June 6.

$500 — All the benefits of a $250 member, plus: two admissions to the Historic House Tour or Oyster event.

$1,250 — All the benefits of a $250 member, plus: four admissions to the Historic House Tour or Oyster event; monthly email update from the Executive Director.

$2,500 — All the benefits of a $1250 member, plus: private museum tour with refreshments for up to six people.

Above $2,500 — Please call our executive director to discuss how we may best recognize your support.

BECOME A MEMBER NOW!

Join by clicking the Donate Now button on the 250^th Anniversary page at

https://www.shelterislandhistorical.org/americas-2

or mail your check to 250 Club, Shelter Island History Museum, PO Box 847, Shelter Island, NY 11964.

YOU CAN ALSO SIGN UP FOR AUTOMATIC MONTHLY DONATIONS.

Your membership in the 250 Club supports our mission to collect and preserve the artifacts, records and stories that define this island's unique history. At the heart of that history and our collection is the Havens family and their home. Havens House was built on 1,000 acres in 1743 by William Havens. William’s son, the patriot Captain James Havens, was a privateer during the War for Independence and was a Representative of Suffolk County in the New York Provincial Congress of 1776. Havens House was a frequent meeting place for the Island’s patriots and is believed to be where 39 Islanders, including James Havens, signed their own Declaration of Independence in May 1775 after the Battle of Lexington in April of that year. Though British forces blockaded Gardiner’s Bay, they never occupied the Island. Instead, they pillaged crops, livestock and forests and terrorized many of our residents.

For nearly three centuries Havens House has stood resolute through war and harsh weather; for the last six decades it has been home to the Shelter Island History Museum. As stewards of this historic landmark, we are committed to the challenge of preserving the historic house for present and future generations.

We invite you to visit us at Havens House and welcome your membership in the 250 Club!

BECOME A 250 CLUB MEMBER BY MAY 31 TO BE LISTED ON THE 250 DONOR WALL AND WEBSITE BEFORE OUR JULY 4 CELEBRATIONS!