Education Program
Education is a critical part of Hamptons Whodunit’s mission. Our goal is to introduce local high school students to potential careers in forensics, investigation and law enforcement with interactive problem-solving games and informative sessions with true crime experts.
We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors and sponsors who make these initiatives possible. Thank you!
2025
True crime experts visit East Hampton High School
April 11, 2025, 12-2pm, Free
A note from Michael Buquicchio, Assistant Principal, East Hampton High School
“It was a pleasure to collaborate with you and welcome your distinguished guests to East Hampton High School.
I’m happy to share that we received positive feedback from staff and students following the presentation. Many remarked on how engaging and informative the session was, and several students expressed how much they appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from professionals working in such important and impactful roles. It certainly sparked meaningful conversations and reflections.
We’re already looking forward to working together again for the next festival in April.”
“Both presentations taught me how much strategy is involved in our justice system. From how the FBI gets information during interrogations to how lawyers pick jurors who might favor their side, it’s all about reading people.
I never thought of law as being so psychological. It’s made me interested in maybe studying criminal justice in college.”
Our true crime experts, from left, Jacob Rolls, Scott Duffey and Cary London.
“I never realized how much psychology and body language analysis go into getting confessions. Agent Duffey made it feel like something straight out of a crime show, but real. It made me think twice about how confessions are actually obtained and how important it is to know your rights.”
East Hampton Public Library presents
Escape Rooms
A fun program for ages 12+ to challenge their thinking, sharpen their deductive skills and learn collaborative problem-solving.
April 11, 2025, 5-9pm, free
“Murder at the Manor”
While attending a dinner party in the private library of Dennis Fabiszak during the Hamptons Whodunit festival, your host stumbles into the room and collapses on the ground, dead. At first glance, there does not appear to be anything indicating how your host has mysteriously died. Accusations start flying and someone calls the police.
You have 20 minutes to find out who of the remaining guests committed the crime, what weapon they used, and in what room the dastardly deed was committed. Sign up required.
Graveyard Tours
Every year, Hamptons Whodunit features free tours to help young and old learn more about the rich history of East Hampton Village from Hugh King, the renowned local Historian and Town Crier.
FriDay & Saturday, 5-5:45pm, FREE
In 1658, before Salem, there was the not-so-wicked witch of the Hamptons called Goody Garlick. Hear her story from Town Crier Hugh King in the graveyard where it all took place. Sign up required.
2024
Calling all aspiring investigators and amateur sleuths!
‘The Best Deal in East Hampton’ by Stephanie Krikorian, New York Magazine
Crime Scene Challenge sessions were held at the historic Sea Spray Cottages.
April 12, 2024, free program for students
April 13, 2024, TICKETS sold to the public
Unleash your inner detective and experience a two-hour murder mystery event at the Forensics World Crime Scene Challenge. When you step into a meticulously recreated crime scene, you sift through and connect evidence and clues – from the decades old arson at the historic Sea Spray Inn to a recent murder – while interacting with suspicious characters who harbor secrets and motives. Showcase your keen observation and deductive reasoning skills to put together the puzzle and identify the culprit.
For added thrills and chills, this event took place at the fabled Sea Spray Cottages located on the dunes next to Main Beach, a mysterious, exclusive location that was open to the public for the first time in 40 years!
we invited 80 local HIGH SCHOOL students to participate, free of charge.
A note from East Hampton High School’s Principal
East Hampton High School students participated in the authentic crime scene investigation and absolutely loved it. This was a unique opportunity for students to apply their knowledge of psychology, forensics and so much more to solve a true crime. They were gripped from the second they walked in until they cracked the case! We are grateful for the opportunity that Hamptons Whodunit provides for our students. – Sara Smith, Principal, East Hampton High School
“…an unforgettable adventure that sparked our curiosity and brought out the detective in all of us.”
“The inclusion of outside evidence added an extra layer of intrigue, challenging us to consider multiple perspectives and potential leads.”
“I got to feel like I was a detective investigating a REAL case.
The activities I partook in were nothing less than amazing and realistic.”
Vintage postcards of sea spray
East Hampton Library, Long Island Collection.
East Hampton Library, Long Island Collection.
Escape Rooms
A fun, free program for ages 12+ to challenge their thinking, sharpen their deductive skills and learn collaborative problem-solving.
East Hampton Public Library
April 12, 2024, 6-8pm, free
Murder in the Library You’re a new detective and have just been called to investigate a murder. You are faced with six suspects all claiming innocence. You must determine who is responsible before they strike again.
The Deadly Dinner While attending a dinner party at the Hamptons Whodunit festival you find yourself accused of murder. You must clear your name before the police arrive to arrest you.
2023
“Who Killed the Mayor?”
Forensics World Crime Scene Challenge sessions were held at East Hampton Village Hall.
April 15, 2023, 9am-5pm, free program for AGE 12+
A realistic simulated crime scene containing real physical evidence, an elaborate and entertaining murder mystery scenario riddled with clues, and a cast of suspicious characters who bring the murder mystery to life by interacting with the participants.
This is a unique opportunity to solve a murder mystery in a fun and competitive setting. Participants should handle their investigation the way detectives and forensic scientists do to crack the case – while being observed by experts. We encourage participants to use creative thinking, deductive reasoning, and problem-solving skills while working together as a team and having fun!
Escape Rooms
East Hampton Public Library
April 14, 2023, 6-8pm, free
Stranger Things Somehow, you cross through a portal to…The Upside Down. You need to get out before the Demogorgons, the Mind Flayer, and Vecna find you and destroy you. Where is the portal back to the other side? Will you unravel the clues? Work together. Are you bold enough to escape…ALIVE?
Plum Island Escape Room You find yourself trapped in…The Plum Island Animal Disease Center. The power grid is failing. Will the electronic locks on the radioactive animals’ cages malfunction? Step into the history… but only if you’re sure you can step out again, and escape from Plum Island. Can you untangle the clues? Work together, be bold…and you just might get back…ALIVE!
Young Adult Panels
Crime Fiction through a Latinx Lens
April 14, 2023, 1:30-2:20pm, FREE
Q&A in english and Spanish
In Conversation with Alex Segura & Richie Narvaez
Three Young Adult Authors
April 15, 2023, 5-5:50pm, FREE
‘Alex Rider’ Author Anthony Horowitz, Danielle Valentine & Alex Segura
Moderated by Kyle Fichtner