"Liberty at Sea"
"Liberty at Sea" is a new year long program commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The museum will host a series of programs and events to celebrate!
The Whaling Museum Society, Inc. was founded in 1936 to provide the community with a vital link to one of Long Island’s earliest major industries — whaling. Whaling was among Long Island’s most important commercial sectors, shaping its economy, society, and America’s rise as an international power in the 19th century. In the revolutionary war era, whalers from Long Island were the most ardent supporters of independence bringing with them not only maritime skills but also fierce revolutionary spirit quick to take up arms - or sails - in defiance of British rule. Join us for special Liberty 250 events throughout 2026.
Travel back in time with us!
Travel back in time with us!
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Spot the star! When an event or program has a star that means it's part of our special "Liberty at Sea" series celebrating 250 years of Independence! |
Upcoming Programs
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Sat, April 18 | Kids | 1 - 3PM Two if by Sea: Lantern Worskhop Join us on the anniversary of Paul Revere's famous midnight ride for a fun and illuminating craft workshop! Discover how lanterns have been used to keep sailors safe at sea and to send secret signals during the American Revolution. Create a festive, decoupaged lantern jar to light up your home! $8 Member; Admission +$12 Participant |
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Sun, June 14 | Kids | 11 - 1PM Stars & Stripes Signal Flags Flags tell stories! Explore how mariners used flags to communicate at sea, and how a young nation designed a flag to represent freedom. Study real signal flags and design your own signal flag as a vexillologist (a flag expert!) for the day. $8 Member; Admission +$12 Participant |
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Fri, June 19 | Kids | 11 - 1PM Liberty at Sea Set sail on a 250-year-old adventure and discover the incredible heroes who found freedom and fame on the high seas! Uncover the true stories of African American mariners who braved giant whales and roaring oceans to build a new nation. Then, grab your tools to build your own wooden ship and launch your own voyage for liberty! $8 Member; Admission +$12 Participant |
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Wed, June 24 | 6:30pm Beyond the Book: Travels with George Travels with George: In Search of Washington and his Legacy by Nathaniel Philbrick. In time for summer road trip season, join us to discuss this unique blend of history book and travel narrative from the award-winning author of In the Heart of the Sea. In Travels with George, Philbrick retraces Washington’s 1789 presidential tour through the loose and quarrelsome confederation of ex-colonies in an attempt to sell citizens on the new government and the idea of being “American.” Alongside his wife and dog, Philbrick follows Washington from Mount Vernon to the new capital in New York and eventually out onto Long Island (and through Cold Spring Harbor) while considering how the nation’s early history is understood and commemorated today, all while grappling with the moral tangle of Washington’s legacy. Free for museum members and patrons of Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington and South Huntington libraries. $15 Participant |
Past Programs
We gratefully acknowledge our program supporters
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Suffolk County Events
Explore Suffolk County 250th Anniversary Events to discover the many ways you can engage with history. Visit 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.
