Jones Beach Hosting 250th Anniversary Celebrations Over Memorial Day Weekend, Hochul Announces

WANTAGH, NY. — Jones Beach State Park is set to play host to a series of events Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekend that will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office announced Thursday.

In an announcement of the events, Hochul highlighted New York and Long Island’s role in the Revolutionary War; the governor said Long Island was the site of numerous battles between British and American forces during the war. As for the celebrations, Hochul made note of the previously announced Blue Angels appearance at the FourLeaf Air Show over Jul. 4 weekend. For Memorial Day, the governor announced a drone show over the water in front of Jones Beach State Park’s Central Mall, a series of reenactor performances and demonstrations, and games for families in attendance to play.

“The founding of America 250 years ago cannot be told without including New York's pivotal role in the American Revolution," Hochul said. "That history can be found across our state, from Long Island all the way to Niagara and the Great Lakes, the Hudson and Mohawk valleys, the Capital Region and the North Country. We’re looking forward to an incredible range of programs at State Parks on Long Island throughout the year.”

The reenactor performances will include reenactments of New York’s Signatories of the Declaration of Independence — Philip Livingston, Lewis Morris, William Floyd, and Francis Lewis — reenactments of encampments from all-Black Revolutionary War regiments from New York and Rhode Island, reenactments of George Washington, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and more.

Hochul’s office said the Memorial Day celebrations would also feature drum and fife bands, colonial-era cooking demonstrations, inflatable play areas and family games focused on American history.

“These events on Long Island are an exciting part of what is happening across New York State as we share the compelling stories of the people who shaped the American Revolution with our Revisit the Revolution initiative. Wherever you live, you will find events near you that will bring this history to life this year,” New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser said.

More information on the Jul. 4 celebrations can be found here. Hochul’s office also announced a series of “Revisit the Revolution” events across Long Island in the leadup to Memorial Day, which can be found at the program’s website.