Education Programs

Education is a critical part of Hamptons Whodunit’s mission. Our goal is to introduce local students to potential careers in forensics and law enforcement with interactive problem-solving games, while spreading the joy of reading (and writing) mystery and true crime stories.

We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors who make these programs possible. Thank you and please join us in 2025.

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

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.

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.”

— Joey, Grade 10

The ‘crime scene’ has numbered pieces of evidence.

Students interview a ‘suspect’.

Examining evidence under a microscope.

The forensics team works together.

“The inclusion of outside evidence added an extra layer of intrigue, challenging us to consider multiple perspectives and potential leads.”

— Pema, Grade 10

A long-buried ‘victim’ reveals relevant clues.

Examining evidence in the forensics lab.

“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.”

— Cody, Grade 11

Vintage postcards of sea spray

East Hampton Library, Long Island Collection.

support our eduCation programs

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!