Oysterponds Historical: America’s Story / Oysterponds’ Story … Let’s Celebrate Both / Upcoming Events ….

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Upcoming OHS Events

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Sincerely, Oysterponds:

The History of Orient & East Marion in Letters & Diaries

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Friday, July 3rd @ 7pm – Poquatuck Hall, 1160 Skippers Ln, Orient

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Come hear the story of Oysterponds, as told by those who lived it,
taken from the nearly 400 years of letters, diaries, poems, and writings
that are now a vital part of OHS’s archives.

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As part of OHS’s year-long commemoration of the U.S.’s birth as a nation, Sincerely, Oysterponds will be a FREE community reading featuring Steve Rabinowitz, Chris Wedge, Jennifer Babtist, Billy Hands, Sharon Lesser, and Alex McIntosh, along with some special guests.

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It promises to be an evening of discovery, community, and connection that tells the very human story of Oysterponds as only its own people could tell it.

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All are welcome. Note that although admission is free, seating is limited. We encourage advance registration and arriving at the event at least 15 minutes before its start. Please register here.

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17th Annual Heritage Day: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

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Sunday, July 5, 2026 – 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Old Point School House Lawn, 1555 Village Ln, Orient

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The 17th annual Heritage Day program will start with a parade down Orient’s Village Lane led by the Grand Marshal; followed by a welcome and invocation at the Old Point Schoolhouse; the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance; “God Bless America” sung by Franklin Mastrangelo; the reading of the Declaration of Independence by Oysterponds stalwarts; after which there’ll be hot dogs, sweets, kids’ games, and live music in Poquatuck Park.

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The history of Heritage Day: Local schoolmaster, tavern keeper, store owner, diarist, and Oysterponds native-son Augustus Griffin (1767-1866) began a tradition of the reading of the Declaration of Independence every July 4th. Many years later, that simple ceremony has grown into Heritage Day—an annual opportunity to fully acknowledge the innumerable generations of Oysterponders who came before us—starting with those who first settled the East End over 10,000 years ago.

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Oysterponds Historical Society celebrates all of Oysterponds history—the people and the lives they lived

and the artifacts and stories that have been handed down to us in the 21st century.

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Long Island History Hunt:

Redcoats & Rebels Edition

Get into the Revolutionary spirit and play along with the Redcoats & Rebels History Hunt challenge available at Long Island History Hunt where you’ll find designated local museums and landmarks (including Oysterponds Historical Society!) where history was made.

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Take a selfie by the flagpole in front of OHS’s Old Point Schoolhouse and then upload it in the app for cash, prizes, and bragging rights. Complete at least one challenge and upload it to be eligible to win a prize. Complete 10 and you could win $250. Complete all and you could win $1776 and cool merch. Go to: Long Island History Hunt.

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The Long Island History Hunt is made possible with generous funding from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation (rdlgfoundation.org).

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Suffolk County’s 250th Anniversary “Passport Book” Initiative

Suffolk County created a special, keepsake 250th “Passport Book” which invites residents and visitors alike to explore LI’s Revolutionary War sites, 18th-century landmarks, events, etc. Travel through the region’s historic towns, visit participating museums—including Oysterponds Historical Society—and heritage sites throughout 2026, and have your “Passport Book” stamped with a unique stamp at each stop and you’ll have both a personal souvenir as ell as a lasting symbol of America’s 250th Anniversary.

The Suffolk County 250th “Passport Book,” published through the collective efforts of the Suffolk County 250th Commemorative Planning Committee, is now available online through Amazon, Lulu.com, and as a free download.