Updated: Honoring the 250th Annivesary of the Declaration of Independence

Above, the Flag of the Town of Huntington is the basis of this logo for  “What Liberty Means to Me,” a project of the Huntington Historical Society that collected reflections, and has served as something of a theme for their year-long celebration. 

Updated 7/2/26

250 Years Ago, A Bold and Righteous Proclomation Was Made.

This July, we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a mighty document inscribing self-evident truths; truths clear to the enlightened men of the time, and truths standing as guiding principles to those living in these United States ever since. 

In recognizing this arc of freedom, we celebrate the enlightenment ideas coming from not only those of the 18th century (who studied hard the thoughts of those who came before), but also the 19th, 20th and 21st.  We think about the creation of our Constitution, and the robust intellects and passionate hearts whose words and deeds have shaped our enchanting, individualist nation. We pray that folks take interest in the noble ideals in which this county is grounded, and give their best to uphold and strengthen them.

We remember Abraham Lincoln, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and others who led us to realize the natural rights of millions, who led this body of United States to grow closer to its stated founding principals, and who made the idea of “America” an inspiration worldwide.

As we reflect on this poignant moment and the journey here, as well as the depth of the statement that “Freedom is Not Free,” we encourage you to check out various ways our neighbors are honoring the occasion. If you have your own related events to promote, many of these are good places to do that, too!

Events are Happening Everywhere

There’s a lot going on, including lots of art! To start, the Huntington Historical Society is hosting “Revolutionary Incidents in Huntington: Occupation & Resistance” in the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial. John Daniello has put together a seven-month series that has been unfolding at the Huntington Public Library. The Nassau County Museum of Art and the Long Island Museum each have fascinating exhibitions. There’s more….for artists and historians, as well as for folks who care about civics and what it all means today. Lots more. Check it out: 

Huntington Historical Society: Ribbon Cutting for the LI Public Arts Festival 250: The Liberty Trail

According to the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, “This landmark public arts initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence will transform Heckscher Park into an immersive living gallery, bridging the gap between 1776 and 2026 through the power of contemporary art.”
 

This LI Public Arts Festival 250: The Liberty Trail is running  in concert with the Summer Arts Festival. It includes original works from New York State artists. A series of Instagram Reels featuring Huntington Historical Society Executive Director Stephanie Gotard, Huntington Town Historian Robert Hughes and Huntington African American Museum Executive Director Barry Lites explain the inspiration, purpose and perpetual relevance of this project and the Declaration of Independence itself. 

Said Hughes, “The 250th is such a milestone that we think it’s very important that everyone understands not only the ‘who what and where’ of the revolution 250 years ago, but the concepts behind it, such as liberty. The arts are a perfect way…”
 
The LI Public Arts Festival Will Run: July 1 through August 31
The Liberty Trail Ribbon Cutting will Occur: Wednesday, July 8 at 6 pm
Where: Heckscher Park, Prime Ave & Route 25A, Huntington
To Register for the Ribbon Cutting: Visit The Huntington Chamber of Commerce Events Page
 

More at the HHS

As a proud front line of The Revolution, The Huntington Historical Society offers a wealth of other 250-related events, including a way to win prizes by visiting historic sites across Long Island called the “History Hunt Challenge.” You can also find a guided virtual tour of “Huntington’s Revolutionary War Trail” hosted by Town Historian Robert Hughes.

In addition to the Nation’s birthday, they and the Huntington Militia will be celebrating Huntington Independence Day  July 18th from 12-5pm, at the Kissam House. 

Keep an eye on their website for more! 

The Town of Huntington's Liberty 250 Page

More broadly, The Town of Huntington put together a planning committee of local heritage organizations and museums to plan and coordinate exhibits and programs commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. As part of this, they have crafted a web page that offers an app on Bloomberg Connects. It provides educational videos, an interactive map of local Revolutionary War sites, and a calendar of events from organizations such as the Walt Whitman Birthplace, Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve, Heckscher Museum, and Huntington Historical Society. We’d love to hear what other Towns are doing!

