America 250 is a year-long celebration offering many opportunities for creative expression, community gathering, and civic pride throughout the Town of North Hempstead.
Featured Event
Memorial Day Commemoration & Fireworks Extravaganza
North Hempstead Beach Park, Port Washington · Saturday, May 23, 2026 · Gates open 3 PM · Program begins 6:30 PM
Due to forecasted inclement weather, the Memorial Day Fireworks have been cancelled. A new date will be announced when determined. View update →
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Education · Film
Film Screening: 1776
Shelter Rock Public Library · 2:00–4:22 PM
The spirited musical 1776 brings the Continental Congress to life as the founders debate the birth of a nation. No registration. No fee.
Education · Lecture
Thomas Jefferson: Architecture for the New Republic
Port Washington Public Library · 12:00–1:30 PM · Hybrid
Award-winning teacher Dennis Raverty explores Thomas Jefferson's architectural vision and city planning legacy through a rich visual presentation. Registration begins Jun 1. No fee.
Education · Film
Film Screening: 1776
Shelter Rock Public Library · 2:30–4:52 PM
A second screening of the beloved musical exploring the Continental Congress debates that forged a new nation. No registration. No fee.
Education · Lecture · Virtual
A Close Look: "America Today" by Thomas Hart Benton
Shelter Rock Public Library · 11:00 AM–12:00 PM · Virtual
Museum educator Alice W. Iglehart virtually explores Benton's room-sized ten-panel mural capturing the panorama of American life in the 1920s. No registration — Zoom link at srpl.org. No fee.
Education · Lecture
A Close Look: "America Today" by Thomas Hart Benton
Port Washington Public Library · 12:00–1:30 PM · In-Person
Museum educator Alice W. Iglehart discusses each panel of Benton's monumental mural and the artist's creative vision. Registration begins Jun 1. No fee.
Education · Community
Let's Play the Colonial Way
Williston Park Public Library · 4:00–5:00 PM
Children (Elementary). Discover toys and games that have stood the test of time and craft an old-fashioned toy to bring home. Register: (516) 742-1820 or willistonparkprograms@gmail.com. No fee.
Education · Lecture
The American Spirit Book Talk
Shelter Rock Public Library · 2:00–3:00 PM
Librarian Susan Healy leads a discussion of David McCullough's The American Spirit — a collection of his most memorable speeches on the core ideals that shaped our nation. Registration ongoing until filled. No fee.
Education · Lecture · Hybrid
Sandwiched In with James Coll: The Declaration of Independence
Port Washington Public Library · 12:00–1:30 PM · Hybrid
Professor James Coll unpacks what the Declaration of Independence actually declared — the road to its writing, its constitutional underpinnings, and the historical basis of its premise. Registration begins Jun 1. No fee.
Education · Children
Spirit of Invention
Williston Park Public Library · 4:00–5:00 PM
Children (Elementary). Learn about inventors like Thomas Edison and Marie Curie, then create your own futuristic invention from recycled materials. Register: (516) 742-1820 or willistonparkprograms@gmail.com. No fee.
Arts · Community
America 250 Christmas in July Ornaments
Hillside Public Library · 2:00–7:30 PM
Create a patriotic America 250-style ornament to take home. $5 fee. Registration: Hillside patrons Jun 2; out-of-district Jun 16.
Community · Children
Red, White & Blue Party
Manhasset Public Library · 3:00–4:00 PM
Children ages 4–10. Wear your red, white, and blue and celebrate America 250 with music, dancing, crafts, and a children's DJ. Registration begins Jun 21. No fee.
Education · Community
Living History: A Memoir Writing Workshop for America's 250th
Clinton G. Martin Park, New Hyde Park · Wednesdays, Jul 8, 15, 22, 29 & Aug 5, 12 · 10–11:30 AM
A six-session memoir writing series inviting senior residents to celebrate personal stories and our shared history as America turns 250. Sessions combine guided writing with conversation and community — no prior writing experience required. In partnership with The Story Round (Jennifer Albertson & Eva Shtein, Founders & Facilitators).
Education · Literature
Fiction Loves History Book Club
Hillside Public Library · 6:30–7:30 PM
A discussion of My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie. Register at hillsidelibrary.info/events. No fee.
