Sunday, September 14, 2025, 2:00 PM
“Revolutionary Long Island: The Crucible of Occupation, 1776-1783”
John Staudt, Historian and Author
During the Revolutionary War, the British occupied Long Island for seven years-longer than any other region. Military occupation and partisan warfare completely transformed civilian life through forced loyalty oaths, military requisitions, and arbitrary arrests of suspected patriots. The waters around Long Island became a battlefield of "whaleboat warfare," used for both military raids and extensive black market smuggling between New England and Long Island. The occupation created widespread lawlessness, with British soldiers committing thefts and whaleboat outlaws terrorizing families. Revolutionary warfare eliminated the distinction between military and civilian life, forcing Long Islanders to adapt their daily existence to survive under occupation.
Dr. John Staudt has taught early American history at Hofstra University and The Wheatley School for over 20 years. He attended The George Washington University where he earned a Ph.D. in American history. He served as interim director of the Theodore Roosevelt Association where he now serves on its Board of Advisors. He has published a number of articles, reviews and book chapters and lectures on a variety of topics including the Revolution, Theodore Roosevelt, Long Island history and the history of baseball. Before his academic career, he served as an NCO and paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division.
We are partnering with the Jericho Public Library for this hybrid program. It will be available in person or live on your computer at home. Register for the Zoom webinar on JerichoLibrary.org (under Events, Program Registration). Refreshments will follow program at the library.
Driving Directions: The Jericho Library is at 1 Merry Lane, Jericho 11753, just south of Rt. 25 (Jericho Turnpike).
From the Northern State Parkway, take exit 35 North or from the LIE/Rt. 495, take exit 41 North onto Rts. 106/107. Stay in the right-hand lane and turn right onto Rt. 25 East. Go a very short distance and turn right (south) onto Merry Lane. The Library is on your left; parking is available on both sides of the building or on Merry Lane.
Guests are welcome to attend (no charge), either at the library or virtually on Zoom.
