East Hampton Historical Society Restoration of Mulford Farmhouse Leads to Twenty-Fold Increase

The East Hampton Historical Society has announced that the newly restored Mulford Farmhouse welcomed 20 times as many visitors per day during the 2026 summer season compared to the previous year, following a significant restoration that returned the historic property to its Revolutionary War-era appearance. With the farmhouse also open to the public significantly more often than it was the previous year, overall seasonal attendance increased by approximately 100-fold.

The successful reopening and dramatic increase in visitation were made possible through generous grant support from Ralph Lauren, the Ladies Village Improvement Society, Marsha Soffer, Discover Long Island and the New York Chapter of Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America. Their support enabled the Historical Society to complete the restoration, reopen the farmhouse to the public for the 2026 summer season and provide visitors with a more immersive understanding of life in East Hampton during the American Revolution.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support of Ralph Lauren, the Ladies Village Improvement Society, Marsha Soffer, Discover Long Island and the New York Chapter of Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America for making the restoration possible,” says Steve Long, Executive Director of the East Hampton Historical Society. “The generosity of the organizations and individuals who funded this project not only helped restore an important East Hampton landmark but also demonstrated how investing in historic preservation can promote tourism and contribute to the local economy.”

The newly restored farmhouse allows visitors to explore the stories of those who lived on the property during the Revolutionary era and better understand East Hampton’s role during this pivotal period in American history. The twenty-fold increase in daily summer attendance, coupled with the significant increase in overall visitation, demonstrates the impact that investment in historic preservation can have on public access and engagement.