East Hampton launches America 250 marker challenge, restoration projects and summer programs

East Hampton officials on Tuesday detailed a broad semiquincentennial program that combines a historical-marker trail, site restorations and community events to mark the nation—————————————————————————'s 250th anniversary.

Deputy Supervisor David Lee and local historians described an interactive map and a town "Historical Trail Marker Challenge" that lists 23 known bicentennial markers (originally 25 placed in 1976) across East Hampton, from Long Wharf and Montauk Lighthouse to sites in Springs and Amagansett. The town will post informational signs with QR codes linking to photos and short histories and is encouraging residents and visitors to post photos using the hashtag #easthampton250; the town will share submissions and award limited-edition T-shirts to participants who document the trail by July 31.

Why it matters: The program is presented as a low-cost way to draw residents and visitors to local sites of historical interest, support historical societies and museums, and connect school and civic groups with local heritage work leading into July Fourth and autumn festivals.

Officials outlined partnerships with local historical societies and cultural groups. "We are encouraging residents to use our hashtag easthampton250," Patrick Duren, the town———'s public information officer, said, describing the town———'s plan to collect and promote user photos. The planning team demonstrated an interactive map during the work session and described how site pages will include images, short narratives and directions.

The marker effort links to a related preservation initiative focused on Amagansett Cemetery, where the town will begin stabilizing and restoring Revolutionary War-era "patriot" headstones. Town presenters described conservation work already completed on the Isaac Vansoy marker and explained common technical challenges: broken marble pieces, deep bases requiring re‑leveling, pinning and epoxy to stabilize fragments. "The stone is made of marble, but over the years it discolored primarily through biogrowth," said Zachary Studen Roth of the burial-ground preservation group, describing careful cleaning, pinning and reassembly that conservators use to stabilize fractured stones.

The board reported a successful grant application to the William Pomeroy Foundation to install an interpretive marker noting patriot burials at the cemetery entrance, and invited volunteers to help with nontechnical tasks such as supervised cleaning and stone straightening. "Visitors will learn about enslaved people of color such as Aka, Daniel, Jack, and Rose who sustained the farm during the American Revolution," Steve Long, executive director of the East Hampton Historical Society, said in describing the Molford Farm interpretation that will accompany the semiquincentennial programming.

Several cultural organizations presented complementary plans: immersive living-history programming at Montauk———'s Second House, museum exhibitions and a student essay contest tied to Molford Farm, and countywide passport-style stamping that encourages visits to sites across Suffolk County. Dr. Geette Greer Key of the Eastville Community Historical Society urged organizers to center the "unfinished revolution" in programming by including African-American, Indigenous and women———'s histories alongside traditional military narratives.

The town also announced a community time capsule to be buried near July 4 and opened in 25 years, and a "bonus" prize for participants who locate two markers not yet listed on the town———'s website. The initiative will be promoted through town social channels and coordinated with local partners including the East Hampton Historical Society, Montauk Historical Society, Amagansett Historical Association and others.

Officials said most elements are already funded through modest town allocations and partner support; some projects rely on grants or donations. The initiative will include public programming through October and beyond, including tours, lectures and a hands-on festival at Molford Farm.