Written by the Skeleton Crew, Henry L. Ferguson Museum
A swashbuckling week of clue-chasing, chest-finding, and pirate antics wrapped up on Thursday, July 17, at the Henry L. Ferguson Museum, as the 3rd Annual Fishers Island Treasure Hunt came to a triumphant close. Eighteen teams and over 50 young islanders—each more eager than the last to follow in Captain Kidd’s ghostly footsteps—took part in the fun.
The Treasure Hunt kicked off at 8 AM Sunday morning on the back deck of the Henry L. Ferguson Museum, where competitors picked up their first clue under the watchful eye of Captain Kidd’s skeleton crew–and Museum Director Pierce Rafferty.
The 11–14 crew followed clues from the new Janet Harvey Sanctuary to hidden beaches and nature trails on the East End. The 7–10 group stayed closer to the West End, while the youngest pirates (6 & Under) completed a two-hour hunt from Dock Beach to the Museum’s back deck.
New this year: a flock of elusive pirate parrots hidden near each day’s treasure chest. Competitors who found them earned bonus prizes at the Thursday Awards Ceremony—where two tubs of ice cream (courtesy of the Village Market) barely kept up with the demand of this sugar-fueled crew.
Highlights from the High Seas:
- Thomas Enright, racing neck and neck with Maya Farrar, made a full-body lunge to grab the parrot—landing head first in the water, soaked head to sneaker, but grinning ear to ear.
- Catherine Baldwin of Team Leeway biked all the way up-island to reach a hidden clue—arriving by 8 AM sharp and beating out a few car-bound teams. Admirable effort from a crew we hope to see again next year.
- Leo Carroll-Rosenthal and Ollie Douthit reached a parrot at the same time—and instead of dueling like true pirates, agreed to share it. Their diplomatic resolution earned both teams bonus scoops at Hay Harbor.
- John Pyne, Jr., who qualified for the 7–10 group, asked to “play up” with the older kids—“because I really like a challenge.” That’s the spirit.
The Museum provided core support for the event, but many local businesses joined the crew, donating prizes, snacks, and gear. A big thank-you to: Island Outfitters, Toppers, the Village Market, Island Hardware, the Fishers Island Oyster Farm, the Hay Harbor Club, the HHC Tennis Office, the HHC Golf Shop, and the Fishers Island Yacht Club.
“It’s an amazing event,” said Museum Director Pierce Rafferty. “A number of people have told me it’s the highlight of their summer—remarkable, considering all that Fishers has to offer.”
The Fishers Island Treasure Hunt was dreamed up by Violet and Teddy Hunt, with parents Rob and Phoebe, who wanted to do something fun for the community that launched at the IPP Craft Fair. “It was such a big part of my childhood—just walking out the door, hopping on a bike, and exploring all the hidden nooks and crannies of the island,” said Rob Hunt. “Creating those kinds of memories—that’s the real treasure.”
Mike McNamara, a veteran organizer of treasure hunts, was impressed by the first Treasure Hunt in 2023, and as a trustee of the Henry L. Ferguson Museum, something clicked. “The Museum is dedicated to preserving Fishers Island’s history and natural spaces,” said McNamara. “The Treasure Hunt is a perfect way to pass that appreciation to the next generation, so I approached Rob about teaming up with the Museum and bringing things to the next level. Also,” he added, “there’s something about getting up at dawn to haul mermaid skeletons and bury treasure chests that just speaks to Rob and me.”
As the crew behind the Treasure Hunt casts an eye toward next summer, they’re already brainstorming ways to make the adventure even better. Feedback is welcome and can be sent to mike@zeusmcnamara.com. They do their best to consider every suggestion, though, as many of us know, a few things on Fishers are immovable.
Finally, let’s not forget the unsung heroes of the week: the parents. While the official start time was 8 AM, reports suggest some young pirates were raring to go by 6—leaving parents to rustle up breakfast, rally sleepy cousins, and negotiate team dynamics before their morning coffee. “We know it adds one more thing to an already packed ‘relaxing’ summer schedule,” said McNamara. “But our goal is to make it worth it. We’re already looking forward to next year—and hope you are too.”
Information on next year’s Fishers Island Treasure Hunt will be shared first via the Museum’s e-newsletter (https://mailchi.mp/fishersisland/hlfm-newsletter-signup), so be sure to sign up.
Photo Credit to Mike McNamara. Click any image to see a larger version and scroll through the gallery!
Third Annual Fishers Island Treasure Hunt
Trophy Winners
6 & Under: 1st Place – Poppy & Tuffy Rexing
7 -10: 1st Place – Ollie Douthit, Bond Reedy, Rhett Reedy
11-14: Thomas Enright, Liam Douthit, Gray Murphy
Kidd’s Cup –The most coveted honor of them all—this prize goes to the team that embodies cunning, character, and camaraderie: Lydia Sierner, Molly McNamara, Briana Beck, Mackenzie Konop.
Full Results
