News

After 35 years, Ketcham Inn is one step closer to restoration. Windows for the c. 1693 Summer Kitchen were unveiled on July 21st. The window frames were constructed by Scott W. Brown, Master Timber Framer out of White Oak and Cypress. These window frames were in vogue between 1690 and 1700. These leaded glass windows were fabricated by Cosby Art Glass in Webster Groves, Missouri and were transported from Missouri by Nancy and George Klemm and family as they were coming to visit Roger and Linda Davis.

Historic c. 1870 rocking horse was restored by Roger Herald, Contemporary American whimsical folk art craftsman, Center Moriches. This object was gifted by Boyce and Marjorie Rogers in 2023.

Master Gardener program participants gathered at Ketcham Inn June 21, 2023 for a meal after completing the restoration of the Kitchen Garden, Boxwood Garden, Vegetable Garden at Ketcham Inn, and new ReWild Gardens at the John Scudder and Mary Pelletreau Havens Homestead. All members of the team celebrated with an unforgettable luncheon at Ketcham Inn.

Thank you from the Board of Directors of the Ketcham Inn Foundation and the Moriches Bay Historical Society.

Ketcham Inn Foundation was awarded a $125,000 grant from The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation administered by 360XR. These grant funds were used to create an augmented reality experience here at Ketcham Inn. For this project, we selected 5 individuals involved with the Revolutionary War and history of the Inn: tavern keeper Benjamin Havens, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, Anna Floyd Smith, and the Cook.

Clarifying the Revolutionary War history of the Moriches has enabled this presentation to develop in augmented reality format for presentation to the public. The project broadened our Revolutionary War connections, tying us into many of the historic sites involving George Washington’s Long Island Spy Ring.

The Board of Directors of the Ketcham Inn Foundation and Digital Tapestry committee extend their thanks to the Gardiner Foundation for funding and including us in this significant project.

Please download the 1776AR app on your phone to have this experience

In January 2023, repairs were made to the roof of the historic Camp Upton Building on the Smith Farm property.

December 2022, three fruit-bearing apple trees planed to the west of the Dutch Gambrel at the Smith Farm. The trees symbolize a spirited new growth for a developing public park. Planted by Henry Leuthardt Nurseries, purchased by Ketcham Inn Foundation.

Ketcham Inn was recipient of seven bluestone stepping stones donated by Island Stone of Glen Cove, Sunday, June 19, 2022.

Ketcham Inn Community Garden was recently designated an approved NYS Cornell Cooperative Extension, Suffolk County, Master Gardener volunteer site.

This designation will allow Master Gardeners to complete annual volunteer hours at the Ketcham Inn.

The designation of the Ketcham Inn’s Garden site as an approved CCE Suffolk Master Gardener
volunteer site will further enhance and extend the reach of the CCE mission. This enables the strengthening of food security, community outreach, the support of
youth and adult education, engagement with and participation of Master Garden Volunteers
(MGV), and sustainability.