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.”

Subscribe To The Synchronicity Newsletter

A 4th of July Reflection on US

The 4th of July honors the US Declaration of Independence. Its most well-known passage is the foundation upon which the colonists’ grievances were justified and a bold declaration of human rights…

Continue reading

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.”

Subscribe To The Synchronicity Newsletter

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. We look forward to seeing what they’ve captured. 

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

It has been 250 years since America’s lofty revolution and the remarkable war inevitably to follow. 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 words and 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, we encourage you to check out various ways our neighbors are celebrating the occasion. If you have your own related events to promote, many of these are good places to do that, too!

America 250: Celebrating Huntington, NY

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. This website serves as a companion piece, allowing the viewer “to dive even deeper into the exhibit with added details, stories and discoveries.”  It’s a fascinating look at the story of the Revolutionary War, and the particular role the Town of Huntington played in it. Not a bad place to start!

Huntington Historical Society

The Huntington Historical Society website offers a beautiful events tab where you can find tours of historical sites, and events connected to their “Liberty 250: Huntington Celebrates American Independence” project. Accessed directly through their homepage, you can find biographies of Revolutionary War Patriots, and a virtual tour of Huntington’s Revolutionary War Trail hosted by town historian Robert Hughes. We are excited to see the product of their “Liberty 250: What Liberty Means to Me” project, and are thinking a lot ourselves about that. 

We The People: A Conversation About Art & Democracy

One upcoming event will occur at the intersection of civic life and artistic expression: A Democracy Dinner, hosted by The Huntington Historical Society and the Heckscher Museum.
 
When: Thursday, May 14 from 6-8:30pm
Where: Dr. Daniel W. Kissam Property, 434 Park Avenue, Huntington
To Register: Visit The Huntington Historical Society website
 

There will be food, conversation, and human connection. Artists from the Museum’s Just Powers: Long Island Biennial 2026 exhibition will join as special guests, enriching this already ripe conversation. Looks like an interesting night! 

There’s a lot more going on, too! 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,  the Nassau County Museum of Art and the Long Island Museum each have fascinating exhibitions, and The East End Arts Council is working on a community street mural as part of it’s annual MOSAIC festival. We’re sure there’s more….for artists, historians, folks who care about civics and what it all means today. Lot’s more. Check it out: 

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, 

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.”

Subscribe To The Synchronicity Newsletter

Huntington Historical Society Celebrates the Season and 250 Years of Liberty

Images from the Huntington Historical Society’s 2022 Apple Festival by Katheryn Laible

Like most things with them, the About Page of the Huntington Historical Society is fascinating.

Did you know that Theodore Roosevelt spoke at the 250th celebration of the Founding of the Town of Huntington, back in 1903? Did you know it inspired a group of prominent local women to organize a society to “perpetuate an interest in things Historic;……in fact all Historic relics relating to the Town of Huntington since 1653?”

This “Colonial Society”, which later evolved into the Huntington Historical Society at first restricted active membership to women. Eight years later, they let the men get involved. Going gangbusters since, they have protected and interpreted the history of our town and the central Long Island region, maintaining five national register historic properties, stewarding a deep and fascinating collection of artifacts, and hosting a variety of fun and educational events.

Come to the Apple Festival on October 5th!

One of their favorite events is also serving as an incredibly rich addition to the 2025 Fall Huntington Art Walk, happening October 5th. At that time, they warmly invite you to bring the whole family to the historic Kissam House for the 2025 Apple Festival!

There, you may enjoy traditional and seasonal crafts and games, including pumpkin painting. The folk artists, artisans and musicians are wonderful, as are all the neighbors who don costumes and explain how life was way back when. Of course, there are plenty of apples, both fresh and prepared in all sorts of ways. The Museum Shop will be open. It’s so much fun!

Celebrating 250 Years: What Does Liberty Mean to You?

Now, we’re celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In honor, the Historical Society is offering LIBERTY 250. From their website:

 

“Liberty is one of the inalienable rights specified in the Declaration of Independence. 

The Pledge of Allegiance promises Liberty for all.

Patrick Henry demanded Liberty or Death. 

