As the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary next year, the Town of Huntington is offering residents a rare opportunity to connect with its Revolutionary War past through a hands-on archival experience.

Every Tuesday in October, from noon to 3 p.m., Huntington Town Hall opens its vault to showcase historic documents and artifacts that reveal the town’s role during the American Revolution. Among the highlights are the Huntington Declaration of Rights from 1774, a statue of famed American spy Nathan Hale and the Oath of Allegiance to King George III.

Antonia Mattheou, Huntington’s town archivist for the past 30 years, curated the exhibit with a deep sense of purpose.

“It’s very important for the future generations,” she says. “Otherwise, if we don’t know where we come from, how do we know where we go?”

The documents on display tell a vivid story of resistance and hardship. One letter from a British officer shows that Huntington residents refused British military orders, exhibiting “Rebellious Principles” and “absolute disobedience.”

Other documents detail the British occupation of Long Island, during which soldiers seized horses, wagons and food from residents - offering only I.O.U.s in return, which were not repaid after the war.

Visitor Sean Delle discovered the tour through social media and enjoyed researching local history.

“Our family can date our history back quite a few years,” he says. “It’s pretty cool to see some of the same last names time and time again.”

Delle was especially drawn to the collection of historic coins and praised the staff’s expertise.

“The people down here are very knowledgeable and have a wealth of knowledge," says Delle.

Huntington Town Clerk Andrew Raia says the town takes great pride in preserving these documents for the public. Although a trip to the town archives may not be someone’s typical idea for an afternoon outing, Raia believes there’s something special about discovering the stories behind these pages.

“Young and old have the same impression when they leave here that it’s amazing there are things like this that still exist,” Raia says, “They’re right here, right in your local town and they’re accessible."

Mattheou says an experience like this is key to understanding history. “Hands-on is how you learn,” she says. “Not just reading books because books can be dry. But when you see the actual document, you can identify with it.”

The tours are offered on Tuesdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Huntington Town Hall, 100 Main St., Huntington.

For more information, contact town archivist Antonia Mattheou at 631-351-3035 or amattheou@huntingtonny.gov.