"Save the J. Hawkins House — A Revolutionary-Era Landmark in Moriches

The J. Hawkins House in Moriches, New York is believed to be one of the oldest surviving homes in the community, with origins dating back to around 1790 and expanded in the early 1800s.

Set on nearly five acres at the headwaters of Ely Creek, this historic home is deeply tied to the earliest days of Moriches. The Hawkins family, early settlers whose roots trace back to the 1600s, played a role in shaping the area—and nearby burial grounds include family members who lived through and fought in the Revolutionary War.

Architecturally, the house reflects the Federal style of early America, connecting it to the nation’s founding era. Today, it stands as a rare and irreplaceable link to that past.

But time is catching up with it.

Years of exposure and neglect have left the structure in a state of ongoing decay. Preservation efforts are already underway, led by the Mastic Beach Peninsula Historical Society, but without additional funding, the damage will continue—and the opportunity to save the home may be lost.

We are raising funds to help stabilize and preserve the J. Hawkins House before it reaches that point. Donations will support:

Structural stabilization and urgent repairs

Protection from further weather damage

Professional assessments and long-term restoration planning

This is not just about saving a building—it’s about preserving a direct connection to the people, stories, and history that shaped Moriches and early America.

Historic places like this don’t disappear all at once—they are lost slowly, piece by piece. With your help, we can stop that process and ensure the J. Hawkins House remains standing for generations to come.

If you can’t donate, sharing this campaign can make a meaningful difference."