On U.S.'s 250th birthday year, Suffolk 'brings history alive' with Revolutionary War exhibit

They were “ordinary people” living through an extraordinary moment in history, tasked with choosing sides as Americans fought for independence from British rule during the Revolutionary War.

Those decisions to support the patriots fighting for independence or the loyalists backing the British serves as the core theme of “The American Revolution Experience,” an exhibit now on display at the H. Lee Dennison building in Hauppauge.

The exhibit, a collaboration between American Battlefield Trust and the Daughters of the American Revolution, is part of Suffolk County’s Suffolk 250 initiative to celebrate the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial on July 4.

Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine was joined by lawmakers, historians and members of the county’s 250 Planning Committee to unveil the exhibit, which is that will remain on display through April 23.

The exhibit traces the roots of the rebellion, outlines challenges people faced when choosing loyalty to the king or the fight for independence and features profiles of people on both sides “who contributed to this pivotal time in American history.” One section focuses on “Freedom or Slavery” and the role of African Americans who tried to determine which side would guarantee their liberty.

The Setauket-based Anna Smith Strong Chapter, part of the national Daughters of the American Revolution service organization, partnered with the county to bring the exhibit to Suffolk.

Chapter regent Nancy Dorney said the exhibit will be on display throughout the United States.

“I think it’s just so important,” she said. For children, in particular, she said the exhibit “brings history alive.”

Stephanie Gotard, executive director of the Huntington Historical Society, viewed the exhibit for the first time Tuesday and said she appreciated how it highlights Indigenous people like Han Yerry Tewahangarahken, who fought with the Patriot side.

“When I was young, you didn’t really hear about that,” she said.

Joseph Benty of Sagtikos Manor Historical Society dressed as Isaac Thompson, a leader of the patriots who lived at Sagtikos Manor during the Revolution. Wearing a tricorn hat common to the era, Benty was joined by Kurt Langer of the Historical Society of the Massapequas, who dressed as Brigadier General Oliver De Lancey, a British Redcoat.

“We’re trying to localize the story,” Benty said, adding that people are often unfamiliar with the many connections tying Long Island to the Revolution.

The county held its kickoff event for the yearlong 250th celebration last August at Sagtikos Manor in West Bay Shore.

Suzanne Johnson, president of the Rocky Point Historical Society, said members of different historical societies will set up at tables in the lobby for the duration of the exhibit to help answer people’s questions. 

The exhibit can be viewed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Additional events can be found at Suffolk250.org.