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Welcome to the The Suffolk 250 Newsletter

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Message from Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine

As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, Suffolk County has a unique opportunity to reflect on our history while shaping our future.

From the legacy of the Culper Spy Ring to the many communities that supported the Revolutionary cause, Suffolk County has long played a meaningful role in America’s story. Today, through the SUFFOLK 250 initiative, we are bringing that history to life through events, education, and community engagement across our region.

In the months ahead, residents will have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of programs, including our historic passport initiative and local events that celebrate our shared heritage.

Together, we will celebrate our past and help shape Suffolk County’s future.

Sincerely,

Edward P. Romaine

Suffolk County Executive

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Celebrating Suffolk’s Past.

Shaping Its Future.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Suffolk County is offering our residents many opportunities to join the SUFFOLK 250 initiative, and commemorate America’s Semi-Quincentennial.

Suffolk County played a vital role in the American Revolution, and in 2026, that story comes alive through a year-long series of events across the region. From reenactments and lectures to festivals, tours, and family-friendly experiences, residents and visitors alike are invited to step into the world of 1776 and beyond.

These events are designed not only to commemorate the past, but to educate, engage, and connect communities of all ages through shared experiences and storytelling.

The Suffolk250 website is packed with information, and here is a glimpse of what you’ll find.

Featured Events & Experiences

This year’s calendar is filled with dynamic programming that highlights Suffolk County’s unique heritage.

Be sure to check the official Suffolk 250 Event Calendar regularly because new events are being added as communities across the county join the celebration. suffolk250.org

In addition to the many events on the calendar entered by local historical societies, museums, towns and villages, the County of Suffolk has two signature events happening in April – The American Revolution Experience Traveling Exhibit and Planting it Forward to 2276.

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Suffolk County will host the nationally recognized American Revolution Experience Traveling Exhibit, an engaging multimedia exhibition created by the American Battlefield Trust in partnership with the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The exhibit will be on display April 14 through April 23, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the lobby of the H. Lee Dennison Building, located at 100 Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge. The American Revolution Experience Traveling Exhibit is part of a national initiative by the American Battlefield Trust and the Daughters of the American Revolution to bring Revolutionary War history to people across America. Suffolk County’s co-sponsor of this program is the Anna Smith Strong Chapter of Setauket.

A kickoff ceremony for the exhibit will take place on April 14 at 12:30 p.m. in the lobby of the H. Lee Dennison Building. The event will mark the official opening of the exhibit and celebrate Suffolk County’s participation in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the founding of the United States.

The exhibit is free and open to the public during normal building hours.

For more information about the American Revolution Experience Traveling Exhibit, visit:

www.battlefields.org

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Planting It Forward: Leaving a Living Legacy

At the heart of SUFFOLK 250 is a commitment not only to honor the past, but to invest in the future. Planting It Forward encourages individuals, families, and organizations to contribute to a lasting legacy by planting trees, supporting community beautification, and participating in sustainability efforts that will benefit generations to come. Residents can also dedicate their trees to a loved one, and download a commemorative 250 certificate!

This initiative reflects the same spirit of stewardship and resilience that defined Suffolk County’s earliest communities, ensuring that the impact of this anniversary extends far beyond 2026. Learn more at: www.suffolk250.org and click the Planting it Forward link.

Explore with the Suffolk 250 Passport Book

Residents and visitors can deepen their experience through the Suffolk 250 Passport Book, a county-wide guide to Revolutionary War sites, museums, and historic landmarks.

Travel across Long Island, visit participating locations, and collect commemorative stamps along the way; creating a personal keepsake of this historic milestone. (suffolk250.org)

The Suffolk County 250th “Passport Book” is now available online through Barnes and Noble Online (not the retail locations) (not the retail locations), Amazon, Lulu.com, and as a free download.

This book was published through the collective efforts of the Suffolk County 250th Commemorative Planning Committee.

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Looking Ahead to July 4th

Learn more about Freedom Fest at

https://www.licountry.com/freedom-fest-2026/

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Join us for AMERICA’S FAVORITE PASTIME

County Executive Ed Romaine and Special Guest “George Washington” will be throwing out the first pitch on July 4th. Enjoy the largest Fireworks Display in Ducks History July 2-4, 2026. Fairfield Properties Ballpark, 3 Court House Drive, Central Islip, NY 11722

There will be three consecutive fireworks shows following the games on July 2, 3 and 4, which will be the largest Fireworks Spectaculars in Ducks history. Suffolk County will be giving away 250 Passport Books and a 250 collector’s stamp.

Additional promotional surprises for these games may be announced at a later date. Visit the LI Ducks website.

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