Long Island Prepares for Inaugural Culper Spy Day

As part of the Long Island Path Through History initiative, 10 Long Island organizations are coming together to launch Setauket, NY’s inaugural Culper Spy Day to celebrate Long Island’s contributions to the Revolutionary War. The Culper Spy Ring is famous for being the most effective intelligence-gathering organization on either side during the Revolutionary War. Featuring a small group of trustworthy friends from his hometown of Setauket, NY—Abraham Woodhull, Caleb Brewster, Austin Roe and Anna Strong— along with his friend Robert Townsend from Oyster Bay, NY, Benjamin Tallmadge created the Culper Spy Ring, which changed the course of America’s history. Culper Spy Day will consist of a variety of events on June 20th, 2015, hosted from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Activities will include walking tours as well as interactive exhibits, colonial demonstrations, open houses and rare viewings of the original members’ homes.

“I grew up with Anna Smith Strong’s descendant Raymond Brewster Strong lll,” stated historical educator and Tri-Spy Tours owner Margo Arceri. “And I first heard of the Culper Spy Ring story from Anna’s great-granddaughter Kate Strong. It is truly rewarding to work with so many organizations to bring Culper Spy Day-Our Revolutionary Story to life for Long Islanders and visitors alike to learn of the nation’s first spy ring.”

Visitors of all ages will be able to explore Brookhaven Town’s original settlements including the original 1800’s home of Ebenezer Bayles/Stephen Swezey, which also houses the interactive Culper SPIES! Exhibit, as well as the Thompson House Medicinal Garden, home of colonial-era doctor and farmer Samuel Thompson. According to his diaries, members of the Culper Spy Ring, including Abraham Woodhull and Austin Roe, were among his patients.

Children will learn how the spies used invisible ink while trying the art of invisible writing themselves. Reenactors will join attendees in exploring the heritage sites and performing demonstrations including colonial cooking and Anna Strong Smith providing a demonstration of how secret codes were exchanged by her arrangement of petticoats on a wash line.

“This is a unique opportunity for Long Islanders and visitors to experience a true understanding of Long Island’s historical contributions to the Revolutionary War,” added Arceri. “It’s also a wonderful way for people of all ages to get together and learn about how average colonial people did extraordinary things to free America from England’s rule.”

Culper Spy Day attendees can also discover Caroline Church of Brookhaven (Episcopal) and Cemetery which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. The second oldest continuing operating Episcopal Church in the United States and historic cemetery contains the graves of early settlers of the town, Revolutionary War heroes, ship captains and industry leaders; the Setauket Presbyterian Church and Cemetery (c1714) which was the site of the first meeting house and church in Setauket. The church was used as a fort by British Tory troops. The cemetery contains the graves of Culper spy Abraham Woodhull, genre artist William Sidney Mount and early settler Richard Floyd, grandfather of William Floyd.

Families can roam The Village Green, the location of the historic “Battle of Setauket”, a skirmish between Tory and Patriot troops which took place on August 22, 1777. Prior, it was called “Meeting House Green” where meetings were held during the early settlement period of the mid to late 1600’s. A demo of the interactive Spy Ring Tour will be held on the Emma S. Clark Memorial Library lawn, along with materials, artifacts and databases related to the Culper Spy Ring. Military paraphernalia will be on display in the Library lobby.

During the Revolutionary War, the Brewster House was owned by Joseph Brewster, first cousin of Culper Spy Caleb Brewster and neighbor of the ring’s founder, Benjamin Tallmadge. In order to preserve his home and property from confiscation, Joseph Brewster operated a tavern out of the home, hosting the occupying British forces. Culper Spy Day attendees will have a unique opportunity to walk back in time through Brewster House—considered to be the oldest home in the Town of Brookhaven.

To round out the day, visitors have the opportunity to explore The Long Island Museum and Stony Brook Grist Mill, and also participate in walking tours of Stony Brook Village. The Long Island Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, is dedicated to American history and art with a Long Island connection. The museum’s vast collection of art and historic artifacts includes more than 200 horse-drawn vehicles dating as far back as the American Revolution.

Two of the vehicles were owned by Revolutionary War hero Peter Gansevoort, grandfather of author Herman Melville. Stony Brook Grist Mill is Long Island’s most completely equipped and working mill and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During the Revolutionary War, occupying British forces confiscated much of the grain to provision their own troops. Costumed docents will guide visitors on a tour of historic Main Street, Stony Brook. Points of interest will include the Stony Brook Village Center.

Built in 1710, Country House Restaurant is dedicated to serving the finest food and spirits in one of Long Island’s most historic homes. A special Culper Spy Day menu is prepared at a discounted rate. Adult meals will range between $10 and $16; children’s meals are $8.95 including a soft drink.

Culper Spy Day has been made possible by the efforts of the following local organizations: Tri Spy Tours, Three Village Historical Society, Ward Melville Heritage Organization, Long Island Museum, Country House Restaurant, Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, History Close at Hand, Raynham Hall Museum, Times Beacon Record, Setauket Presbyterian Church, Caroline Church of Brookhaven, The Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Suffolk County Dept. of Economic Development and Planning / Cultural Affairs & Film.

“In many ways, the partnership between these Setauket organizations mirrors the partnership between those early Long Islanders to create an American legacy,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “Culper Spy Day is a wonderful way to give everyone—from children to seniors—the opportunity to understand the historical significance of what is in our very own backyard.”

The admission fee is $20 ($75 value) for Culper Spy Day attendees 13 years old and older and free for children 12 years and younger. Admission includes walking tours and access to all churches, homes, and museums. More information about Culper Spy Day can be found on the website at http://www.culper.com/culperspyday/ or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Culper-Spy-Day/446636942167919.

Culper Spy Day is a day devoted to celebrating the Culper Spy Ring in Setauket, NY. The Culper Spy Ring was instrumental in helping General Washington win the Revolutionary War and has been credited with sending key espionage information regarding British troop movements, fortification and plans in New York and the surrounding region between 1778 and 1783. The Culper Spy Ring’s main accomplishment involves uncovering British plans to launch a surprise attack against the newly arrived French army in Rhode Island, which could have undermined or destroyed the Franco-American alliance. Participating organizations include Tri Spy Tours, Three Village Historical Society, Ward Melville Heritage Organization, Long Island Museum, Country House Restaurant, Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, History Close at Hand, Raynham Hall Museum, Times Beacon Record, Setauket Presbyterian Church, Caroline Church of Brookhaven, The Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Suffolk County Dept. of Economic Development and Planning / Cultural Affairs & Film.