This week in Huntington newsletter: Museum in the making gives us a peek into our history

The weekend is finally here, Huntington! I started last weekend at the opening of an exhibit I had previewed, "The Life and Legacy of Peter Crippen." It's a fascinating examination of one of Huntington’s early African American leaders, at Kasher Gallery & Studios in Northport, and the inaugural exhibit for Huntington’s proposed African American Museum, which will eventually be built in Halesite. 

Dozens of guests milled around the space looking at artifacts from archaeological digs at Crippen’s home, which was on Creek Road in Halesite. The pieces include paperwork, such as the original emancipation documents for Crippen and his father, a model of Peter Crippen's home and crockery. 

Crippen's home was dismantled last fall after falling into disrepair. It's believed to contain structural timbers from as early as the 17th century. The museum received salvageable pieces and has plans to eventually put them on display. 

There's still time for you to peek into this window of our town's past: The exhibit runs through June 22 at the gallery, at 19 Scudder Ave.

Where's your favorite place to view art in our town? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com.

Term-length change in Huntington Bay

Huntington Bay officials have approved doubling the term lengths of office for mayor and four trustee seats on the village board from two to four years.

I spoke with village Mayor Mark Dara, and he said the move is about efficiency. He said it’s hard for elected officials, in two years, to see projects they have proposed through to the end. He said longer terms also are a cost savings to residents because there will be fewer elections, and they eliminate frequent campaigning, which can be tiring for the candidates and the community.

The new terms will be phased in next year and fully in place by the 2028 elections, Dara said.

Do you think there should be term limits for elected officials? Let me know  at deborah.morris@newsday.com.

Elsewhere in town

• Are you a commuter on the Long Island Rail Road? As I write this, you're undoubtedly bracing for a possible strike. For the latest and to find out how that might affect you, follow along on our live blog. Our Huntington Station stop is on the Port Jefferson Branch.
• A developer is set to sell several buildings in Huntington Station that helped boost the community's efforts to revitalize. Check out Celia Young's story.
• Huntington Hospital was among 12 hospitals on Long Island that received an A grade for patient safety in a report from a nonprofit watchdog agency. 
• Matthew Almond, of Huntington, was among those featured in our annual check-in with Long Island valedictorians 10 years later. He's a compensation analyst for the NFL. 
• Twin Ponds in Centerport is one of the spots listed in Newsday's guide to freshwater fishing in ponds and lakes. It's 5 acres located in the Betty Allen Nature Preserve.

Things to do

Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week.

"Just Powers: Long Island Biennial 2026"

When: May 16-Sept. 13. Regular hours Thursday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

What: This new exhibit features works by LI artists revealing "how democratic ideals are interpreted, challenged and reimagined today," according to the museum website.

Where: The Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington

Information: Check here for more.

Waterfront Festival

When: Sunday, May 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
What: Hosted by the Greater Huntington Boating Council, the festival includes boating safety information and resources, live music, food trucks, craft vendors, marine equipment and boats on display, a beer tent and more. 

Where: Mill Dam Park, 25 Mill Dam Rd., Halesite

Information:  Admission is free. For more information, go here. 

Laser light and music show

When: May 16-17, 4 p.m.
What: The show features the greatest hits of Michael Jackson including "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Thriller" and more.
Where: Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum & Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Rd., Centerport

Information: Tickets are $20. Get them here. 

Find more things to do at newsday.com/lifestyle.