Suffolk250.org

Exploring a little further afield, Suffolk County has worked with a an impressive array of local museums, cultural organizations, and historical societies to assemble Suffolk250.org, a website that invites you to explore and celebrate our region’s pivotal role in the American Revolution. There, you can find an interactive map of events throughout the county, get a passport book to log your own exploration, view a documentary series, and even sign up to plant a legacy tree.

Nassau County

Nassau County Tourism has put together Nassau County 250: It’s Revolutionary. According to the website, “a curated series of America 250 blogs and features, Nassau County Tourism highlights Revolutionary War landmarks, historic estates, presidential connections, and waterfront villages across the county. Each story is designed to inspire real-world exploration, encouraging you to visit the sites where history happened.” The website also lists events and programs occurring throughout the year. 

Discover Long Island

Last but not least, Discover Long Island, the full region’s one and only destination marketing organization, has its own page, LongIsland250. This, it promotes as “the official guide for commemorating & celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution on Long Island.” Designed to “showcase Long Island’s integral role in the Revolutionary War effort and profound ties to then Gen. George Washington, this site will serve as the ultimate guide for experiencing Long Island’s fascinating wartime history filled with spies and intrigue.”

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Summer in the Streets: Vendors Wanted

The Village - Station "Summer in the Streets"

 

It’s free. It’s fun. It’s another opportunity to join in community coming together to celebrate the arts and culture all around us. Whether you are an artist of some sort, someone who appreciates that, or simply looking to connect with wonderful neighbors who like to get together and make amazing things happen, this is a wonderful event. 

There will be live music, local vendors, food, family fun and more. Come check it out, and let us know what’s going on in your neighborhood! 

Details

When: Thursdays, 5-9pm. 7/9 is in Huntington Station in the LIRR North Parking Lot. 7/16 & 7/23 are on Wall Street in Huntington
Vendors Wanted: Show one day or all three. Discounts on multiple days. Apply here. 

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Firefly Lights: June 17, 2026

EXPLORE. WANDER. DISCOVER.
Gifts for Dads. Gifts for Grads. 

With hot days and longer evenings, summer is upon us.d Northport village is livening up during this beautiful time of year!

Whether you’re looking for a meaningful gift for a favorite grad, or a Dear Old Dad, there’s always a Firefly creation waiting to catch your eye. Located at 90 Main Street in beautiful downtown Northport, The Firefly is open seven days a week. We stay open until 9pm Wednesday through Saturday, and until 7pm on Sundays. For you early birds, we’re also open by 9am on the weekends.

Every purchase helps keep artists creating. We deeply appreciate your support, and are honored when our work enhances your life and that of those around you. Thank you for keeping local art alive!

Above: Works by Fireflies Audra Donroe, Cori Forster, Cathy Hammerquist, Marilyn Barker

To subscribe to The Firefly Artists newsletter, please drop us a line indicating interest here.

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Vendors Wanted: Tilles Jazz Fest 2026

In a collaboration between the Tilles Performing Art Center & Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jazz Fest is selling tickets & looking for vendors! Day events will place across Long Island University’s campus in Brookville, before the headliner event at the concert hall within walking distance. 
 
They’ll have 10 concerts across 4 stages for the Jazz Heads. Activities for kids including face painting, dancing, an instrument petting zoo & other games/activities throughout the day. You can even make your own instrument to bring home.
 
Tickets can be purchased as Day Passes for all daytime events, Evening Headliner Tickets for the night time event, & All Day Passes for those who want it all. Children Under 12 will be admitted free of charge.
 
More information about the event including which acts will be performing can be found here.
 
