Like a mantra, we read and republish this piece each 9/11. It’s been years since it was first written. Though the children are older, adults now who have no memory of this day, the sentiment remains the same…
Photo Credit: Colin Hopkins, who was three weeks on the job as an iron worker when the towers fell, and then got to witness the new spire rise to the sky…
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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
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!
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:
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.
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 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 readingAbove, 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.
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!
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:
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.
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 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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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:
Like a mantra, we read and republish this piece each 9/11. It’s been years since it was first written. Though the children are older, adults now who have no memory of this day, the sentiment remains the same…
Photo Credit: Colin Hopkins, who was three weeks on the job as an iron worker when the towers fell, and then got to witness the new spire rise to the sky…
Continue reading
Since before I was born my mother has kept in her purse a copy of a booklet titled “American Legacy” put out by the Center for Civic Education that includes the Constitution and “other essential documents of American History.” It’s an idea fostered by my grandmother, a life long learner, both passionate about history and an English teacher by nature. This habit has become an almost symbolic practice: Taking the ideas our country is built on with you as you go, and not forgetting them in the way it’s so easy to do in the modern age.
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I’m thinking about what it really means to be a citizen of The United States of America, and this Great Experiment that is our system of government… this wild concept of a Representative Republic with all these checks and balances specifically designed to evade both Kings and ill-informed mobs, and to recognize the value of different perspectives, interests and expertise…
Continue readingLike a mantra, we read and republish this piece each 9/11. It’s been years since it was first written. Though the children are older, adults now who have no memory of this day, the sentiment remains the same…
Photo Credit: Colin Hopkins, who was three weeks on the job as an iron worker when the towers fell, and then got to witness the new spire rise to the sky…
Continue reading
Heroes Among Us. You may recall that we hosted a show of previously unshared works by Photojournalist Peter Foley. Soon after it opened, Firefly Steve Walker came in and saw his neighbor.