Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary

Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary

Join us in celebrating America’s semiquincentennial throughout the year with programs and displays for all ages!

Becoming the United States: Colonial America to Reconstruction
A Long Island Library Resources Council Traveling Exhibition
on display at Emma Clark Library from May 21 – June 24

This exhibit was created by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History using items from their collection. It explores individuals, groups, and documents that have contributed to the history of the United States.

From Sea to Shining Sea: Community Art Exhibition
Mid-June – August

Visit the Library this summer to view this collaborative art display at our Library Café Gallery. This exhibit includes American landscape paintings from our patrons of all ages. All canvases together will reveal a beautiful patchwork display, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

Theodore Roosevelt on Film: The First Presidential Movie Star (In-Person; Adults)

Wednesday, June 3, 12:00 – 1:45 p.m.
The 26th President of the United States – Oyster Bay’s own Theodore Roosevelt – wowed early movie-goers with his energetic on-screen persona. The magnetic Mr. Roosevelt could have easily signed a movie contract. While Roosevelt was in office, nearly two hundred short films of Roosevelt or Roosevelt imitators were made, but only a fraction survive. Film historian Glenn Andreiev will share these rare film clips. Register for Theodore Roosevelt on Film here now.

Unsung Heroes: LGBTQ Activists & Advocates (In-Person; Adults, Teens & Tweens)

Thursday, June 4, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Take pride in American history and discover LGBTQ activists and advocates who stood up to prejudice and ignorance. Celebrate the pioneers of the LGBTQ rights movement by learning about Barbara Gittings, Dr. John Fryer and more! Taught by Howard Rosenberg. Open to all Suffolk County residents – Adults, Teens, and Tweens. Register for Unsung Heroes here now.

Miles Davis at 100: A Birthday Celebration with Wayne Tucker (In-Person; Adults)

Sunday, June 14, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
American jazz legend Miles Davis would have turned 100 on May 26th. Join us to celebrate his life and legacy with Grammy-nominated trumpet player and vocalist Wayne Tucker and his band. From the Bebop era of the late 40s to his funk hit “We Want Miles”, we are going to celebrate Miles in a way you have not yet heard! Register for Miles Davis at 100 here now.

Juneteenth: A History (In-Person; Adults, Teens & Tweens)

Monday, June 15, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Let’s delve into the history and celebration of Juneteenth with Professor Andrew “Sekou” Jackson, Executive Director Emeritus of the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center. Open to all Suffolk County residents. Register for Juneteenth: A History here now.

Cooking with Chef Rob: Apple Pie (In-Person; Adults)

Tuesday, June 16, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. OR 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Chef Rob will guide you step-by-step as you prepare an All-American Crustless Apple Crumb Pie to take home and bake! He will also prepare Roasted Shrimp that you can sample while making your pie. Food samples and recipes will be provided. Please note: You must bring three large, crisp apples, two medium bowls, one 7-inch pan for baking, and a small cutting board.
Register for the 3:00 p.m. Cooking with Chef Rob now.
Register for the 6:30 p.m. Cooking with Chef Rob now.

Freedom Wreaths (Children in Grades K – 5 with caregiver)

Monday, June 29, 11:30 am. – 12:15 p.m.
Turn a ring and fabric strips into a wreath to hang for America’s 205th birthday. Register for Freedom Wreaths here starting 6/23.

**Savvy Sightseer’s Destination Travelogue: Go West! National Parks & Canyons (In-Person; Adults)**

Monday, June 29, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Join “Savvy Sightseer” Jeanne Schnupp as she presents a photographic tour of the dramatic and jaw-dropping vistas of Arizona, Utah and the Navajo Nation. She’ll share photos and stories of the majestic Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley and Zion National Park. Open to all Suffolk County residents. Register for Go West! here now.

Star-Spangled Celebration (Families with children ages 3 – 11 years old)

Wednesday, July 1, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday by creating your own accessories to top off your red, white, and blue attire for this extra special 4th of July. While supplies last. No registration required.

What Entertained the Founding Fathers (In-Person; Adults)

Wednesday, July 1, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Learn about the dances, songs, plays, and concerts enjoyed by the Founding Fathers and Mothers. Long-time Playbill managing editor Robert Viagas will help to humanize the giants who created the United States 250 years ago. Open to all Suffolk County residents. Register for What Entertained the Founding Fathers here starting 6/22.

Patriotic Pirates (Children in Grades 1 – 5)

Thursday, July 2, 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Uncover the stories of real-life pirates who helped win America’s freedom. Handle pirate treasures from the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum’s collection and make your own pirate treasure chest to take home. Register for Patriotic Pirates here starting 6/24.

