Southold is gearing up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this year, with a year chock-full of patriotic and historical festivities.
Several local organizations will host events commemorating the semi-quincentennial celebration of the country — with parades, tea parties, performances, lectures, contests, a wedding and more, there’s something for everyone to look forward to this year.
Southold Town historian Amy Folktold The Suffolk Times more than 30 events have been scheduled throughout the community to commemorate the milestone, with even more in the works.
“[In] Southold, just about every single historic community as well as our cultural groups are all helping to participate in this,” Ms. Folk said. “It is fabulous how they’re all coming together.”
While many celebrations will be held in the summer, some organizations have hit the ground running to embrace Revolutionary War-era history.
The Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council and Museums kicked off its series of events in January, with a lecture on what Southold was like before the Revolutionary War. On Sunday, Feb. 22, Ms. Folk will host anotherlectureabout what happened in Southold during the Revolutionary War in partnership with the CNSHCM at Cutchogue New Suffolk Free Library.
“We have, on Long Island, a unique history that is not well known, where we are probably one of the only places that was an occupied land during the Revolution,” Ms. Folk said.
To play into that unique facet of Long Island’s history, the CNSHCM will host a moderateddebatebetween a loyalist and patriot at Cutchogue New Suffolk Free Library on July 11. There, costumed actors will portray historically notable Revolutionary War nemeses loyalist Parker Wickham and patriot Jared Landon using their own words.
Folks can also be on the lookout for include a performance of the musical “1776” at North Fork Community Theatre from March 12 through March 29 to venture back in time to the room where it happened. For ticketing information, call 631-298-6328 or visitNFCT.com.
Another unique event on the itinerary for history aficionados this year is a recreation of alocal colonial weddingthat predates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on June 20 at Cutchogue Presbyterian Church. The wedding will celebrate the union of local Revolutionary War soldier Gershom Terry and Elizabeth Case Terry.
Source: The Suffolk Times
