Sag Harbor Whaling Museum to host summer fundraiser
The Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum will host its annual summer cocktail party, “Calm Before the Storm,” from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday June 20.
The event, to be held on the grounds of the museum’s historic Benjamin Huntting House at 200 Main St. in Sag Harbor, will also include THIS SEA Art Show and Sale.
Traditionally held in late June before the peak visitor season in the Hamptons, “Calm Before the Storm” serves as the museum’s largest and most vital annual fundraiser. All proceeds directly support the institution’s exhibitions, educational programming, community events, and the ongoing preservation of its significant historic collections.
“We’re so excited to be hosting our third annual “Calm Before the Storm” party,” said Bob Weinstein, vice president of the museum. “What makes this event so special is the opportunity it provides to bring our community together and celebrate Sag Harbor before the height of the summer season. For the past three years we have collaborated with The Church on this event and this year we are pleased to be continuing the tradition.”
The Whaling Museum’s THIS SEA Art Show and Sale is being presented in conjunction with the opening of The Church’s newest exhibition, “THIS LAND: Considering the American Landscape,” which celebrates the beauty, significance, and vital preservation of Long Island’s marine environment. It features work by several noted artists, including Jeremy Dennis, Scott Bluedorn, and Scott Hewett.
The highlight of the exhibition will be Corazón Valiente by acclaimed artist Cindy Pease Roe, a 9-foot whale sculpture, constructed from reclaimed marine debris— including rope, netting, fishing tags, sandbags, lobster traps, buoys, steel armature, and assorted plastic fragments, which will be suspended above the museum’s entrance throughout the 2026 season.
The show also features artwork created by students from Ross Lower Campus and Amagansett School. Curated by museum educator Stacy Myers, the student component of the exhibition is part of the Project SEA Curriculum, a new collaborative initiative between the Whaling Museum and Bridgehampton Museum. Designed to extend learning beyond the traditional classroom, the program engages students in experiential exploration of how land, sea, and human communities connect.
Guests at the fundraiser will enjoy an evening filled with art, music, food, drinks, and community spirit. Sag Harbor staples Sen, the renowned modern Japanese restaurant, and Harbor Market and Kitchen will provide a selection of refreshments. Attendees will also be treated to a performance by Sag Harbor native, singer Lola Lama. Lama is a graduate of the New Studio on Broadway at NYU Tisch.
The museum’s online auction is currently live and will close at 7 p.m. on June 20. Attendees and remote supporters can bid on an array of exclusive, luxury experiences, including six nights at a cottage on the scenic coast of Ireland, a private Barton & Gray Yacht Cruise for up to 11 guests, a two-hour private wine and cheese reception for up to 12 guests at the museum, and more.
Advance tickets are now available for $50 for museum members and $75 for non-members, which includes a one-year Individual membership or membership renewal.
For more information visit: sagharborwhalingmuseum.org
