As our nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, every town, village, hamlet, historical society, civic group, school, library, and neighborhood organization across Suffolk County has been invited to take part in the planning and celebration. Whether through parades, public art, festivals, lectures, reenactments, storytelling, or community service projects, we want every corner of our county to reflect the spirit of 1776 and showcase our diverse contributions to the American story.
The Shelter Island History Museum is a proud member of the Suffolk250 committee and we are eager to announce events and exhibits related to local Revolutionary-era history for 2026.
Mark these 2026 dates on your calendar!
March:
7th – Spinning Wheel Program, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Shelter Island History Museum
May:
31st – “Historic Homes” Presentation by Zachary Studenroth, 2-3:30 p.m., Shelter Island History Museum
June:
6th – Historic House Tour, Reception and Grand Opening of Shelter Island in the Revolution exhibit, all day, Shelter Island History Museum
28th – Historic Sunday, 10 a.m., Shelter Island History Museum and Union Chapel
July:
12th – “Culper Spy Ring,” Presentation by Bill Bleyer, 2-3:30 p.m., Shelter Island History Museum
18th (tentative) – Anniversary Celebration at the Artemas Ward estate , Time TBD
August:
2nd – “Battle of Long Island,” Presentation by Noel Gish, 2-3 p.m., Shelter Island History Museum
Keep up with local 250th events and programs across Suffolk County with this interactive map and calendar: https://gisapps.suffolkcountyny.gov/longisland250/
The Shelter Island History Museum is a proud member of the Suffolk250 committee and we are eager to announce events and exhibits related to local Revolutionary-era history for 2026.
Mark these 2026 dates on your calendar!
March:
7th – Spinning Wheel Program, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Shelter Island History Museum
May:
31st – “Historic Homes” Presentation by Zachary Studenroth, 2-3:30 p.m., Shelter Island History Museum
June:
6th – Historic House Tour, Reception and Grand Opening of Shelter Island in the Revolution exhibit, all day, Shelter Island History Museum
28th – Historic Sunday, 10 a.m., Shelter Island History Museum and Union Chapel
July:
12th – “Culper Spy Ring,” Presentation by Bill Bleyer, 2-3:30 p.m., Shelter Island History Museum
18th (tentative) – Anniversary Celebration at the Artemas Ward estate , Time TBD
August:
2nd – “Battle of Long Island,” Presentation by Noel Gish, 2-3 p.m., Shelter Island History Museum
Keep up with local 250th events and programs across Suffolk County with this interactive map and calendar: https://gisapps.suffolkcountyny.gov/longisland250/
JOIN THE 250 CLUB!
BECOME A 250 CLUB MEMBER BY MAY 31 TO BE LISTED ON THE 250 DONOR WALL AND WEBSITE BEFORE OUR JULY 4 CELEBRATIONS!
BECOME A 250 CLUB MEMBER BY MAY 31 TO BE LISTED ON THE 250 DONOR WALL AND WEBSITE BEFORE OUR JULY 4 CELEBRATIONS!
The United States of America was born 250 years ago when our nation’s founders gathered in Philadelphia to sign a Declaration of Independence from British rule. Those strokes of a quill were marked by eight years of warfare between a scrappy Continental Army and a British military machine that touched every region of the fledgling country, including Shelter Island.
The Shelter Island History Museum is embarking on a year-long effort to tell the stories about our Island’s role in this nation’s birth. You can be a part of that journey by joining our 250 Club that will support the many programs and exhibits the Museum has in store.
250 Club Membership Levels:
As a 250 Club member, starting at the $125 level, you will enjoy these benefits:
$125 — 250th Anniversary ornament; copy of Shelter Island in the Revolution by Helen O. Lamont.
$250 -- All the benefits of a $125 member, plus: invitation to an exclusive preview of our opening exhibit June 6.
$500 — All the benefits of a $250 member, plus: two admissions to the Historic House Tour.
$1,250 -- All the benefits of a $250 member, plus: four admissions to the Historic House Tour; monthly email update from the Executive Director.
$2,500 -- All the benefits of a $1250 member, plus: private museum tour with refreshments for up to six people.
Above $2,500 -- Please call our executive director to discuss how we may best recognize your support.
The Shelter Island History Museum is embarking on a year-long effort to tell the stories about our Island’s role in this nation’s birth. You can be a part of that journey by joining our 250 Club that will support the many programs and exhibits the Museum has in store.
250 Club Membership Levels:
As a 250 Club member, starting at the $125 level, you will enjoy these benefits:
$125 — 250th Anniversary ornament; copy of Shelter Island in the Revolution by Helen O. Lamont.
$250 -- All the benefits of a $125 member, plus: invitation to an exclusive preview of our opening exhibit June 6.
$500 — All the benefits of a $250 member, plus: two admissions to the Historic House Tour.
$1,250 -- All the benefits of a $250 member, plus: four admissions to the Historic House Tour; monthly email update from the Executive Director.
$2,500 -- All the benefits of a $1250 member, plus: private museum tour with refreshments for up to six people.
Above $2,500 -- Please call our executive director to discuss how we may best recognize your support.
BECOME A MEMBER NOW!
Join by clicking the Donate Now button below
or mail your check to 250 Club, Shelter Island History Museum, PO Box 847, Shelter Island, NY 11964.
YOU CAN ALSO SIGN UP FOR AUTOMATIC MONTHLY DONATIONS.
Your membership in the 250 Club supports our mission to collect and preserve the artifacts, records and stories that define this island's unique history. At the heart of that history and our collection is the Havens family and their home. Havens House was built on 1,000 acres in 1743 by William Havens. William’s son, the patriot Captain James Havens, was a privateer during the War for Independence and was a Representative of Suffolk County in the New York Provincial Congress of 1776. Havens House was a frequent meeting place for the Island’s patriots and is believed to be where 39 Islanders, including James Havens, signed their own Declaration of Independence in May 1775 after the Battle of Lexington in April of that year. Though British forces blockaded Gardiner’s Bay, they never occupied the Island. Instead, they pillaged crops, livestock and forests, and terrorized many of our residents.
For nearly three centuries Havens House has stood resolute through war and harsh weather; for the last six decades it has been home to the Shelter Island History Museum. As stewards of this historic landmark, we are committed to the challenge of preserving the historic house for present and future generations.
We invite you to visit us at Havens House and welcome your membership in the 250 Club!
We invite you to visit us at Havens House and welcome your membership in the 250 Club!
GOT YOUR PASSPORT YET?
That would be the “Suffolk County 250th Anniversary Historical Passport," published by the Suffolk County 250th Commemorative Planning Committee. According to the intro, the Passport is a “guide to exploring the landmarks, museums, and historic sites that tell the story of our nation’s fight for independence and Long Island’s role in it. Each page features a participating site or sponsoring organization with a brief description and space for your commemorative stamp.” A physical copy of the Passport is available for a small fee on Barnes and Noble Online (not available at retail locations), Amazon, Lulu.com, or as a free download. For further information, see the committee website at www.suffolk250.org. You’ll see the SIHM entry on page 72!