Oysterponds Historical Society July 4th Weekend Events: Exhibits & 17th Annual Heritage Day ….

Sincerely, Oysterponds:

The History of Orient & East Marion in Letters & Diaries

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

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.

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.

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.

All are welcome.

Note that although admission is free, due to overwhelming interest there are very few available seats remaining. We encourage advance registration and arriving at the event at least 15 minutes before its start. Please register here.

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

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

Old Point School House Lawn, 1555 Village Ln, Orient

The 17th annual Heritage Day program will start with a parade down Orient’s Village Lane led by Grand Marshal Bea Lalli; 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 by the Mudflats in Poquatuck Park.

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.

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.

And don’t forget…

It’s never too early to buy your tickets to the OHS Summer Benefit & Auction!

Saturday, August 1st @ 5pm – Poquatuck Park, Village Lane, Orient

The OHS Summer Benefit & Auction returns to one of the East End’s most beautiful settings—Poquatuck Park, overlooking Orient Harbor at sunset.

Purchase your tickets here.