Anne Surchin

Invitations to parties and galas at magnificent private homes in the Hamptons are always coveted but the hottest ducat last week was the lecture by architect, historian Gary Lawrance, co-author with Anne Surchin of Houses of the Hamptons: 1800-1930 held in one of the largest private residences ever built on the East End, Whitefield formerly known as The Orchard. Sponsored by the Southampton Historical Museum, the talk quickly sold out and several hundred guests filled the baronial music room at the sprawling estate. With its soaring, carved mahogany wood walls, coffered ceilings with hand painted embellishments and a fireplace that one could stand inside, the Music Room was the ideal setting for a discussion about the Gilded Age. Scroll down for photos from the event!

One of the world's largest collections of antique silver bookmarks from the collection of Myra Weiser was unveiled on Saturday November 30.at the historic Pelletreau Silversmith Shop, one of the five historic properties of the Southampton Historical Museum & Research Center.