Discover East Hampton’s early American history at this museum inside a classic 18th-century saltbox house that was once thought to have inspired a famous song.
At Home Sweet Home Museum, step back in time to colonial East Hampton. Even the building itself, a saltbox home built about 1720, is a piece of history. A museum was established here in 1928 based on the belief that dramatist John Howard Payne was so attached to the home that it served as the inspiration for his classic song, Home, Sweet Home.
Find history around every corner in the Home Sweet Home Museum. Every room is fully furnished with authentic period pieces. Take a guided tour through the house and see antiques dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Discover an impressive collection of English ceramics, American furniture and period textiles.
The home is dedicated to John Howard Payne, a noted American actor, poet and playwright. His father taught school in East Hampton. In the late 1800s a legend was created that the mansion was Payne’s childhood home. Payne’s most famous song, Home, Sweet Home, was reported as inspired by this spot. The song was part of his opera, Clari, the Maid of Milan, which premiered in 1823 in London’s Convent Garden. However, recent historic study has proven that Payne never lived in the house, nor did the song originate here. Nevertheless, visit the mansion to learn all about Payne’s fascinating life and see some of his belongings on display in the house.
Find Home Sweet Home Museum in East Hampton’s historic Village Green. As is true for most houses of this era, the home’s wooden shingles are unpainted. Surrounding the museum, explore lush gardens and three windmills, including the iconic Old Hook Mill. Tour the windmill, which is a historic symbol of Long Island, and learn about its history since it was built in 1806.
Visit Home Sweet Home Museum throughout the year. Between May and September, it is open every day. In October and November, it is open only on weekends. Between December and April, visits are by appointment. Take advantage of free on-site parking. Pay your admission fee at the museum’s entrance.