Education · Film
Film Viewing: Hamilton
Mineola Memorial Library · 5:00–8:00 PM
Watch the filmed Broadway production of Hamilton with refreshments and raffles. No registration. No fee.
Community · Service
Kindness Cards for Veterans
Mineola Public Library · 7:00–8:00 PM
Teens. Gather to create handmade cards expressing gratitude and support for veterans and active-duty service members. Registration begins Jun 22. No fee.
Education · Lecture · Virtual
Broadway Musicals of Revolution and Protest
Shelter Rock Public Library · 11:00 AM–12:30 PM · Virtual
A virtual exploration of groundbreaking productions — 1776, Hair, Hamilton, Cabaret, and Fiddler on the Roof — and how each reshaped the landscape of American musical theatre. No registration — Zoom link at srpl.org. No fee.
Arts · Community
American Flag Bead Art
Mineola Memorial Library · 2:00–3:00 PM
Teens. Create a beaded American flag sign using paint and glue — dress accordingly! Registration: Mineola cardholders Jun 17; all others Jun 24. No fee.
Education · Lecture · Hybrid
A Close Look: 3-Part Garden Landscape Window for Linden Hall
Port Washington Public Library · 12:00–1:30 PM · Hybrid
Museum educator Alice W. Iglehart examines an exquisite stained-glass window designed by a woman and crafted by the Tiffany women glasscutters for a Pittsburgh businesswoman, philanthropist, and suffragist. Registration begins May 4. No fee.
Education · Literature
Armchair Historians Book Club
Hillside Public Library · 6:30–7:30 PM
A discussion of The Cause: The American Revolution and its Discontents, 1773–1783 by Joseph Ellis. Register at hillsidelibrary.info/events. No fee.
Education · History
Remember Liss, a New American Founding Figure
Hillside Public Library · 6:00–7:00 PM
Historian and author Claire Bellerjeau presents her discovery of Elizabeth — known as Liss — a new founding figure who was enslaved by the Townsend family of Oyster Bay. Registration begins May 5. No fee.
Arts · Performance
We the People: Celebrating the Music That Defined America
Port Washington Public Library · 3:00–4:30 PM
Long Island band Arlington Drive performs a special concert of American rock and pop spanning the 1960s to today. Registration begins May 4. No fee.
Community · Camaraderie
Floral Park Semiquincentennial Celebration
Floral Park Recreation Center, 124 Stewart St, Floral Park · 7 PM
The North End Civic Association of the Village of Floral Park and the Village of Floral Park host a village-wide picnic, music, and fireworks celebration in honor of America's 250th birthday.
Community · Civic
Christ Church Manhasset: Sign Dedication for Patriots Interred in Churchyard
Christ Church, 1355 Northern Blvd, Manhasset · 12 Noon
In partnership with the Sons of the Revolution, a commemorative sign will be unveiled to honor five American Patriots buried in the churchyard who served during the War for Independence. Followed by tea and scones. View invitation →
Education · Lecture · Hybrid
Sandwiched In with Dennis Raverty: Rockwell's Four Freedoms
Port Washington Public Library · 12:00–1:30 PM · Hybrid
Art historian Dennis Raverty presents Norman Rockwell's iconic "Four Freedoms" paintings, inspired by FDR's WWII address on the freedoms fundamental to American life. Registration begins May 4. No fee.
Community · Games
America 250 Bingo
Hillside Public Library · 12:30–1:30 PM
Celebrate America's birthday with a patriotic game of Bingo — prizes for winners. Register at hillsidelibrary.info/events. No fee.
Education · Lecture · Hybrid
Sandwiched In with Janis Schachter: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Port Washington Public Library · 12:00–1:30 PM · Hybrid
Journalist-turned-educator Janis Schachter traces how America's interpretation of the Declaration's founding words has evolved over 250 years. Registration begins May 4. No fee.
Arts · Community Service
Stars, Stripes & Scissors
Mineola Memorial Library · 3:00–4:00 PM
Teens. Help craft patriotic decorations for the library in honor of America's 250th anniversary. Registration begins May 22. No fee.
Arts · Crafts
America 250 Button Craft
Hillside Public Library · 6:00–7:30 PM
Create a heart-shaped American flag out of buttons. $5 fee. Registration: Hillside patrons May 5; out-of-district May 19.
