Custom House

A Brief History: The Custom House is located at its relocated address of 192 Main Street in Sag Harbor, New York. The house was built on the corner of Union and Church streets, prior to its relocation. Originally built around 1765 it served as a home for an unnamed family. In 1793 the property was acquired by Mr. Henry Packer Dering, a confidant of President Washington. Mr. Dering became the first Customs Collector for the State of New York, thus preserving his property as a Customs Landmark. Coastal trading vessels as well as ocean-going whaling ships were met and inspected at its location. It served in this capacity in the Dering family for 91 years. In 1947 it was set for destruction, however late NJ Governor Charles Edison, a frequent vacationer of Sag Harbor, interjected and assisted in the preservation of the Custom House. Presently it is a preserved piece of history meant to portray the work of the Dering’s as well as their daily activities.

Haunted History: There have been claims of hearing someone walking around on the 2nd Floor with heavy boots, when no one was on the 2nd floor. In the middle of the night passersby would see a light turn on in one of the 2nd floor windows then turn off.  It is claimed that when this occurs no one is in the house at that time.