Immerse yourself in a literary voyage with The Whaling Museum, where stories unfold above and below the waves.

2026 Fall Book Club!

Wed, Sept 30 | 6:30PM | Adults

Washington’s Spies: The Story of America's First Spy Ring by Alexander Rose
Join us to explore the shadowy world of Revolutionary War era espionage! In this engaging work of narrative history, Alexander Rose uncovers the remarkable story of the Culper Spy Ring, a secret intelligence network that operated across Long Island, New York City, and Connecticut, providing General George Washington with critical information that helped shape the course of the war. We’ll examine Long Island's unique Revolutionary past and consider how the region's geography and communities (including local whalers!) played a pivotal role in one of the nation's earliest—and most successful—spy networks. Free for museum members and partons of Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington & South Huntington Libraries. $15 Participant

Wed, Oct 28 | 6:30PM | Adults

WhaleFall by Daniel Kraus
Dive into an unforgettable story of survival, family, and the mysteries of the sea with Daniel Kraus's acclaimed novel Whale Fall. Blending gripping suspense with fascinating marine science, the novel follows a young diver on a desperate search for his late father that takes an extraordinary turn when he becomes trapped inside the body of a sperm whale. Join us for a lively discussion of the real-world science that inspired this story, including the fascinating anatomy of sperm whales! In addition to the biology and behavior of whales, we’ll explore humanity's enduring relationship with these magnificent marine mammals.
Free for museum members and partons of Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington & South Huntington Libraries. $15 Participant

Wed, Nov 18 | 6:30PM | Adults

Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald by John U. Bacon
Join us as we explore one of the most enduring mysteries in Great Lakes maritime history. Drawing on decades of research, interviews, and newly available evidence, Bacon revisits the tragic 1975 sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, offering fresh insight into the storm, the ship, and the crew members who were lost. Together, we'll discuss the challenges of navigating inland seas, the dangers faced by commercial mariners, and how advances in weather forecasting, ship design, and maritime safety have evolved in the decades since the disaster. We'll also consider why the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald continues to captivate readers and inspire reflection on the power of nature and the resilience of those who work on the water.
Free for museum members and partons of Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington & South Huntington Libraries. $15 Participant