The year 2026 marks the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence—a milestone that invites us to rediscover America’s origins and the stories that shaped our nation. To commemorate this historic occasion, the Suffolk County 250th Commemorative Planning Committee, commissioned by County Executive Edward P. Romaine, has created a special 250th Passport Book. This keepsake book invites residents and visitors alike to explore Long Island’s Revolutionary War sites, 18th-century landmarks, special exhibits and events in Suffolk and Nassau counties. This book is available print-on-demand and is sold at the minimal and non-profit price. An alternate version is available as a free pdf download from the www.suffolk250.org website or on the Suffolk250 App!

Travel through Long Island's historic towns, visit participating museums and heritage sites throughout 2026, and collect a unique commemorative stamp at each stop. When complete, your passport becomes both a personal souvenir and a symbol of America's 250th Anniversary.

THE TRUE STORY OF THE CULPER SPY RING - BILL BLYER

FEBRUARY 22, 2026 @ 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Members free; non-members $5 at door

Learn the true story of the Culper Spy Ring from former Newsday reporter Bill Bleyer, author of George Washington’s Long Island Spy Ring: A History and Tour Guide. History buffs have long been fascinated by the operation of the Long Island-based Culper Spy Ring during the American Revolution, especially since the airing of the AMC series “Turn.” Over the years, there have been many legends, such as the role played by Anna Strong’s clothesline, and suppositions about how the spies operated to support George Washington’s Continental Army.  The PowerPoint lecture separates facts from fiction and details the ingenious operation of the intelligence network that helped the Patriots win the war.

IT'S OSCAR PARTY TIME - 1960 STYLE!

SATURDAY, MARCH 7TH - 7:30 P.M.

Members $10; non-members $20

Babylon Village Museum 117 W. Main Street, Babylon, NY

Walk the red carpet and enjoy the best of a vintage year.

Oscar attire is optional.  Refreshments will be served.

Reservations are required, space is limited - 631-669-1756.

REMEMBERING THE LADIES: LONG ISLAND WOMEN DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR - NATALIE NAYLOR

MARCH 21, 2026 @ 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Members free; non-members $5 at door

Women are almost invisible in most accounts of the Revolutionary War on Long Island, though they experienced more than seven years of British occupation, skirmishes, and calculated humiliations. This PowerPoint presentation sheds light on what life was like for women during the war and how they coped.

PRIVATE TOUR OF RAYNHAM HALL, OYSTER BAY – $8

APRIL 12 @ 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Explore 300 years of espionage, trade, and labor.  Learn how the Townsends of Oyster Bay were crucial in planning and carrying out the American Revolution.  Must provide your own transportation.

Reservations required 631-796-1016, space is limited.