On June 13th, OHS will host a free, family-friendly Revolutionary War Encampment & Living History Day at Poquatuck Park as part of our ongoing commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The highlight of the day will be a historically accurate Revolutionary War encampment presented by the New York 3rd Regiment. Visitors can also enjoy period music performed by local musicians and a variety of educational activities for all ages.
Rounding out the day, the Webb House will be open to visitors for its new exhibition, When the War Came Home: Oysterponds & the American Revolution. The exhibit features historic artifacts from Revolutionary War-era Oysterponds and tells the story of how 18th-century residents of present-day East Marion and Orient navigated divided loyalties and wartime hardship — and ultimately emerged battered but triumphant. This exhibition is made possible in part through the generous support of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation and its 250th Commemoration Grant for 2026. Their dedication to the local community makes this event possible, and we extend our sincere gratitude for their support.
We are also proud to be participating in Suffolk County’s 250th Anniversary “Passport Book” initiative and the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation History Hunt to commemorate this special time in our history.
About the Suffolk County’s 250th Anniversary “Passport Book” initiative
The Suffolk County 250th Commemorative Planning Committee created a special 250th “Passport Book.”
This keepsake book invites residents and visitors alike to explore Long Island’s Revolutionary War sites, 18th-century landmarks, special exhibits, and events in Suffolk and Nassau counties. Travel through Long Island’s historic towns, visit participating museums—including Oysterponds Historical Society—and heritage sites throughout 2026, and have your “Passport Book” stamped with a unique commemorative stamp at each stop. When complete, your passport becomes both a personal souvenir and a symbol of America’s 250th Anniversary.
The Suffolk County 250th “Passport Book” is now available online through Barnes and Noble Online (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.
Visit www.suffolk250.org for more information.
About the “Redcoats & Rebels” History Hunt
May 25 – Sept. 30: Get into the Revolutionary spirit and play along with the Redcoats & Rebels History Hunt challenge available at Long Island History Hunt where you’ll find designated local museums and landmarks where history was made. The Hunt runs from Memorial Day, May 25 through September 30, 2026. Presented by the Robert D.L. Gardiner Foundation.
OHS is proud to be a participant and invites you to visit the Orange Webb House on the OHS campus at 1555 Village Lane, Orient. Orange Webb was a merchant and an innkeeper. With his wife, Frances Sandiforth, they had nine children. His house—now called Webb House—is located on the OHS campus, after having been moved two times over the past 250 years. As a merchant and business owner, he felt the tax burden the British government continued to heap onto the colonists in the years leading up to the War for Independence. Long Island was viewed as British territory and, as a result, many Patriots regarded those who remained on Long Island—as Webb did—as British loyalists, crown sympathizers—and the enemy. Some Patriots used this to justify violent raids on the locals. Like many of his neighbors who were just trying to survive day-to-day, Webb often found himself caught in the middle between the Patriots and the Loyalists. When Webb left for a brief period, the British looted his house and terrorized his family. What they couldn’t carry, they spitefully destroyed. Then he found himself at the mercy of rebel forces. After a supply raid in December 1777, the Patriot troops captured civilians, including Webb! He was forcibly taken to Connecticut and labeled “Prisoner to the Americans” despite his earlier professing loyalty to the Patriot cause. Upon his release, he returned home and lived quietly for the remainder of the war.
Take a selfie by the flagpole in front of OHS’s Old Point Schoolhouse and then upload it in the app for cash, prizes, and bragging rights. Complete at least one challenge and upload it to be eligible to win a prize. Complete 10 and you could win $250. Complete all and you could win $1776 and cool merch. Go to: Long Island History Hunt
The painting below—the largest in the OHS collection—represents a noteworthy example of a Revolutionary War-themed art. Presently occupying a central place in the downstairs hallway of OHS’s Webb House, it celebrates Independence Day and is signed J. A. Woodside and dated July 5, 1832—56 years and one day after the momentous event it commemorates. The center of the painting is dominated by a large, winged female figure. At the time it was painted, no single allegorical figure had been definitively established to represent the ideals of the new republic; the figure here, however, most likely represents Liberty or Columbia.
“July 4, 1776” – J. A. Woodside. Oil on wood, 1832. 54 ½ x 45 ½ inches.
Forming a circle around the central figure are 13 roundels, each depicting the state seal of one of the original 13 colonies and arranged counterclockwise in geographical order, beginning with New Hampshire at the left of the central ellipse that frames the date July 4, 1776, and ending with Georgia. At the top, a large bald eagle with the elements of the seal of the United States spreads its wings over much of the painting. Flags add even more patriotic symbols. The roundels are surrounded by elaborate acanthus-like frames and are entwined with roses, leaves, swags, and other flowers.
John Archibald Woodside (1781-1852) was born in Philadelphia and, in the first half of the 19th century, became the best-known and most sought-after sign and coach painter in that city. He may have studied with Philadelphia artist Matthew Pratt, who himself had studied in London with Benjamin West (as did Oysterponds artist Abraham J. D. Tuthill). Although Woodside painted signs, fire buckets, regimental colors, banners, drums, and coaches, he is best known for his fire-engine panels and may have been the first to decorate a locomotive. He also exhibited easel paintings at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts between 1817 and 1836.
Celebrate Suffolk County’s Role in America’s 250th Anniversary – visit www.Suffolk250.org
Join us in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a year-long series of events across Suffolk County! As one of the most historic regions in New York, Suffolk County played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. From colonial-era homesteads to battlefield sites, our rich history comes to life through reenactments, lectures, tours, festivals, and family-friendly activities.
Long before the Revolution, this land was home to the Indigenous peoples of the region, including Shinnecock, Montaukett, and Unkechaug Nations, who played a vital role in shaping the history of Long Island. We have many opportunities to delve into the intriguing ways that European settlers and Indigenous peoples contributed to our unique story in profound ways.
Explore our 250th Anniversary Event Calendar to discover the many ways you can engage with history. Visit our historic sites, where you can walk in the footsteps of our ancestors and experience the spirit of 1776 firsthand. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with the past and celebrate the legacy of American independence right here in Suffolk County.
Check back often as new events are added and be sure to follow along as we honor our shared history. Plan your visits today and be part of this unforgettable milestone.
Visit www.suffolk250.org for more information.