When: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Day Event: Starts @ 1:00PM
Headliner: Starts @ 7:00PM
Where: Long Island University Campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville, NY 11548 
Local Artists & Food Trucks Wanted: Vendors apply at this link
To Purchase Tickets: Visit the Tilles Center website here
720 Northern Blvd., Brookville, NY 11548
 

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Firefly Lights: June 9, 2026

Photo of the exterior of The Firefly Artists
COME. BREATHE. SAVOR
Find That Perfect Thing

The weather’s perfect, our sunsets divine. Come to Northport and just…breathe…

We have gifts for a favorite grad, Dear Old Dad, sweet little treasures and very special things. Located at 90 Main Street in beautiful downtown Northport, The Firefly is open seven days a week. We stay open until 9pm Wednesday through Saturday, and until 7pm on Sundays. For you early birds, we’re also open by 9am on the weekends.

Every purchase helps keep artists creating. We deeply appreciate your support, and are honored when our work enhances your life and that of those around you. Thank you for keeping local art alive!

Above: Works by Fireflies Emily Eisen, Steve Walker Diana Anton and Silvia Maria Rey

To subscribe to The Firefly Artists newsletter, please drop us a line indicating interest here.

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Updated: Honoring the 250th Annivesary of the Declaration of Independence

Above, the logo for a Huntington Historical Society Project: “What Liberty Means to Me,” which collected reflections from all willing to offer them earlier this year. 

250 Years Ago, A Bold and Righteous Proclomation Was Made.

This July, we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a mighty document inscribing self-evident truths; truths clear to the enlightened men of the time, and truths standing as guiding principles to those living in these United States since. 

In recognizing this arc of freedom, we celebrate the enlightenment ideas coming from not only those of the 18th century (who studied hard the thoughts of those who came before), but also the 19th, 20th and 21st.  We think about the creation of our Constitution, and the robust intellects and passionate hearts whose words and deeds have shaped our enchanting, individualist nation. We pray that folks take interest in the noble ideals in which this county is grounded, and give their best to uphold and strengthen them.

We remember Abraham Lincoln and Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; these and others who led us to realize the natural rights of millions, who led this body of United States to grow closer to its stated founding principals, and who made the idea of “America” an inspiration worldwide.

As we reflect on this poignant moment and the journey here, and depth of the statement that “Freedom is Not Free,” we encourage you to check out various ways our neighbors are honoring the occasion. If you have your own related events to promote, many of these are good places to do that, too!

Events are Happening Everywhere

There’s a lot more going on! For starters, if you like the art aspect, this Historical Society is also hosting “Revolutionary Incidents in Huntington: Occupation & Resistance” in the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial. John Daniello has put together a seven-month series that has been unfolding at the Huntington Public Library. It will be on view through July.   the Nassau County Museum of Art and the Long Island Museum each have fascinating exhibitions. There’s more….for artists, historians, folks who care about civics and what it all means today. Lot’s more. Check it out: 

Huntington Historical Society: Revolutionary Incidents in Huntington: Occupation & Resistance

One upcoming event will occur at the intersection of the town you know well, and the history you read of in books: Huntington During the Revolution: A Retrospective, hosted by The Huntington Historical Society and the Cefalu Restaurant.
 
When: Thursday, June 18 from 12-2:30 pm
Where: Cefalu Ritorante & Pizzaria, 138 E. Main Street, Huntington
To Register: Visit The Huntington Historical Society website
 

There will be food, conversation, and human connection. Looks like an interesting lunch and an opportunity to put the streets you walk into historical context.

More at the HHS

The Huntington Historical Society offers a wealth of other 250-related events as well, including a year-long Art Exhibition: “Occupation & Resistance,” a public arts initiative, a way to win prizes by visiting historic sites across Long Island called the “History Hunt Challenge,” a guided virtual video tour of the village entitled, “Huntington’s Revolutionary War Trail,” and a virtual tour of “Huntington’s Revolutionary War Trail” hosted by town historian Robert Hughes.

Keep on eye on their website for more! 

The Vanderbilt's "Hall of Fishes" is actually that beautiful wall that runs alone Little Neck Road...inside is AMAZING....

