March 3, 2026
Discover Huntington's pivotal role in the Revolutionary War through historic sites and 2026 events marking America's 250th anniversary. Relive British occupation tales and patriot heroism right here on Long Island.
As Long Island gears up for America's 250th anniversary in 2026, Huntington is buzzing with fresh exhibits like the Huntington Historical Society's "Revolutionary Incidents in Huntington," spotlighting local heroism during the British occupation.
This show pulls from town archives to share what Huntington folks endured in the late 1700s, with new art pieces like Drigo Morin's What to Wear to the War and Jeremy Dennis's They Always Had Trouble With Loyalty bringing those gritty stories to life. It's a perfect kickoff to reliving **Huntington's Revolutionary War legacy** through hands-on sites and can't-miss 2026 events.
Huntington was under British control for much of the Revolutionary War, turning everyday life into a hotbed of spy games and quiet defiance. Head to the **Sammis House** on Huntington's Village Green, known as the Arsenal, where the Order of the Ancient and Honorable Huntington Militia hid supplies in the attic right before the fighting kicked off. This spot, dating back to the militia's roots in 1653, lets you picture families caught in the chaos.
Don't miss the **Huntington Historical Society** itself, home to artifacts and documents from the era. Their ongoing work includes biographies of 67 patriots buried at the Old Burying Ground, led by historian Jeff Richman. Richman, a trustee and author of books like Building the Brooklyn Bridge, digs into sacrifices made by locals against the redcoats.
Just a short drive away on Route 25A, the Long Island Revolutionary War Heritage Trail ties Huntington into the bigger picture. It follows the path President George Washington took in 1790 to thank supporters, including the Culper Spy Ring operatives who fed him intel from British-held Long Island. Swing by nearby spots like Raynham Hall in Oyster Bay for spy ring connections, or check Sagtikos Manor in Bay Shore, briefly occupied by British forces.
Practical tip: Park at the Village Green lot off Main Street in Huntington village, and walk to these sites. They're free or low-cost, open weekends, and offer guided talks—call ahead at huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org for hours.
Amid the British grip, Huntington patriots showed real grit. The Historical Society's exhibit highlights families like the Conklins, who served the Crown in Robin Horn's artwork The Conklin Family: In Service to the Crown, contrasting with rowers and resisters in pieces like Michael Goudket's Rowing His Way into History.
Jeff Richman's talks dive deeper, sharing how townsfolk risked everything—homes raided, lives lost—for independence. The Culper Spy Ring's shadow looms large too; while centered nearby in Setauket, Huntington's North Shore spot fed into Washington's network, with markers at places like the Woodhull Home on Dyke Road.
Over at the Three Village Historical Society, see spy exhibits and the Thompson House doctor's book listing ring members. Stony Brook University Library holds original Washington letters to spymaster Abraham Woodhull—book a special collections visit. These stories remind us Huntington was no backwater; it was frontline in the shadows.
2026 cranks up the action for the 250th anniversary. The **Order of the Ancient and Honorable Huntington Militia** hosts a reenactment of Huntington Independence Day on July 8-9 at the Village Green, with musket drills, cannon firings, open-fire cooking, and family crafts. Expect militia musters, trades demos, and kids' musket practice—free and family-friendly.
Suffolk County's Suffolk250 initiative maps out more, with a keepsake book on Revolutionary sites and events across Long Island. Catch Historian Jeff Richman's illustrated patriot biographies talk at the Historical Society, complete with refreshments. Early birds noted February 28 tours of Joseph Lloyd Manor in nearby Lloyd Harbor, focusing on its Revolution-era role.
Huntington Town Hall has opened its vault for rare views of War docs (Tuesdays in October last year—watch for 2026 repeats). The militia's other hits include Candlelight Nights at Old Bethpage Village Restoration and Occupied Long Island events. Check huntingtonmilitia.com for schedules, and sufolk250.org for the full lineup.
With nearly a third of Revolution battles on New York soil, Huntington's slice feels personal and powerful. Grab the family, wear comfy shoes, and step into history—many events are free, others under $10. From the Village Green to Route 25A drives, it's easy to weave into a weekend outing.
Stay tuned to LI Daily for updates on these and more Long Island gems. Dive in, share your pics, and let's keep our revolutionary roots alive together!
