By Karen Bloom
There's always much to see and enjoy throughout the village, particularly this time of year when the resident farm animals and their offspring delight young and old.
The highlight this weekend takes place Sunday, May 31, when the Huntington Militia encamps at the village. The militia demonstrates military camp life, conducts drills and fires genuine muskets. The action takes place alongside the 18th-century Martin Schenck House, with demonstrations from crafts people and opportunities for children to march, drill and learn to fire a �musket.�
The Order of the Ancient and Honorable Huntington Militia, one of the oldest organizations in the U.S., was formed in 1653 to provide defense for the Dutch settlements of New Netherlands. In 1666, two years after Huntington was made part of the Colony of New York, the Militia became part of the New York Provincial forces. Trained volunteers from Huntington served honorably in the French and Indian Wars, and at the outbreak of the Revolution, the Militia voted to form an independent company to defend the town in the name of the Continental Congress.
Soon after, it formed the nucleus of the first Suffolk County Regiment of Militia and raised several companies, which later fought in the battles of Long Island, Harlem Heights and White Plains. After the Battle of White Plains, the unit dispersed, but some militiamen formed an organization of guerrilla fighters in Connecticut to raid occupied Long Island and the Militia was eventually re-established after the Revolution. The Town of Huntington reactivated the Huntington Militia in l974 to serve in a ceremonial capacity as its official Colonial Guard and as a living link to America�s past.
�Long Island is so involved with American Revolution, which is an important part of Old Bethpage Village�s legacy,� said OBVR Site Director and Curator Jim McKenna. �The Huntington Militia is an excellent Revolutionary War organization that does a great job of interpreting the Revolutionary War.�
Over 1,000 visitors are expected to take part in this popular event. �Everyone has a lot fun,� McKenna said.�It's a great opportunity to learn about an important part of Long Island's past.�
The day goes something like this:
It is the end of May 1775 and there is turmoil in the colonies. The Second Continental Congress debates in Philadephia and Washington has an army on the field in Boston. The people of Long Island are split. Many favor revolution while just as many demand loyalty to Great Britian. Visitors get to be a part of this critical period in our nation's history.
Decide for yourself � will you remain loyal or will you choose revolution? Relive this critical period in American history; speak with people of the past, hear their opinions � and share yours! Then watch and learn how the Huntington Militia prepares for possible conflict. The muskets will fire, the cannons roar, and all can take part in a militia drill.
As part of the day�s action, parents and kids can learn how to march and fire a musket in battle.
But it is not all about the military. Another focus of the event is to demonstrate how everyday people lead their lives: cooking over an open camp fire, participating in a meeting of the Committee of Safety and relaxing with family games of the period.
\ And be on the lookout for spies! The kids will enjoy the Militia's interactive �spy school� where they will learn the tricks of the spy trade: how to send secret messages and write messages with disappearing ink.
�Long Island was the base for a lot of George Washington's spies,� McKenna said. �Many spies lived here.�
That history comes alive as spy school students find out what it was like to become one of General Washington's spies. It�s a unique look at the region�s past.
Huntington Militia at
Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Sunday, May 31, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, June 7.
Admission: $10 adults, $7 seniors (60+) and children 5-12. Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage. (516) 572-8400.