"Wish Fish" and Other Events at the Vanderbilt

The Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport also has a lot going on! Already they’ve considered colonial astrology, and the Suffragists. In October, there will be a lecture by author Brian O’Connor about prominent local revolutionary John Sloss Hobard, an “Eaton’s Neck lawyer and historical figure who played a significant role in New York’s support of the Declaration of Independence.” Soon, there will also be a guided tour of the estate focused on over 100 years of Vanderbilt’s service to country. 

Up next, is an event that sparked our own imaginations: “Wish Fish: Honoring 250 Years of Long Island’s Past and Future.” It’s “a community art and reflection project that celebrates our community art, history, and dreams for the future.” You will get to explore the Hall of Fishes with a Museum Educator. Then, you will get to create a painted fish inscribed with your own wish for the future. Dream big!

When: July 1, 10 & 31 from 12-2pm
Where: Vanderbilt Museum Hall of Fishes & Education Center
For More Information: Visit the Vanderbilt Museum Website

The Town of Huntington's Liberty 250 Page

The Town put together a planning committee of local heritage organizations and museums to plan and coordinate exhibits and programs commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. As part of this, they have crafted a web page that offers an app on Bloomberg Connects that provides educational videos, an interactive map of local Revoluntionary War sites, and a calendar of events from organizations such as the Walt Whitman Birthplace, Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve, Heckscher Museum, and Huntington Historical Society. We’d love to hear what other Towns are doing!

Suffolk250.org

Exploring a little further afield, Suffolk County has worked with a an impressive array of local museums, cultural organizations, and historical societies to assemble Suffolk250.org, a website that invites you to explore and celebrate our region’s pivotal role in the American Revolution. There, you can find an interactive map of events throughout the county, get a passport book to log your own exploration, view a documentary series, and even sign up to plant a legacy tree.

Nassau County

Nassau County Tourism has put together Nassau County 250: It’s Revolutionary. According to the website, “a curated series of America 250 blogs and features, Nassau County Tourism highlights Revolutionary War landmarks, historic estates, presidential connections, and waterfront villages across the county. Each story is designed to inspire real-world exploration, encouraging you to visit the sites where history happened.” The website also lists events and programs occurring throughout the year. 

Discover Long Island

Last but not least, Discover Long Island, the full region’s one and only destination marketing organization, has it’s own page, LongIsland250. This, it promotes as “the official guide for commemorating & celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution on Long Island.” Designed to “showcase Long Island’s integral role in the Revolutionary War effort and profound ties to then Gen. George Washington, this site will serve as the ultimate guide for experiencing Long Island’s fascinating wartime history filled with spies and intrigue.”

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2026 Pride Month: Local Events

“40 Years in Love: Notes from the 2023 Huntington Pride Parade” by Katheryn Laible

Pride Month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan when, following a raid of a then-illegal gay bar that included invasive personal inspections to validate individuals’ gender identities, folks of all stripes took to the streets to demand their right to exist and be openly themselves.

This was an extraordinary eruption of the human spirit that is seen as a tipping point in the Gay Rights movement. You can read about it here at the Library of Congress, the National Geographic, and the History Channel websites.

Fundamentally, it’s a celebration and affirmation of the broad spectrum of humans who may not fit neatly into cultural conceptions of gender, and a recognition that the biology of gender and sexuality is actually quite complex. It honors the significant contributions to society made by LGBTQ folks, asserts their fundamental right to exist, and welcomes them as our neighbors, family and friends.

The 36th Annual Long Island Pride Parade

Huntington Pride Parade 2023

According to the Long Island Pride website: 

“Last year, more than 150,000 people marched, gathered, and celebrated across Long Island, Queens, and the North Fork under the theme Defiant Joy.  In a time when LGBTQ+ people were being targeted in schools, legislatures, and public spaces, our community chose visibility over fear, connection over isolation, and joy over silence.

That choice mattered.

It sent a message — that we would not retreat, we would not be erased, and we would not be divided.

