Yes, it does seem to be a Viburnum prunifolium - "Blackhaw, Black Haw, Blackhaw Viburnum, Sweet Haw, and Stag Bush" The berries become edible after frost. The bark can be used medicinally. Very cool! Thank you! :D

The Plants For A Future database says they are (but it also says "All parts of the plant might be toxic"). Other sources report the fleshy cones (berries) are mildly toxic. The Plants For A Future database also reports, "The berries are anthelmintic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue and mildly antiseptic. They have been chewed as a treatment for mouth ulcers or made into a tea to treat colds, rheumatism, worms etc." Here is a link that might be useful: Plants For A Future - Juniperus virginiana

Welcome to the East coast! Don't know anything about these berries, but that's good you told your little ones not to eat them. New York state has a few other native shrubs and plants, etc. with poisonous parts. When I was a kid, we were warned about nightshade berries, eating any mushrooms found growing outside anywhere (just to be safe), and of course were taught not to touch poison ivy, poison sumac, and stinging nettles. There are also a lot of garden plants and shrubs people grow on the East coast that could cause various medical problems if ingested, and/or are poisonous or have poisonous parts, such as foxgloves, delphiniums/larkspur, Lily of the Valley, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, azaleas, wisterias, mountain laurels, holly, boxwoods, various junipers, daffodils, hyacinths, clematis, vinca/periwinkle, privet shrubs, yew, and many others. I would just tell your kids not to eat anything growing outdoors in general for now, and teach them what poison ivy, poison sumac, and stinging nettles look like if you haven't already. Then if you want to help them learn about their new environment, you can see if your local library has any nature programs they may offer for kids or families. Sometimes there are nature organizations that hold nature walks for kids (and grownups). The Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts is always good for learning about native plants too.

yeah.. they were right next to the quince preserves ... when are you going to learn .. that i say these things.. just to get my brit friend worked up ... lol ... you guys do like your toast and jams.. preserves.. jellies ... lol BTW flora .. i have alpine currants .. rather useless fruit .. IMHO ... but the most brilliant clove scented flowers for a week in spring ... worth having even if they host the juniper damaging ribes disease .... ken