Photos: East Hampton Historical Society's Kick Off Cocktail Party Prelude to House & Garden Tour

EAST HAMPTON, NY — The East Hampton Historical Society’s annual kick-off cocktail party, now in its 32nd year, was held Friday night at the Maidstone Club in East Hampton.

The event is the traditional prelude to EHHS's eagerly anticipated House & Garden Tour each year.

The party was well attended by local dignitaries, architects, interior designers, home enthusiasts, design aficionados and history buffs.

“When selecting a site for the opening night Cocktail, we look for a historical building that can accommodate 300-plus people. We’re thrilled to have hosted our annual event at the Maidstone Club because it is such an important and iconic building,” said Richard Barons, director of the East Hampton Historical Society.

The following day, the East Hampton Historical Society hosted the 2016 House & Garden Tour, showcasing some of the finest examples of architecture in the Hamptons. This year’s tour included five noteworthy homes and gardens.

“The House & Garden Tour is one of our most important fund-raisers,” event chairman Joseph Aversano said. “This year’s tour takes you on an amazing journey from sea to bay, all within four miles. It is a visual feast of stylish houses. So, while you’re breathing in the sea air and enjoying the varied terrains and architectural styles, your dollars will support the East Hampton Historical Society’s museums and programs."

Photos by Richard Lewin Professional Photography, soniboy@aol.com.

Reporting by Richard Lewin.