Get ready, history fans and curious families, the Long Island History Hunt is now underway! From July 1 through September 30, 2025, twelve iconic historic sites across Long Island have come together to launch an immersive, free summer adventure. Sponsored by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, this engaging contest invites you to explore destinations stretching from Brooklyn to Montauk.
Think spies, patriots, presidents—and you! It’s like history, but cooler.
How It Works: Scan, Snap & Score
- First, First, register at LIHistoryHunt.com.
- Next, visit any of the 12 historic gems, each brimming with local lore, from Oyster Bay’s Revolutionary hotspots to Montauk’s ocean‑facing stories.
- At each site, take part in a selfie challenge, strike a pose amid history, upload your photo online, and voilà, you’re entered to win prizes!
Hit every single stop and earn the title “Revolutionary Trailblazer.” You’ll not only qualify for all level prizes, but also enter the grand prize drawing: $500, an elegant 18th-century style luncheon at Ketcham Inn, family museum memberships, and a basket of curated surprises!
Explore the Historic Hunt Trail: 12 Must‑See Sites
Prepare your walking shoes—or your drive playlist—because this trail stretches from Brooklyn to Montauk, featuring:
- Raynham Hall Museum (Oyster Bay) – birthplace of espionage intrigue and a haven for Culper Ring stories
- Oyster Bay Railroad Museum – steam‑era terminal turned museum filled with railroad and Roosevelt connections
- Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center (Oyster Bay)– bird haven meets presidential legacy
- Montauk Historical Society – where maritime tales, Indigenous heritage, and fishing lore converge
- Ketcham Inn (Center Moriches) – colonial tavern perfect for that grand prize luncheon ambiance
- East Hampton Historical Society – history of colonial settlers, whaling, and land revolution
- Oysterponds Historical Society (Orient) – Easternmost Long Island communities with deep maritime roots
- Three Village Historical Society (Setauket) – home turf of the Culper Ring and Revolutionary whispers
- Shelter Island History Museum – tranquil locale with Native American, colonial, and island life tales
- Smithtown Historical Society – stories of the legendary Richard Smith and early settlement days
- Meadow Croft Estate (Sayville) – historic Gilded Age estate with gardens and riverside views
- Green‑Wood Cemetery (Brooklyn) – final resting place of luminaries and silent storyteller of centuries‑old legacies
Why It’s a Must‑Do
- Family‑friendly: Kids can challenge siblings (or overthrow grandparents!) to see who can upload more selfies and memories
- Free & accessible: No entry fee to join—only your curiosity and camera.
- Learn by doing: From spy intrigue to presidential legacy, each site delivers historical richness with interactive flair.
- Award-worthy exploration: Visitors who complete any challenge get prize eligibility, but only true Trailblazers (who visit all 12 spots) can go for the $500 grand prize bundle
Kathryn M. Curran, Executive Director of the Gardiner Foundation, says participating families are “bringing Long Island’s past alive in a dynamic, interactive way” a mission that ensures history resonates with new generations.
Tips for Scoring Big & Loving the Hunt
Map it out: Plan strategically, perhaps an Oyster Bay loop (Raynham Hall, Railroad Museum, Sanctuary), an East End day, and Brooklyn at sunset.
Share your journey: Post selfies with #LIHistoryHunt or tag the site; a snapshot could spark someone else’s passion too!
Dress the part: Colonial hats? Spy-era sunglasses? A little bit of costuming adds flair (and great photos).
Pack snacks: Take a break and have a picnic at some of Long Island’s most beautiful parks. You’ll find top spots along the route on the Long Island History Hunt map.
Invite friends: A team of explorers ups the excitement and friendly competition.
What You Can Win
Upload a selfie at even one site, and you’re automatically eligible for a prize.
Visit all 12? That’s Revolutionary Trailblazer status and entry into the grand prize drawing:
- $500 cash
- 18th‑century‑style luncheon at Ketcham Inn
- Family memberships to participating museums
- Surprise curated goodies from the trail
Don’t Miss the Window!
The Long Island History Hunt started July 1, 2025, and runs through September 30, 2025. So lace up those sneakers or charge your EV. It’s time to chase history before September ends.
Why You Should Hunt
- It’s FREE, interactive, and family‑friendly.
- 12 historic sites, each with unique stories from spy legends of the Culper Ring to Theodore Roosevelt’s stomping grounds
- Selfie challenges + photo uploads = instant prize eligibility.
- Grand prize bundle for true Trailblazers: money, museum perks, and colonial-themed fun.
- Brought to you by the Robert David Lionel Gardiner Foundation and New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation designed to bring history to life for new generations
