Huntington residents invited to share thoughts on ‘liberty’ for America’s 250th celebration
The project aims to connect the past, present and future by capturing modern perspectives on a principle that has shaped the country since 1776.
More Stories
What does liberty mean to you?
That’s the question the Huntington Historical Society is posing to residents this month as part of "LIBERTY 250," the town’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. The short, on‑camera interviews are being recorded at public libraries across Huntington, giving community members a chance to reflect on one of the nation’s core ideals.
“I think it is a gift, first of all, not to be taken for granted,” Alex Edwards‑Bourdrez, of Northport, said during filming.
The project aims to connect the past, present and future by capturing modern perspectives on a principle that has shaped the country since 1776. Stephanie Gotard, executive director of the Huntington Historical Society, says the goal is to create an archival video that will stand as a record of how residents today define liberty.
“How we can connect 1776 to 2026 - to make archival video that would represent what our citizens have to say about liberty,” Gotard explained. “Connecting it back to the Declaration of Independence - what the Founding Fathers were trying to set up, set about a society that would protect everyone's liberties.”
For some participants, the experience has been unexpectedly thought‑provoking.
Susan Edwards‑Bourdrez of Northport said she was surprised by how deeply she had to consider her answer.
“I assumed I knew what liberty meant, but when I really had to define it, I had to think about it,” she said. “I think liberty is so, so important to me personally, to us as a country, to our community in Huntington.”
Her husband, Alex Edwards‑Bourdrez, said he appreciated that the project captures a wide range of viewpoints.
“The fact that there are probably many different points of view that are being captured here, and that I could be one of those, I think, sets the tone for what we need to do in the future,” he said.
No registration is required, and interviews last just one to two minutes. The completed video will premiere at the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington on July 17.
Recording Schedule:
March 3 — 5–7 p.m.
Huntington Station Library Branch
March 11 — 2–4 p.m.
Northport Library
March 12 — 2–4 p.m.
South Huntington Library
March 18 — 2–4 p.m.
Half Hollow Hills Library
March 19 — 5–7 p.m.
Half Hollow Hills Library
March 25 — 2–4 p.m.
Huntington Library
March 26 — 2–4 p.m.
East Northport Library
