Peconic Landing has unveiled a historic lecture series as part of Suffolk 250, Suffolk County’s initiative to celebrate this year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The series features a range of engrossing topics and expert speakers that explore Suffolk County’s role in the Revolution — the first of which was a talk on Patriots and Loyalists by retired Adelphi University professor Edward A. Marlatt, who discussed how Southold Town’s loyalties were divided during the Revolution.
Held on the third Tuesday of each month throughout 2026, the free lectures will explore everything from Long Island’s agricultural roots to spiritual practices in colonial Southold. February’s lecture featured Bill Zalakar, Executive Director of the Long Island Farm Bureau, who spoke on how farming and agribusiness have shaped Long Island’s growth and economy from its earliest days to the present.
All programs are free and open to the public. The series was developed collaboratively by Peconic Landing’s Member Services team and the Brecknock Hall Foundation, whose board includes several Peconic Landing members. The groups worked together to create programming that reflects the themes of America’s 250th Anniversary while highlighting Long Island’s unique contributions to the nation’s history.
“Peconic Landing’s participation stems from our commitment to lifelong learning, cultural enrichment and engaging with the local community,” said President and CEO Robert J. Syron. “The North Fork has such an important place in America’s history, and this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase it. In addition, Brecknock Hall is one of the North Fork’s most beautiful and meaningful historic landmarks, and this initiative gives us an opportunity to share it more widely with the community.”
Upcoming speakers will cover topics including 19th century utopian communities, ritual magick practiced in colonial Southold; the founding and growth of the Long Island Railroad and Greenport’s role in its founding and development, Revolutionary War general William Floyd, and how Indigenous nations shaped and were impacted by the Revolution.
Peconic Landing’s programming emphasizes a lifelong learning concept; Syron notes that “intellectual curiosity and personal growth are key parts of successful living at any age.” The organization’s Lifetime Learning Association offers three semesters of university-style classes each year. Faculty for the latest semester included a Buddhist, a geologist, a Poet Laureate, a wine industry pioneer, a thespian, a bioethicist, an AI pioneer, historians, engineers and scientists.
Response to the lecture program has been positive. “This series in particular has generated a lot of enthusiasm because it connects so directly to Long island’s identity and to a once-in-a-generation national milestone,” says Syron.
Suffolk 250, a range of legislators and historical and cultural organizations, is hosting events throughout Suffolk County this year. A commemorative Passport Book, which may be stamped at participating events, is available for purchase online or for free at suffolk250.com.
For information on the free lecture series and to reserve a seat, check here.
