Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Long Island 250 Bi-County Commission announced today the launch of a communitywide logo contest to capture the essence of Long Island’s anniversary of the American Revolution. Local artists of all ages are encouraged to apply through Discover Long Island’s website. The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2023.
“The upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution will be a monumental milestone in our nation, but it is even more important that we commemorate Long Island’s significant role in the founding of our nation,” said Bellone. “By engaging Long Islanders of all ages through interactive learning experiences, such as the Long Island 250 Logo Contest, we are collectively honoring all those who have made our country the great nation it is.”
“Long Island played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence will draw history buffs and visitors from around the globe to partake in our historical events and celebrations,” said Discover Long Island President and CEO Kristen Reynolds. “Discover Long Island is excited to launch the logo contest to encourage local artists to design a Long Island 250 logo that will be featured on all marketing materials, includingLongIsland250.com, for this multi-year celebration that is certain to be an international draw.”
The Long Island 250 Bi-County Commission will review all submissions and select the best logos as finalists. The commission will then reveal the finalists and host a contest with the support of Discover Long Island in Winter 2024, allowing Long Islanders to choose their favorite rendering. The winning logo will be used throughout the Long Island 250 campaign to celebrate the nation’s historic event.
County Executives Bellone and Blakeman signed an executive order in June 2023 announcing the formation of the Bi-County Commission as part of a regional plan to commemorate the nation’s Declaration of Independence in 1776 as well as the eight years of the American Revolution from 1775 to 1783.
The Long Island 250 Bi-County Commission, whose members will be formalized by the end of the year, will be tasked with promoting and supporting activities and events surrounding the 250th Celebration of the American Revolution on Long Island that will take place in 2026. The commission will consist of appointed municipal historians throughout Long Island municipalities and representatives from African American Museums, and Native American leaders.
“Long Island has its own story to tell. Following the Battle of Long Island, residents lived under British occupation for the duration of the war. In many homes, the dangers forced them to flee. Some stayed, some feared and fled, some fought, and we are here to tell Long Island’s unique story,” said Barbara Russell, Brookhaven Town historian.
“We as a nation and as a state have created a lot of history since the American Revolution, we all see different angles of events, some of which haven’t been heard in the past. The 250th celebration will be exciting in that we will be looking at history in different ways and hearing voices that traditionally have not been promoted and recognizing some of the other revolutions, that have happened since 1776,” said Amy Folk, Town of Southold historian.
For submission guidelines, contest information and additional information on the Long Island 250 initiative, go to discoverlongisland.com or email li250@discoverlongisland.com.
Staff Writer on Dec 4, 2023