Tin-Smithing (Children in Grades 1 – 5)

Friday, July 3, 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
Travel back to the 1800s with the Suffolk County Farm by creating a luminary the old-fashioned way – with metal, hammers, and nails! Register for Tin-Smithing here starting 6/26.

Historical Gravestone Cleaning (Teens & Tweens in Grades 6 – 12)

Location: Union Cemetery, Middle Island

Thursday, July 9, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Honor the 250^th Anniversary of the formation of the United States of America by volunteering your time safely cleaning historical gravestones in a local cemetery. Representatives from Long Island Graveyards and Cemeteries volunteer group will teach you how to properly clean historical stones using safe chemicals and materials, and explain the historical significance of the graveyard and it’s occupants. Please dress for a mess and bring cleaning gloves if you so desire. All teens and tweens must be accompanied by a supervising adult age 18 years or older. Library staff will also be in attendance. Earn 2.5 hours of community service credit for volunteering. Teens and Tweens must complete the Library Teen & Tween Volunteering in the Community Application and Parental Consent Form found here before volunteering: https://teen.emmaclark.org/library-volunteering/
Register for Historical Gravestone Cleaning here starting 6/16.

Museum Tour and Book Discussion (Teens & Tweens in Grades 6 – 12)

Long Island in the ‘70s exhibit at The Long Island Museum and Bones of a Saint Book Discussion

Friday, July 10, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Join us at the Long Island Museum for a tour of their Long Island in the ‘70s exhibit and book discussion of Bones of a Saint by Grant Farley.
Our tour guide from the LIM will interweave aspects of Bones of a Saint with the social, political, and demographic shifts that fueled cultural and artistic innovation on Lond Island, even as new questions and vulnerabilities emerged. Teen & Tween Dept Staff will lead the book discussion directly following the tour. Snacks will be provided.
Book Description: Fifteen-year-old RJ Armante has never known a life outside his dead-end hometown of Arcangel, CA. The Blackjacks, a local gang, have ruled the area for generations, luring the poorest kids into their monopoly on petty crime. For years, they’ve left RJ alone…until now. When the Blackjacks come knocking, they want RJ to prey upon an old loner. But RJ is at his breaking point. It’s not just about the gang who rules the town. It’s about Charley, his younger brother, who is disabled. It’s about Roxanne, the girl he can’t reach. It’s about the kids in his crew who have nothing to live for. If RJ is to resist, he must fight to free Arcangel of its past.
Parents are welcome to stick around for the tour, or explore the museum on their own, with free entry provided the LIM! Register for the Museum Tour and Book Discussion here starting 6/16.

Movie Night: Hamilton (Teens & Tweens in Grades 6 – 12)

Monday, July 13, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America by joining your friends to watch Hamilton at the Library! This Pro-Shot live performance of Hamilton on Broadway (Rated PG-13) is made available for public library showings through Swank Motion Pictures Inc. We’ll have snacks (Popcorn! Candy! More!) for this night of entertainment. Register here for Hamilton Movie Night starting 6/16.

**Book Discussion: Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution (In-Person; Adults)**

Monday, July 13, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Join us for an intimate book discussion at the Library (if you want to meet the author, see the “At the Museum” event below on July 21). Discussion will be facilitated by Librarian Emma Yohannan. . Open to all Suffolk County residents. Register for the Book Discussion here starting 6/22.

Accessing the book: A limited number of copies will be available to borrow at the Circulation Desk beginning on June 22. The ebook is also available to borrow in the Libby app. Questions? Contact Emma Yohannan at eyohannan@emmaclark.org or call 631-941-4080.

**At the Museum: Meet the Author! at The Long Island Museum in Stony Brook (In-Person; Adults)**

Tuesday, July 21, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Librarian Emma Yohannan will moderate a lively conversation with special guest, Claire Bellerjeau, co-author of Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution: The True Story of Robert Townsend and Elizabeth (Liss). You are encouraged to read the book ahead of time and participate in the Q&A session. Afterwards, you’ll have time to visit the exhibition The Seat of Action: Long Island in the American Revolution and Beyond, where Long Island Museum educators will be stationed to answer your questions. Event will begin in the Gillespie Room in the Carriage Museum. Open to all Suffolk County residents. Register for the Meet the Author event here starting 6/22.

