BAY SHORE, NY, August 6, 2025. Elected officials, Town Historians, and representatives of government agencies and local heritage organizations from across Suffolk County gathered at Sagtikos Manor in Bay Shore to kick off the celebration of 250 years of American Independence in 2026. A County committee has been meeting for the past several months to coordinate plans for next year’s celebrations. Government officials and local heritage organizations and museums in Huntington have been meeting as well. The theme of Huntington celebrations will focus on Liberty.
During the Bicentennial, Huntington adopted the Liberty flag as the official flag of the Town. There were many versions of the Liberty flag throughout the colonies. Huntington’s version was created when news of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence reached Huntington on July 22, 1776. Townspeople gathered on the Village Green to hear a reading of the Declaration, which was met with overwhelming support. On the nearby flagpole was a red flag featuring the word “LIBERTY” on one side and “GEORGE III” (the British King) on the reverse. In the upper left corner was the British Union Jack.
After the reading of the Declaration, the flag was lowered. The British Union Jack was removed from the flag, as was the name “George III.” What was left was a red flag proudly bearing word “LIBERTY” in white letters on one side. The discarded elements of the flag were then stuffed into an effigy of King George III that was hung on a gallows. The effigy was also stuffed with gunpowder. It was set aflame and exploded. Afterward the crowd gathered at Platt’s Tavern across the street where they drank thirteen patriotic toasts to Independence, General Washington, the Continental Congress, etc.
The next month, the new Liberty flag was carried to the Battle of Long Island by the Suffolk County Militia. The poorly trained and inadequately equipped American army was no match for the highly trained British army. The battle was lost, as was the Liberty flag, which was purportedly captured by Hessian troops.
In the lead up to the Bicentennial in 1976, the Town Board designated the Liberty flag as Huntington’s official Bicentennial flag. A couple of years later, it was designated as Huntington’s official flag. The flag was reproduced, and window decals were printed. It is unknown if any consideration was given to the appropriate typeface for the lettering. A Sans serif type was chosen; however, Sans serif type did not come into use until 1816.
Now as we prepare to celebrate the semiquincentennial of Independence, a more appropriate type face has been selected. Using a Liberty flag from Schenectady and the lettering on local grave markers from the time as a guide, a new typeface has been chosen.
The Liberty flag is the basis for Huntington’s 250th anniversary logo. The theme for the celebration also combines the Liberty flag with Huntington’s motto, which is “The Town Endures.” The theme of our celebration will be “Liberty Endures.”
The Huntington Historical Society will be asking residents what Liberty means to them. It is one of the inalienable rights specified in the Declaration of Independence. The Pledge of Allegiance promises Liberty for all. Patrick Henry demanded Liberty or Death. What does Liberty mean to you? Look for the Historical Society’s booth at events such as the Fall Festival as well as at local museums and libraries to share your thoughts as we celebrate 250 years of American Independence.
Huntington History 