Suffolk Marches for Liberty at Historic Manor

Suffolk County’s March for Liberty kicks off at noon on Saturday, Nov. 21, commemorating a pivotal win for independence at the Manor of St. George in Shirley.

On that same day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the 17th century manor offers its Harvest and Heritage Fair featuring Dixieland and folk music, a seafood chowder contest, artisans and colonial crafts.

“This is the first time doing this event at the Manor of St. George and part of our Suffolk 250th initiative,” Associate Deputy County Executive Kristin MacKay told South Shore Press. Located off the beaten path, MacKay said the 17th-century home is “a historic mansion that many people have not been able to visit,” but this event may expand their horizons.

“Long Island played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, and Suffolk County government took proactive measures this year to educate our residents as to how our ancestors helped shape our great nation,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said. “As the Suffolk 250 initiative approaches its conclusion, we encourage our residents to come out to participate in the March for Liberty and enjoy the festivities at the Historic Manor of St. George.”

The 1.5-mile walk along the Benjamin Tallmadge Historic Trail begins at the corner of Havenwood Drive West and Smith Road in Shirley and continues to the manor, according to the county website.

MacKay said the walk coincides with the weekend that Major Benjamin Tallmadge led his raid on the manor, ending British occupation there.

Besides manor tours and colonial-period demos, families will find “all kinds of activities for children,” she said, including Victorian games and animals from Cornell Cooperative Extension.

“It will be set up like a historic colonial village where people can do a little shopping, have some food, take tours of the manor house and the property,” she said. “We’ll have colonial type crafts, and Hunter’s Garden (in Northampton) will be there serving up chowder.”

For more info see the website: Suffolk250.org