This year, we move forward with that same spirit and even greater resolve under a new theme:

UNSTOPPABLE PRIDE

Here. Now. Always.” 

 

The 36th Annual Long Island Pride Parade
When: Sunday, June 14 from 12-5 pm
Where: Main Street Parade runs from Clinton Ave. to the festival in Heckscher Park
 

In coordination with LI Pride, which organizes the overarching event, The Heckscher Museum of Art will offer FREE admission from 12:00-5:00, and will be giving out pride coloring books, flags, pins, & stickers. There will be “Drag Runway Performances” in the Museum, featuring Drag Queen Miss J Bella at 2 & 3:30pm. You are warmly invited to come in your most fabulous garb and join the show!

The Heckscher invites folks to march with them in the parade, too. If you’d like to do that, you may sign up here. 

Northport Pride

Neighbors having fun and spreading love.

Over the last few years, the neighborly collaboration that is Northport Pridefest has made a concerted effort to ensure that everyone feels welcome here. On May 29th, following an interfaith prayer service at St. Paul’s Methodist Church centered on reflection, unity, and hope, the Pride Flag was raised above Northport Village Hall and the  Village Police Department.

This marked the beginning of “Pride Fest,” a month-long community celebration. There was a “Pints for Pride” event at Sand City, and a “Smile Stories” event at Twisted Cow Distillery. ART POP did a  paint and sip. Learn more on the Northport Pridefest website and Instagram.

The main event, held by waterfront, is run in cooperation with the Incorporated Village of Northport. 

What: “Pride Fest In the Park”
When: Saturday, June 20 from 12:30-4_30pm
Where: Northport Village Park
For More Information: Visit the Northport Pridefest Website
 

According to their website “Attendees are invited to show up and celebrate their authentic selves. The event will feature a curated program hosted by the fabulous drag queen LaBelle, music by DJ Mike, community members sharing their stories, and a park full of non-profit organizations & businesses. While in town, explore Northport Village’s many specialty shops, galleries, eateries, wine bar, brewery, historical museum and experience all that scenic Northport has to offer.”

More Long Island Events

More events run by the NY LGBT Network include

 
Pride Night at Citi Field
When: Saturday, June 26, 7:10pm
For More Information: Visit the NY LGBT Network Website
 
North Fork Pride Parade and Festival
When: Saturday, June 27, 12-4pm
For More Information: Visit the Northfork Pride Website
 
Thrive Social Series
When: To be Rescheduled
For More Information: Visit the NY LGBT Network Website
 

The mission, as articulated by the NY LGBT Network is to build, “Safe, affirming, and connected communities where we all thrive together.” Let’s do it. 

Repair Café Heading to Glen Head & Middle Island

The Repair Café is Coming to Middle Island & Glen Head

In a time where buying something new often comes before fixing what we have, The Repair Cafe is a great place to get advice, offer your expertise, and be inspired! There are no guarantees, but a promise to try. Many find the experience itself worth the effort. Folks involved are excited to announce that the next one will be held:

Glen Head: 
When: Saturday June 13 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Gold Coast Library, 146 Glen Head Rd, Glen Head, NY 11545
More Information: Click Here

Middle Island 
When: Saturday June 20 @ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Longwood Public Library, 800 Middle Country Rd, Middle Island, NY 11953
More Information: Click Here

Want to Help?

Are you handy with machines? Electronics? Even a needle & thread?

Would you share this knowledge with the community? Help keep folks from throwing good things into landfills? Maybe just help folks save a few dollars? Come with your kids and teach them, come to teach others, or just come to learn and make new friends?

We imagine The Repair Café  would be an EXCELLENT service project for Scouts, and really anyone who wants to promote the fine art of giving things a second chance at life. Help make the world little thriftier and more self-reliant.

The best way to get in touch is through the Repair Cafe Long Island Facebook Page. You may also contact Laurie at starflexp@aol.com to learn more!!!

Get involved in The Repair Café!

Laurie Explains

You don’t have to be mechanical. Everybody can teach or help with something.

