Sag Harbor Historical Museum To Honor Owners of Long-Standing Village Businesses at Annual Gala

The owners of three longstanding village businesses will be honored by the Sag Harbor Historical Museum when it holds its annual gala, “Keeping History Alive,” on the grounds of the Sag Harbor Custom House from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 1.

Nada Barry and her daughter, Gwen Waddington, of the Wharf Shop, Roseann Bucking and her daughter, Lisa Field, of the Sag Harbor Variety Store, and Ted Conklin, the owner of the American Hotel, all of whom have owned their businesses for at least 50 years, will be the honorees.

“They are all iconic in their own way,” said Nancy French Achenbach, the president of the museum’s board of directors. “They have all helped keep Sag Harbor grounded. They have contributed to the stability and quaintness of Sag Harbor.”

Barry opened the Wharf Shop, a toy and gift shop, in 1968, and continues to work every day alongside her daughter in the business. Roseann Bucking and her husband, the late Phil Bucking, bought the Variety Store in 1970 — The business is now run by their daughter, but Bucking is still a fixture at the store. Finally, Ted Conklin purchased the American Hotel from the Youngs family in 1972 and transformed it into an East End landmark, known for its excellent restaurant and its extensive wine list, and cozy bar.

“These individuals have steadfastly operated with a passionate commitment to the Sag Harbor community, to the families and friends that comprise or visit it, and to the vision they each had for the business and how it would fit into our community,” the museum stated in a release. “Over the 50 years they have operated, they have weathered all of the economic ups and downs and come out the other side unchanged, and even more committed to their vision and uncompromising in their values.”

“Keeping History Alive” is the goal of the museum, which has sponsored preservation forums and hosts an annual show at its Annie Cooper Boyd House just up Main Street from the Custom House grounds. Achenbach said the organization, largely run by volunteers, is always looking for people who share an interest in history or have a particular skill that could benefit the museum.

Saturday’s event will include a silent auction of gift items donated by local businesses. Framed copies of Annie Cooper Boyd paintings, ranging from $175 to $250, will also be sold.

The event will be catered by Page restaurant, and Stephen Shaughnessy will provide music. Marders and the Sag Harbor Florist will provide plants and flowers.

Tickets are $150 and can be purchased at sagharborhistorical.org.