Huntington launches volunteer effort to preserve Revolutionary War gravesites
Huntington is home to the graves of hundreds of patriots, veterans and civilians alike, who supported the revolutionary cause.
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In preparation for the 250th anniversary of America's independence, the Town of Huntington is rallying community support to restore and maintain historic cemeteries that hold the remains of Revolutionary War patriots.
Huntington is home to the graves of hundreds of patriots, veterans and civilians alike, who supported the revolutionary cause.
Among them are Lt. Col. Gilbert Potter, Capt. Joshua Rogers, and Pvt. David Sammis. Town Historian Robert Hughes says the town has identified 123 such gravesites across 27 cemeteries.
However, 20 of these cemeteries are in need of care. At the Old Burying Ground in Huntington Village, Continental Soldier Timothy Bennett’s original headstone has toppled, and tree limbs have fallen close to the grave of Cavalryman Benajah Bouton.
New York state Assemblyman Keith Brown, concerned about the condition of Lt. Epenetus Smith’s grave in Northport’s Crab Meadow Burying Ground, reached out to the town.
Coincidentally, Huntington officials were already planning cemetery restorations for the upcoming semiquincentennial.
Town Supervisor Ed Smyth, Town Historian Robert Hughes, Councilman Salvatore Ferro, Assemblyman Brown and Paws of War have all now joined forces to launch a volunteer initiative aimed at cleaning and maintaining these historic site
“It's really important to pay homage to the soldiers and sailors that fought for our nation's independence,” said Brown. “It’s vitally important that the younger generation understands that freedom was not free.”
The restoration effort will begin with basic ground maintenance - raking leaves, removing branches and trimming overgrowth.
Town Councilman Salvatore Ferro emphasized the importance of community involvement.
“This isn’t just about improving cemeteries. It’s about doing something meaningful for the community," he said.
Volunteer cleanups will take place on the second Saturday of each month (beginning in September and ending in July 2026), starting with the cemeteries in greatest need.
How to Get Involved:
- Call or Email Assemblyman Keith Brown’s office at 631-261-4151 or learyl@nyassembly.gov
- Visit the Town of Huntington’s Cemetery Steward Program page
