As America 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/
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 Amazon, or it can be downloaded for free from the committee website at https://www.suffolk250.org/ You’ll see the SIHM entry on page 69!