Historical tourism, ahead of America250, poised to boost LI economy

Historical tourism is gaining momentum on Long Island, with local sites and events drawing increased interest ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The milestone, marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence, is expected to bring a surge of visitors and a boost to the region’s economy.

From major attractions like the Jones Beach FourLeaf Air Show – rescheduled for Sunday, July 5, and Monday, July 6, to align with Independence Day celebrations – to quieter, immersive experiences at smaller historic sites, Long Island offers plenty for those interested in the nation’s heritage, bringing economic benefits to the region.

“Anything that brings more attention to Long Island from a tourism perspective is a positive,” said Steven Kent, the Long Island Association’s chief economist.

“It brings in people, hopefully from other areas, and they get exposed to what Long Island has to offer, which is a lot,” he added, referring to the region’s beaches, vineyards, cultural institutions and more.

Tourism on Long Island in 2023 brought $7.5 billion in visitor spending, generating $900 million in state and local taxes, Discover Long Island reported last year.

Long Island organizations are already embracing their historical significance, offering engaging opportunities for visitors to explore the region’s past through a modern lens.

Some celebrations commemorate milestones that date back even further than 1776. The Matinecock Quaker Meeting in Locust Valley, for instance, is marking its 300th anniversary.  The Quaker movement began in 17th-century England, with early followers establishing a presence on Long Island, making the region a birthplace of American Quakerism. On Aug. 31, the Matinecock Quaker Meeting event will feature lunch, networking at Friends Academy, presentations and panel discussions. And while the event is free, registration is required.

“Our 300th Anniversary event unites the rich history of Long Island Quakers with contemporary voices exploring how Friends continue to build community in today’s world,” Tom Hawkins, recording clerk and long-time member, said in written statement.

Other opportunities range from reenactments, experiential meals, scavenger hunts and more. Many sites of interest are featured on Discover Long Island’s LongIsland250.com page. And while some organizations are working with their chambers of commerce to help promote festivities that may foster economic opportunities to their communities, many right now are focused just on driving traffic to area museums, parks and historic sites, according to people familiar with the events.

In addition to drawing out-of-towners, these events also draw locals, Kent said. “It gets them out of the house. And if they go to a museum, it’s rare that they’re not going to stop by and also go to a local restaurant in the area, or spend some time in another destination touring another location or shopping.”

And, he added, there is another economic driver.

“If you’re having an event in Suffolk County or Nassau County to celebrate 250 years, you probably need more security. You’re probably going to need more people to work there. And that also adds a lot of economic value because those people are getting paid more. They may be getting overtime. And then they spend it locally.”

In addition, restaurants may be catering events, or hosting special meals, going into the anniversary, which would also drive spending, he said.

Modern day practices also play a role, he said.

“If there’s one thing we know about the consumer over the past 15 years is that they really are focused on experiences,” Kent said. “If you’re visiting these locations, you’re going to post on Instagram that you were there.”

Last week, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine joined community members, historical societies and members of the county’s 250th Anniversary Commemorative Planning Committee, kicking off the region’s  “America 250” celebration, a bi-county initiative launched in 2023 by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Steve Bellone, who was Suffolk’s county executive at the time. The Suffolk kickoff was held at Sagtikos Manor, where President George Washington spent the night on April 21, 1790, and once served as British military headquarters on Long Island. The event featured costumed reenactors, colonial music, musket-firing militias and food prepared from Martha Washington’s original cookbook.

Separately, 12 museums and historical societies from Montauk to Brooklyn launched the Long Island History Hunt, a summer-long program running through Sept.  30. The initiative highlights key sites where spies, presidents and other historical figures helped shape Long Island’s past. Sponsored by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation in partnership with New York State Parks, the hunt includes digital content, stories and a selfie challenge at each location. Those who complete the challenge qualify for such prizes as $500, a colonial-style luncheon at the Ketcham Inn, family museum memberships, and other items.

Earlier this month, there was word that the “first visitor to complete the challenge by uploading selfies at all 12 historic sites, which means the individual traveled by car and ferry [to Shelter Island] at least 125 miles to participate,” an event spokesperson said.