Thursday, October 1, 2026
As the U.S. continues to celebrate its 250th anniversary this year, local community members gathered at the Freeport Memorial Library on July 13 to learn about the history of Long Island, through war, politics and significant events over the past two and half centuries.
The program, “250 Years of Long Island History,” was presented by historians Mike Salvarezza and Christopher Weaver of Eco-Photo Explorers as part of Freeport’s America 250 programming. The presentation explored Long Island’s role from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 to the present day.
Regina Feeney, the library’s archivist and village historian, said planning for the nation’s 250th anniversary began more than a year ago after she revisited how the community celebrated the Bicentennial in 1976.
“About a year and a half ago, as a village historian, I learned that we needed to plan events for the 250th,” Feeney said. “I approached the village and we put together a small committee of different groups. We got everyone that does stuff in Freeport to come up with events, and this was one of the library events that they had come up with.”
Salvarezza highlighted several Long Islanders who played key roles during the Revolutionary War, including members of the Culper Spy Ring, as well as Nathaniel Woodhull, who was fatally wounded and killed after refusing to pledge loyalty to the British. He also spoke about the thousands of Americans who died on the British prison ships in New York Harbor.
“A monument is erected in the Fort Greene area of Brooklyn,” Salvarezza said. “It’s called the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument, and it is dedicated to the memory of those 11,000 people that died in those prison ships.”
The presentation also explored the legacy of General William Floyd, a Long Island landowner and signer of the Declaration of Independence, George Washington’s 1792 tour of Long Island to thank Revolutionary War heroes and the disappearance of the British warship H.M.S. Sylph during the War of 1812. .
Salvarezza also recognized Long Island native Jupiter Hammon, believed to be the first published African American male poet and essayist.
Feeney explained why learning about history is important. “History repeats itself, and it also can bring understanding to the things that are happening now,” she said.
”Telling the story of America from the perspective of Long Islanders makes it more real to people because they can relate to people who lived here, survived it and helped form our country,” Feeney added.
The program was one of many America 250 events planned in Freeport to help residents reflect on Long Island's role in shaping the nation's history.
