A Yearlong Celebration for the 350th Birthday
Back in January 2014 Town Historian Bradley Harris kicked off the planning for Smithtown’s 350th Anniversary. Supervisor Vecchio created the impetus by sending a letter to Harris where he sequestered his help in planning a commemorative celebration. Supervisor Vecchio encouraged Mr. Harris to form a committee and commence the planning. “It is my belief that the committee would need at least one year to calculate costs, consider types of events, group participation, etc.,” said the seasoned Town Supervisor.
Harris says he loves his role as Town Historian but he has served the community in many ways over the years including a previous role as Town Councilman. He said it was clear that this year’s celebration should include more than a parade. “Smithtown has a rich history and its 350th anniversary provides a great opportunity to educate residents and celebrate the wonderful town in which we live.”
Harris, with the support of the Smithtown Historical Society and many willing Smithtown residents, including Supervisor Vecchio, created The Smithtown 350 Foundation, Inc. It is a not-for-profit corporation that was created by residents of Smithtownto form an organization that would organize and coordinate the celebration of Smithtown’s 350th Anniversary, Smithtown’s Sesquarcentennial. The Mission of this Foundation is:
- To promote interest in Smithtown’s history by making town residents aware of Smithtown’s colorful and fascinating past
- To encourage participation and involvement in the celebration of Smithtown’s history by getting residents, schools, other organizations, businesses, and corporations actively involved in activities and events associated with the Sesquarcentennial Celebration of the Year 2015
- To promote [education through] public participation in the activities and events by creating a calendar of events for 2015, advertising and promoting those activities and events, and fundraising to help defray the cost of those events
- To actively promote, direct, and run activities and events on behalf of the Town of Smithtown that will include but not be limited to the Bull Smythe Run, dedication of the Statue of Richard Smythe, a Sesquarcentennial Parade, and a Fireworks Celebration.
Tony Tanzi is a member of Smithtown 350 Foundation and a member of the Smithtown Historical Society. He says they have a great team but will need more volunteers. Smithtown residents can sign up to volunteer on the Smithtown 350 Foundation website listed below.
“I am very excited about the Fireworks at Sunken Meadow later this year; we plan on having several bands as well and fun activates at the park,” he explained. He said plans for that event will include a few VIP type fund raiser including one on a boat where guests will get to view the fireworks from the water.
“For many of us this is a once in a life event, it’s a celebration of the rich history of our township and a great opportunity learn about the occurrences and individuals that helped shape our community. Tanzi says he thoroughly enjoys being part of Smithtown’s Historical Society. “My children have basically grown up volunteering on the grounds of the Historical Society,” he added. He says this has helped all four of them to have a greater appreciation of the town’s history. He adds that it’s an extra benefit that there are sheep and pony there, a big draw for kids.
Brad Harris said that Smithtown is one of the oldest townships on Long Island and this year’s series of events will be a fitting tribute. “When our committee got together and talked about the big birthday year, our goal was to get a lot of the people in the community to participate so that more people would be aware of our history,” he explained. Smithtown residents have traditionally enjoyed their rich history; the Historical Society was formed back in the 1950s and has been a thriving organization over the years.
“One of the events will be the dedication of the new statue with fireworks in the evening,” said Harris. The new statue will be of Richard Smythe and it is being funded by Damianos Realty Corporation. “It was their idea and it will be in the East end of town opposite the Millennium Diner in front of the Damiano building on the corner,” he continued. It will be a life-sized statue on a raised planting bed. Other celebratory events include a Pot Luck Dinner, Lectures at the Smithtown Library, A Gala, A Run, A Vintage Baseball Festival and so much more.
For more information about the year-long celebration or to volunteer check out Smithtown 350 Foundation’s website