Said Laurie: “The more volunteers, the faster folks can get things repaired. People need to be able to bring their own tools. We get a lot of TVs and lamps and small electronics. We also could use people who are good with furniture, clothing/textiles (with sewing machine), more people for jewelry, anyone for watches and clocks, and other miscellaneous things (last time we had an ironing board, bicycle, a small statue that needed to be glued back together…).

We could also make space for a mental health person who would take time to listen to folks who just have a need to talk, or anyone who can do massage (sure, we can ‘fix’ people, too!).

Anyone who’d like to do some small DIY demos like how to sew on a button, darn a sock, rewire a lamp… Join us!

Learn More!

Check out The Repair Café Long Island on Facebook. Just scroll through the images there and look at these folks helping each other and learning so much together. Oh my goodness!

For years now, Laurie Farber of Starflower Experiences has made it part of her mission to help people fix things rather than just throw them out. Starting in Wyandanch, they built on the idea and carried it through covid. A natural partner, libraries which already work to provide communities with a number of educative resources, allow her to use to their space to strengthen their peoples capability. They’ve been to Huntington before, as well as a number of locations across Long Island. Anyone willing to volunteer and help the program is greatly appreciated!
 

Additional Events Will Be Held

August 1 – Hauppauge Public Library 11:30 – 3:30
August 8 – Huntington Public Library (Main) 10:00 – 2:00
August 15 – Bayshore Brightwaters Library 11:00 – 3:00

September 19 – Shelter Rock Library 1:00 – 4:00

November 7 – Copiague Public Library 11:30 – 3:30
February 27, 2027 – Harborfields Public Library 1:00 – 4:00
March 13, 2027 – South Huntington Public Library 1:00 – 4:00

Photos of Repair Cafe’s across Long Island. Photo Credit: Laurie Farber.

Green Thumb Organic Farm Delivers to Huntington. Sign Up Now!

“Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous, and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bonds.” (Thomas Jefferson, 1785)

It's Time: Locally Grown, Organic Produce

One of the best things our family ever did to teach us to love a variety of healthy foods, support our local economy and natural environment, and to help keep us all free of pesticides, has been to participate in Community Supported Agriculture. 

Green Thumb CSA, based in Water Mill, is starting up delivery again to Huntington. New members are still welcome! This Long Island organic family farm dates back to the 17th century and now encompasses over 130 acres. They grow vegetables, flowers, fruits and herbs, starting in December. Now that it’s June, they are ready to start sending their delicious goods to table! 

The 28 week program stretches from the first Thursday of June until the second Thursday of December. Members of the Cinema Arts Centre get a discount. It’s best to order ASAP, but they have in the past taken on new shareholders throughout the season! 

As their brochure says “Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) brings together community members (shareholders), farmers & agricultural land in a relationship of mutual support based on an annual commitment to one another, a commitment that insures the survival of local agriculture today & for future generations. Basically, you purchase a share in the harvest, receive the highest quality food at the lowest possible price & support local farms.”

It’s an ample supply of high quality produce at a reasonable price. Sometimes, folks split shares. Hard core vegetarians may purchase more than one. The selection of produce changes from week to week. Pickups occur every Thursday from 2:30pm – 7:30pm. When you show up to claim your portion, a chart on the wall will communicate that week’s items. Folks bring their own bags to help keep down both prices and waste. All unclaimed food will be donated to local food pantries. As your investment supports the farm, no refunds are given to those who miss the pickup.

Sign Up Today!

The brochure for the Huntington program is below. They will be at the Cinema Arts Centre Sunday, 5/31 from 3:30-7:30 signing folks up. This is a great way to check out a local treasure, sign up for fresh veggies and ask any questions you might have! 
 
To Register and Get More Information about a Huntington pickup: Email gtCSAhuntington@gmail.com or call 631-421-4864
 
For Information about the Farm and Pickups Further East: Check out www.greenthumborganicfarm.com
 

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