Historical Gravestone Cleaning (Teens & Tweens in Grades 6 – 12)

Location: Union Cemetery, Middle Island

Thursday, July 30, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Honor the 250^th Anniversary of the formation of the United States of America by volunteering your time safely cleaning historical gravestones in a local cemetery. Representatives from Long Island Graveyards and Cemeteries volunteer group will teach you how to properly clean historical stones using safe chemicals and materials, and explain the historical significance of the graveyard and it’s occupants. Please dress for a mess and bring cleaning gloves if you so desire. All teens and tweens must be accompanied by a supervising adult age 18 years or older. Library staff will also be in attendance. Earn 2.5 hours of community service credit for volunteering. Teens and Tweens must complete the Library Teen & Tween Volunteering in the Community Application and Parental Consent Form found here before volunteering: https://teen.emmaclark.org/library-volunteering/
Register for Historical Gravestone Cleaning here starting 6/16.

Folk Song Revival Concert with Caroline Doctorow (In-Person; Adults)

Wednesday, August 19, 12:15 – 1:45 p.m.
Singer / songwriter Caroline Doctorow will perform music of the early 1960s, including work by Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Tom Paxton, Donovan, Richard and Mimi Fariña, Pete Seeger, and others. She’ll also perform her original compositions, discuss the songwriting process, and share stories of growing up with her late father, world-renowned author E.L. Doctorow. Register for the concert here starting 7/13.

Soaring Again: The Bald Eagle’s Comeback Story (In-Person; Adults)

Tuesday, August 25, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Discover the remarkable comeback of one of America’s most iconic birds, the bald eagle. Explore their life history, understand the factors that led to their decline, and learn how dedicated conservation efforts helped bring bald eagles back from the brink of extinction to be once again soaring over the skies of Long Island. Presented by Chris Paparo, aka the “Fish Guy.” Open to all Suffolk County residents. Register for the Bald Eagle program here starting 7/13.

Ongoing

Culper Spy Ring Website

Learn more about the Culper Spies, located right here in Setauket, and how they played a part in helping General George Washington win the American Revolution! We have an interactive map, recommended reading and links, & more on the Culper Spy Ring.

Past Events & Classes

PRIDE! Our Story
The History of the LGBTQ+ Movement in America
on display at Emma Clark Library from April 1 – 28

This traveling exhibit, on loan from the Huntington Public Library, honors the fearless pioneers, iconic moments, and everyday heroes who have defined more than a century of struggle and triumph.

Created by Huntington resident John N. Daniello, a graphic designer and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, the exhibit aims to educate, inspire, and preserve these vital stories for future generations.

The American Experience: American Artists Through Our History (In-Person; Adults)

Thursday, April 16, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
As we are celebrating 250 years of our nation, let us look at some of the artwork that has expressed the patchwork of voices, ideas, culture, history, and perspectives. Through the eyes of American artists, we’ll explore the American experience – social, intellectual, & cultural – with artist and professor Chris Vivas. Open to all adults. Click here to register now.

FDR’s Four Freedoms (Online; Adults)

Tuesday, May 5, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
On January 6, 1941, Franklin Roosevelt shared with the country his vision for a world founded on “four essential freedoms” – freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. 2025 marked the 80th anniversary of the ending of World War II, which brought about the new world order based on FDR’s Four Freedoms. This session explores the vision Roosevelt held for all the world. Led by Jeffrey Urbin, Education Specialist at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Note: Rescheduled from October & February due to government shutdown. Open to all adults. Click here to register now.

From Sea to Shining Sea: Community Art Exhibition (All Ages): Instructions for Artwork

All ages are invited to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 by contributing to our Library’s collaborative art display. Each participant will create an American landscape scene on a 10×10” canvas. In June, we’ll hang all the canvases together to reveal a beautiful patchwork display in our Library Café Gallery! Here’s how to join the fun:

1. Beginning on March 16, pick up your canvas at the Library. All ages can participate! Kids pickups will take place at the Children’s Desk. Adults and Teens & Tweens pickups will take place at the Lower Level Service Desk. Please note: Registration is required for pickup. Registration will be broken down by age group: Kids, Teens & Tweens, and Adults. Register online, in person, or by phone:

Adults, click here to register now.

Teens/Tweens (Grades 6 – 12), click here to register now.

Kids, click here to register now.

2. Create your landscape at home using your favorite medium: markers, crayons, paints, pastels, mixed media, or whatever sparks your creativity! Inspired by our beautiful nation, your scene will represent an American landscape, whether the far-away beaches of Hawaii or the towering skyline of the Big Apple!

3. Return your completed canvas any time on or before May 1. Drop-offs will be accepted at any Library service desk. If you’d like to pick up your canvas after the exhibit, please be sure to write your first and last name legibly on the back.

4. Visit the Library this summer to view this collaborative project on display near the Adult Reference Desk and the Library Café. The From Sea to Shining Sea Community Art Exhibition will stay on the walls throughout the summer!

Please note: Not for Community Service Credit

Check back here as more programs get added throughout the year!

Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org