Share your thoughts as part of Liberty250 – Huntington’s celebration of 250 years of American Independence.”

 

They will have a booth at the 2025 “Celebrate Huntington! LI Fall Festival”, happening Columbus Day weekend. They hope you will stop by then and let them know: WHAT DOES LIBERTY MEAN TO YOU?

We Will Never Forget…

Photo of the WTC memorial lights by Colin Hopkins

We Will Never Forget… Photo of the WTC memorial lights by Colin Hopkins, Local 580 Iron Workers. Colin was on week three of work when the towers fell, a day when these folks and many others who never expected to be such, came to serve as first responders and who continued working at the site for weeks after the attack. Later, Colin was also among those present at work who got to witness the Freedom Spire rise…

We Will Never Forget…

Over the last two decades, we have learned a new rhythm….The end of summer comes, there is a flurry of activity about getting kids prepared for and off to school, and then, the moment all settles down the weight of solemn remembrance overshadows everything but the realization of how lucky we are to have that terrible event cast such a pall over our beings only once a year. Our hearts go out to so many others who lost so much…who experienced so much…who have since endured so much…

We remember the first puzzled and then stunned and horrified voices of the professionals whose job it is to tell us the bad news every day. We recall the images that replayed, the bells that rang, the world that all but stopped.

We remember the selfless bravery of firemen who went in where anyone in their “right mind” would be running out.

We remember the horrific loss of 2,977 innocent lives, including 343 of those firemen, 60 police officers and 8 EMTS. We remember the probability that anyone we encountered may have just lost someone dear. We remember how some of those who perished did so heroically apprehending hijackers and crashing their own plane.

Our hearts twist in the simultaneous gratitude for the miracle of how, despite intense confusion, so many lived to tell their tale or simply were not there.

We remember the people walking over the Brooklyn Bridge…covered in dust…the people being rescued from the end of Manhattan Island…the people desperately seeking people who would never be found.

We remember the school children who did not know. We remember the teachers who did, but could not tell them. We remember the beautiful day slowly overcast by those beautiful, yet terrible clouds. We remeber the taste. We remember the smell.

We remember the iron workers, the dock builders and the other hard working Long Islanders who heard of the disaster and raced to the scene to see if they could be of service. We remember those who spent weeks upon weeks shoveling through the twisted debris. We remember the price so many have paid for their commitment.

We remember being implored to go out and live. We remember being told it was patriotic to shop. We remember wishing there was something more meaningful to do. We remember Paul McCartney and the musicians he gathered to play for the world and those first responders. We remember Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick who were on Broadway as The Producers, and how they epitomized the notion that “the show must go on.”…how meaningful it was to simply carry on.

We remember the brave men and women who have been at war ever since that fateful day. We pray that they and all the others who bear intense burdens and indelible scars will be properly cared for. We pray for a peace that seems so very far away.

We look down at children, and now young adults, who never knew the days before then; who never wondered at those impossibly tall buildings but may have marveled at those even taller beams of light; who never felt that fateful day; who look at us in bewilderment at the ongoing challenges, both at home and abroad…who wish, sometimes loudly, other times in quiet sighs, that the adults of this world would finally grow up.

We remember the noble ideals that we stand for. We remember how innocent we were. We realize on how much has changed since then, including an explosion of communication that somehow seems to have opened chasms between good people of different perspectives, and tidal waves of information that seem to only muddy any sense we once had of the truth. We reflect on how much we still have to learn, and on how much we seem to have forgotten…

We remind ourselves that while the battle may rage on within our hearts and across this world, we must never let terror win. We must never let the blind hatred that enables it to win. We must overcome.

But how?

The words of many sages come to mind; visionaries and scholars of so many cultures and kinds. We keep coming back to the wisest ones; the ones who seem to have mattered the most…

Over and over they whisper from the ages the same small, powerful yet humble, healing, overcoming, uplifting light of a word…

And so…we reflect…on Love.

A 4th of July Reflection on US

The 4th of July honors the US Declaration of Independence. Its most well-known passage is the foundation upon which the colonists’ grievances were justified and a bold declaration of human rights…

Continue reading