The Old Jail Museum

If you're getting sick of winter weather, this may be a good time to reflect on the conveniences of modern life, and the comforts of home.

Many people forget that SHHS also opens Sag Harbor's Old Jail Museum. The Jail Museum allows us to examine many of the modern "more humane" changes that came when the jail was built in 1916, additions like running water and indoor toilets. The Old Jail remained in service until the late 1970s.

This modern jail required some careful planning to be sure the inmates couldn't hurt themselves or attack anyone with the newfangled plumbing. Even faucets had to be designed so the prisoners couldn't hurt themselves.

Also included in the Old Jail Museum are several exhibits of Sag Harbor police memorabilia. A small exhibit in honor of police department employee Mary Menaik is visible in our slideshow tour. Visitors are able to see more about the tenure of Chief Harrington, and recurring issues for the police department, like fights at the Black Buoy (also known as the Sand Bar) and the voyeur nicknamed "Peekaboo."

In 1996, SHHS arranged to reopen the jail as a museum, and or the last 17 years, we have maintained and opened the jail for special events, and by request for tours. We try to open it several weekends in the spring, summer, and fall. You might see the signs around town... Or SHHS Trustee Jean Held might ask if you want to go to jail as you wander Main Street!

Since we usually can't open the Jail Museum until the weather gets a little warmer, here's a slideshow photo tour for you! Click on the picture to start the slideshow.