Things to Do in Huntington
The Town of Huntington is known for its tradition of art, culture and educational exploration, supported by museums, learning centers, and local arts & historic organizations. Residents and visitors are invited to explore Huntington’s cultural and artistic organizations;
Walt Whitman Birthplace
One of the most influential American poets, Walt Whitman was born in a farmhouse in West Hills in 1819. When he was four years old, his family moved to what was then the Town of Brooklyn. As an adult, Whitman returned to Long Island, which he immortalized in his poetry as “fish shaped Paumanok.” The house is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Walt Whitman Birthplace now features an interpretive center and there are guided tours throughout the house. A writing desk that once belonged to the poet is on view as well as a first edition of his famous Leaves of Grass and his autobiographical Specimen Days. Concerts, poetry readings and contests are sponsored on a regular basis at the venue.
The Arsenal
The only known colonial arsenal to survive to this day on Long Island, The Arsenal at 42 Park Avenue, Huntington, played a significant role in the town’s participation in the American Revolution. The original part of the arsenal was built in the mid-1700s as a farm building used to store grain. In 1748, it was transformed by a new owner into a residence. It was eventually sold to a weaver named Job Sammis who expanded the structure and lived in the house for over four decades.
It was from this cache of arms that the local militia received its weaponry when they entered the Battle of Long Island in 1776. The battle unfortunately ended in the defeat of the colonists and led to the British occupation of Huntington.
Today, the building still stands with much of its original frame timbers, ceiling boards, floorboards and more, and it has been restored to its colonial origins.
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery And Aquarium
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium, a former New York State trout hatchery, opened in 1982 as a non-profit educational center dedicated to educating visitors about New York’s freshwater ecosystems. The Hatchery and Aquarium has New York’s largest collection of living of freshwater reptiles, fishes and amphibians. The public can visit two aquarium buildings and eight outdoor ponds, feed hungry trout, and go fishing for a fresh, healthy dinner with Hatchery’s “Catch & Keep” program.
The Soldiers And Sailors Memorial Building
Built in 1892, the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building was constructed as a memorial to the 40 local residents who died in the Civil War. It was later the site of the Huntington Public Library until 1958 as well as a Civil War Memorial. This restored building currently features exhibits from the Huntington Historical Society.
Cold Spring Harbor Firehouse Museum
The Cold Spring Harbor Firehouse, which later became the museum in 2007, is a historical building in the Town of Huntington. It came about when citizens rallied to save the firehouse, which was built in 1896, from demolition. The Firehouse Museum not only preserved the community’s first firehouse, but collects and exhibits historic objects, artifacts, equipment, photos and memorabilia relating to the community and its fire department. The Cold Spring Harbor Firehouse Museum not only educates the public on fire prevention and history, but has helped preserve a historic Huntington landmark.