Arts · Crafts
Handmade Card Craft
Shelter Rock Public Library · 6:00–7:30 PM
Artist Christina Del Piano leads a creative card-making workshop inspired by the Declaration of Independence — stamps and supplies provided. Registration: SRPL cardholders May 20; others May 27. No fee.
Education · History
John Adams: The Road to Independence
Manhasset Public Library · 2:00–3:00 PM
Historic actor Peyton Dixon portrays John Adams, bringing to life America's journey from a ragged band of colonies to a new nation. Registration begins Apr 30. No fee.
Education · Lecture · Virtual
Golden Age of Hollywood Presented by Brian Rose
Shelter Rock Public Library · 11:00 AM–12:00 PM · Virtual
This virtual talk examines the forces that shaped Hollywood's Golden Age — from studio politics to the star system — and how the era tried to reclaim its glory in the 1950s. No registration — Zoom link at srpl.org. No fee.
Remembrance · Community
Memorial Day Tribute to North Hempstead's Revolutionary War Veterans
Monfort Cemetery, East of Main St. & Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington · 8:30 AM
Led by Town Historian Ross Lumpkin, local veterans, volunteers, and Town officials will plant American flags at 12 grave sites of North Hempstead residents who served in the Revolutionary War. Located near Schreiber High School Parking Lot.
Remembrance · Camaraderie
Memorial Day Commemoration & Fireworks Extravaganza
North Hempstead Beach Park, Port Washington · Gates open 3 PM · Program begins 6:30 PM
Due to forecasted inclement weather, the Memorial Day Fireworks have been cancelled. A new date will be announced when determined. View update →
Education · Civic
Project Independence May Advisory — Ross Lumpkin, Town Historian
Clinton G. Martin Park, New Hyde Park · 10 AM
Town of North Hempstead Historian Ross Lumpkin presents on the Town's history in honor of America 250.
Community · Arts
Spring Family Festival & America 250 Student Showcase
Clark Botanic Garden, Albertson · 12pm–5pm
The student star mosaic goes on display. Selected stars will be recognized. Open to all families. Artwork display begins Friday, May 1st. View event photos & video →
Community · Camaraderie
Spring Fling Senior Dances — "America 250: Spilling the Tea"
Clinton G. Martin Park, 1601 Marcus Avenue, New Hyde Park · 11 AM – 2 PM
Dancing, Lunch, Coffee, Dessert and Games celebrating America's 250th Anniversary with North Hempstead's seniors. View event photos →
Education · Deadline
America 250 School Craft Request Deadline
Town of North Hempstead Department of Community Services
Last day for teachers to register for the wooden star craft project. Contact [email protected] or call (516) 869-2431.
Community · Camaraderie
Spring Fling Senior Dances — "America 250: Spilling the Tea"
Charles J. Fuschillo Park, 200 Carle Road, Carle Place · 11 AM – 2 PM
Dancing, Lunch, Coffee, Dessert and Games celebrating America's 250th Anniversary with North Hempstead's seniors. View event photos →
Civic
Unveiling of Historic Tapestries
Town of North Hempstead · 6:30 PM
Supervisor Jennifer S. DeSena, the Town Board, Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava and Howard Kroplick of the Roslyn Landmark Society will recognize a tapestry and crocheted American flag originally created for the U.S. Bicentennial, now displayed near the boardroom as a link between past and future celebrations. Join us for a brief recognition of these historic pieces.
Civic · Address
2026 State of the Town Address
Harbor Links Golf Course, Port Washington
Supervisor Jennifer S. DeSena — "North Hempstead and America 250: A Legacy of Liberty, A Future of Promise." Read the full text →
Additional America 250 Events
Locations across the Town of North Hempstead
More America 250 events will be announced throughout 2026. Check back for updates.
America 250 is a year-long celebration — many more events, showcases, and opportunities for community involvement will be announced throughout 2026.
For event inquiries, contact the Supervisor's Office:
[email protected]
| (516) 869-7822
2026 State of the Town Address
"A Legacy of Liberty, A Future of Promise"
Read Supervisor DeSena's full March 2026 address — the keynote statement for North Hempstead's America 250 year.