Northport Volunteers Restore Revolutionary War Cemetery

Volunteers of all ages will gather at Northport Burying Ground this Saturday to clean and restore a Revolutionary War cemetery, breathing new life into gravestones that have stood for over two centuries.

The volunteer cleanup is part of the Town of Huntington's ambitious Historic Cemetery Restoration program. The initiative will assess and restore 20 historic cemeteries across the town, preserving irreplaceable pieces of local heritage.

No experience is necessary to join the effort. Two sessions run from 10am to noon and noon to 2pm on July 25, with parking available at 28 Millard Drive in Northport.

The Northport Burying Ground sits on Route 25A, just east of Sandy Hollow Road. Its weathered headstones and memorials preserve the stories of generations who built the community from its earliest days.

The Ripple Effect

This restoration effort extends far beyond tidying up old gravestones. By caring for these burial grounds, volunteers are creating a living connection between past and present, ensuring that the stories of Revolutionary War soldiers and early settlers remain accessible to future generations.

Historic cemeteries serve as outdoor classrooms where children can learn local history by reading the names and dates carved in stone. They remind us that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured by real people who lived, worked, and raised families in the same neighborhoods we call home.

The program brings together an impressive coalition of local leaders. Councilwoman Theresa Mari, Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo, Supervisor Edmund Smyth, Assemblyman Keith Brown, and Town Historian Robert Hughes have joined forces to make this vision a reality.

"Historic cemeteries are an important part of Huntington's identity," Mari said. "When we care for these grounds, we are showing respect for the people who came before us and helping keep their legacy alive for the next generation."

The Northport Historical Society notes that these burying grounds offer a unique window into the community's past. Each gravestone tells a story, each memorial marks a life that contributed to building the town that exists today.

The restoration work honors the brave individuals who helped shape the nation while creating opportunities for neighbors to connect through meaningful service.