This weekend, the East Hampton Historical Society will host its 19th annual Antiques and Design Show benefit at Mulford Farm, the roughly three-and-a-half acre property it maintains just on James Lane in the village. The historical society’s executive director, Steve Long, has his fingers crossed for beautiful weather.
“It seems like almost every square inch of land is covered with tents featuring some of the most acclaimed antiques dealers around the country, and certainly in the Northeast,” Mr. Long said. “There are about 50 different dealers who are selling the best that they have to offer, and it turns into a sort of shopping extravaganza for people interested in antiques. Prints, art, home goods, furniture — I mean, you name it, the show has a dealer featuring that.”
Most of those dealers have been returning to the show for years, with “very little turnover,” Mr. Long added. “I think the dealers realize that there is a unique clientele that the show attracts, and they really want to make sure they keep their spots, because I’ll tell you, the show producer has said that they have a waiting list of other dealers who are itching to become involved.”
There is also a 30-person design committee that attends each year to support the historical society while seeking out interesting ideas and pieces for their clients. This year, the East Hampton interior designer David Kleinberg will serve as the show’s honorary chairman.
A preview cocktail party will take place Friday evening from 6 to 8:30, during which the historical society will host an inaugural silent auction. “We asked each member of our design committee to give an item from their own collection. And so we have textiles, lamps, chairs, tables — a whole variety of items that are specific to the individual designers.” The proceeds of the auction will also support the work of the historical society.
Tickets for the preview party start at $275 and include entry to the show over the weekend. Single-day tickets for the show are $18 when bought in advance and $20 on the day of entry. The show will be open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
