Susan Shiebler, of the Avery Homestead County Park, lovingly stated that “this humble farming family” couldn’t have imagined that the whole property would be preserved as a park for the community to enjoy.

The Avery Homestead was purchased by Suffolk County back in October 2020, with the eventual goal of restoration. The grand opening of the Little Red Shed is the start of a new era for the property, where the rich history of the Avery family can be explored and celebrated by local residents.

Announced at the opening ceremony, the Greater Patchogue Historical Society received a $50,000 grant with the help of New York assemblyman Joseph DeStefano to help with future restorations on the Avery property.

Humphrey Avery, who first arrived in America in 1699, established the Avery Homestead, giving rise to an incredibly influential family lineage that impacted American history.

Suffolk County Legis. Dominick Thorne described “just how far back this family’s history goes.”

On shelves, there were various detailed displays of the many influential Avery family members. Each description was a sort of time capsule into various decades of American history.

For instance, Mary Eliza Avery McIlhenny’s spouse, Edmund, created Tabasco sauce. Tex Avery was the creator of the world-famous Bugs Bunny. Cyrus Stevens Avery was even the creator of U.S. Route 66 (yes, that Route 66!).