The historic Hallock House, the oldest home standing in Rocky Point, . Now, the Rocky Point Historical Society, along with concerned residents, are working to purchase the home and create a museum.
According to historical society president Natalie Aurucci-Stiefel, the current owners are interested in it becoming a museum, and the goal is to raise $250K to obtain and manage the house and property.
"Our goal is to make a museum and cultural center at this historic house, which was the home of eight generations of the Hallock family," she said in a statement. "Rocky Point's history starts with it's early eighteen century settlers, farms, dairies, sea captains, Revolutionary War Patriots and Civil War soldiers."
The society has many artifacts given to them from the Hallock family as well as items from the current owners that are in storage. These are stored in various homes and also at the Rocky Point Funeral Home, and would return to their place of origin and be on permanent display should a museum be built.
"Rocky Point is also unique as it is known for its twentieth century history with the development of North Shore Beach and the establishment of the world's largest transmitting station, known as RCA Radio Central," she said. "Our world-renowned radio history would also be featured in this museum."
A few residents have begun a group called Save the Noah Hallock Homestead on Facebook and are helping the society get the word out on the movement.
"Myself and a few other residents of the community had recently become aware of this important structure being for sale and knew that it needed to be saved," said David Griffin. "We have banded together with the Historical Society in an effort to promote awareness.
"The Hallock Homestead is an excellent example of a colonial post and beam structure typical of early New England and the Northeast United States. It is one of only a few early 18th century homes of its kind that are left in the area. There is much history to be learned from this house and about building and living in early Rocky Point."
Donations can be sent to the "Rocky Point Historical Society" P.O. Box 1720, Rocky Point, NY 11778.
