The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. As the library celebrates this anniversary, we are not only recognizing this important semi quincentennial of the founding of the United States of America but also exploring topics of freedom and democracy that are part of our shared American history. Throughout this year, the Library has organized a wide variety of programs and activities to commemorate this important celebration. In addition to our scheduled programming, recommended reading lists and watch lists have also been added to our America 250 webpage.
Cow Neck in the Revolution, a new local history exhibit, is on display in the History Center Annex from June through December 2026. Featuring objects and artifacts from both the archives of The History Center at the Port Washington Public Library and the collections of the Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society, the exhibit explores what life was like here in Revolutionary-era Port Washington and highlights three local families who were involved in the war.
America 250th Booklist
Upcoming America 250 Events
Cow Neck in the Revolution
The area we now call Port Washington was occupied by the British for seven years during the Revolutionary War. Local families suffered immense hardship: they were forced to quarter enemy troops, had their children pressed into service, and even endured pirate attacks. Some Cow Neck Patriots bravely fought for American freedom while others assisted the revolutionary cause in secret – and some yet remained loyal to the Crown. These stories are explored in Cow Neck in the Revolution, presented in collaboration with the Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society in celebration of 250 years of American independence. On display in the History Center Annex June through December 2026.
12:00am - 12:00am View Details
Teen -America 250 Escape Room Challenge
Celebrate America's 250th with an exciting Escape Room Challenge! Put your wits and problem-solving skills to the test as you uncover clues, solve puzzles, and race to escape before time runs out. No prior knowledge of American history necessary.
Registration is required. Registration begins on October 20th. There is no group registration; each person must be registered individually.
Please only register for one session.
4:00pm - 5:00pm View Details
Art Lecture with Alice W. Iglehart - Grounded in Clay
Pottery of the Southwest is not just a utilitarian art form but also a vital element of Pueblo culture. Join Alice W. Iglehart, museum educator, for a talk on process, design, and narratives of indigenous clay making.
This program is part of the Library's celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
12:00pm - 1:30pm View Details
Sandwiched In with Claire Bellerjeau - The Discovery of David Maltbie - A Successful Spy in the Revolution
Join historian and author Claire Bellerjeau as she shares her exciting new research about David Maltbie, a Patriot spy from Connecticut who gathered intelligence in New York during the Revolutionary War. His journey began very much like the famous spy Nathan Hale, with one important difference; Maltbie survived. Discover how the young spy was captured early in the war by the British on Long Island, then took part in daring whaleboat raids against Loyalist mid-war, only to be arrested again in Manhattan at the end of the war, evading death a second time. Once forgotten, except in the recollections of a young girl, David Maltbie’s daring tale of espionage reminds us that more founding figures are waiting to be uncovered and remembered. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library
This program is part of the Library's celebration of the 250th Anniversary of American Independence.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a 'hybrid' event that can be attended either "In-Person" or "Online" on the Zoom platform. You can choose which option you wish to register for below in the "Attend In-Person" OR "Attend Online" choices below.
12:00pm - 1:30pm View Details