Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary at Historic Sands-Willets House in Port Washington

The Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society will mark America’s 250th anniversary with a special open house celebration on Saturday, July 25, from 12-4 p.m. at the historic Sands-Willets House at 336 Port Washington Blvd. in Port Washington.

The event will honor the Revolutionary-era legacy of the Sands family and the role the Cow Neck Peninsula played in the fight for independence. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the circa 1735 Sands home, where the seven sons of John Sands III were born and raised, becoming Patriots during the American Revolution.

Among them was John Sands IV, a member of the Patriot delegation who voted for separation from the Town of Hempstead, an act that locals at the time regarded as a declaration of independence. Sands also served as the leader of the Great Neck–Cow Neck–Hempstead Harbor militia during the Revolutionary War, helping to organize local resistance and defend the region during a turbulent chapter in history.

“The seven Sands sons who lived at our historic home were very active in the Patriot cause in the Revolutionary War. Colonel John Sands IV served as the leader of the Great Neck–Cow Neck–Hempstead Harbor Militia and went on to set up headquarters in centrally located Old Westbury,” said Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society President Chris Bain.

At the July 25 event, knowledgeable docents will be on hand, sharing stories of colonial life, Revolutionary-era events and the peninsula’s rich local history.

For this special anniversary event, visitors can peruse all 10 rooms of the Sands-Willets House, a rare opportunity to wander through the historic property at their own pace. Visitors can also explore the society’s circa 1690s Dutch Colonial barn, which houses antique farming and shell-fishing implements.

As visitors explore the property, Revolutionary War reenactors and period music will help recreate the spirit of the era. The Historical Society will also honor local Patriots buried in family cemeteries in the Port Washington area.

Visitors are invited to enjoy complimentary lemonade and molasses cookies as part of the afternoon’s festivities.

Admission is free. Complimentary parking is available at Vincent Smith School, a half block south of the Sands-Willets House.