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Spies, History, and Prizes Await During the Long Island History Hunt

The Raynham Hall Museum invites visitors to step back into the colonial era and is one of 12 participating spots on the Long Island History Hunt. Photo courtesy of the museum
The Raynham Hall Museum invites visitors to step back into the colonial era and is one of 12 participating spots on the Long Island History Hunt. Photo courtesy of the museum
7/7/25 - By Jaime Sumersille

Get ready for an exciting journey through time! Museums and historical societies from Brooklyn to Montauk are collaborating on a summer-long Long Island History Hunt, giving local families fun-filled—and prize-fueled—motivation to inspire a love of local history this summer.

If you choose to embark on this hunt for local lore, you'll visit amazing places where real-life spies, brave patriots, and even a president helped shape Long Island’s past. From the secret world of the Culper Spy Ring to the inspiring story of Theodore Roosevelt, each stop is packed with cool facts and hidden stories that bring history to life.

Speaking of local history, we've outlined our favorite Long Island historic sites for families here, and have an entire Long Island Kids' Guide to Local Museums to inspire more exploration.

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Long Island History Hunt: The Basics

To participate in the Long Island History Hunt, you'll need to register online or by scanning a QR code at a participating venue. Once you've done that, begin your adventure! Each location requires kids to take part in a fun selfie challenge—snap a photo and upload it to a digital adventure map.

Visitors who complete the challenge at all 12 participating sites are automatically entered to win a prize. The grand prize is $500, a colonial-style luncheon at the historic Ketcham Inn, complimentary museum memberships, and a gift basket of curated surprises.

Sponsored by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Long Island History Hunt kicked off on Tuesday, July 1, and runs through Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

RELATED: 100 Free, Fun Things To Do on Long Island this Summer

Long Island History Hunt: Oyster Bay Railroad Museum
The Oyster Bay Railroad Museum is one of many Long Island History Hunt destinations. Photo courtesy of the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum

Where To Go for the Long Island History Hunt

Participating sites include:

  • The Raynham Hall Museum in Oyster Bay
  • The Oyster Bay Railroad Museum
  • The Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center in Oyster Bay
  • Montauk Historical Society
  • Ketcham Inn in Center Moriches
  • East Hampton Historical Society
  • Oysterponds Historical Society in Orient
  • Three Village Historical Society in Setauket
  • Shelter Island History Museum
  • Smithtown Historical Society
  • Meadow Croft Estate in Sayville
  • Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn

Start exploring, learning, and snapping today!

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About the Author

Jaime Sumersille
Jaime Sumersille, a mom of two boys in Bellmore, has been writing for Mommy Poppins for over a decade. She’s always exploring Long Island’s beaches, parks, and new attractions, and loves sharing those experiences on the site. Jaime enjoys adding her family’s perspective to Mommy Poppins’ mission.
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