Register for the March for Liberty

Join Legislator Jim Mazzarella and Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, colonial reenactors, other officials, friends and neighbors for a special MARCH FOR LIBERTY to the Manor of St. George on Saturday, November 21, 2026.  After the March, County Executive Ed Romaine will be serving up hot Apple Cider, Apple Pie and Seafood Chowder and hosting a special ceremony.  More information will soon be announced. 

Why is this a special day in Long Island history? 

Fort St. George as the best-known Revolutionary War-era British fort on Long Island!

Between November 21-23, 1780, Maj. Benjamin Tallmadge left Connecticut and led 80 dismounted dragoons across Long Island Sound to Mount Sinai and arrived at the British occupied Fort St. George. Twenty were left behind at "Old Mans" (present-day Mount Sinai) to guard the whaleboats.

The Americans launched a simultaneous attack on three sides of the fort, catching its 50 defenders by surprise. At the garrison at Fort St. George were loyalist refugees from Rhode Island cutting wood for the British garrison in NYC.

Despite some resistance, the Americans captured the British garrison. 

Tallmadge wrote to General George Washington that, “the Officers and Soldiers of the Detachment under my Command behaved with the greatest fortitude [and] Spirit, as well by sustaining the fatigues of so long a march, as storming the Enemies’ Works.”

FAQs

Date: Saturday, November 21st at 12 noon.  

Check-In: Begins at 11:00 AM

Start and End:

The March for Liberty starts at the entrance to the Tallmadge Trail at Havenwood Dr. W. and Smith Road in Shirley, NY. 

The March ends at the Manor of St. George.  The total walk is approximately 1.5 miles or less. (A more exact number will be posted prior to the March.)

Parking: Organizers recommend that you plan to get dropped off at the starting point and have your driver park at the Manor of St. George.   

Organizers are arranging bus service to the starting point for walkers who want to park at the Manor of St. George. 

What is going on at the Manor of St. George on the day of the March? There will be a Harvest and Heritage Fair at the Manor of St. George from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM.  During your visit, you can enjoy tours of the Manor House, food, crafters, demonstrations and historical presentations.  There will be a ceremony following the March at 12:00 noon. 

Registration: Please register by November 18, 2026. There is no cost to participate.

Rain or Shine: This event will be rain or shine, but in the case of heavy rain and/or storm, it will be postponed. Updates will be sent to the email address on file. 

Terrain: This is a flat dirt trail with typical uneven terrain. In the event of rain, the terrain could also be muddy. Please prepare for the possibility of ticks by using appropriate repellant.  

Restrooms: There will be a portable restroom at the start of trail.  Portable restrooms will also be available at the Manor of St. George.  There are no rest stops or restrooms along the approximately 1.5 mile walk. 

Dress: Feel free to join in the spirit and dress up in colonial costume! 

First-aid:  The County will have a first-aid station at the Manor of St. George. 

Age of participant: Anyone under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Additional: The first 80 adult registrants will receive a commemorative shirt. Everyone will receive a commemorative challenge coin. 

Subject to Change: Event details, the route, schedule and activities are subject to change due to weather and public safety circumstances. Updates will be sent to the contact information provided druring registration. 

Every adult or parent/guardian must sign a Participant Acknowledgment, Assumption of Risk and Release. If you have more people in your group, you can send them this link to the waiver so they can fill it out online:  Waiver Form. If you prefer to do the waiver form in person, we'll have some available at the check in table.  

 

Every adult or parent/guardian must sign a Participant Acknowledgment, Assumption of Risk and Release. If you have more people in your group, you can send them this link to the waiver so they can fill it out online: Waiver Form

The first 80 adults to register will receive a commemorative March for Liberty shirt.  Organizers will reach out to everyone by email who fall into the "first to register" category to obtain shirt sizes.  All participants will receive a commemorative challenge coin. 

I voluntarily choose to participate and knowingly assume the ordinary and inherent risks associated with the event. I affirm that I am physically able to participate safely and that I am responsible for determining whether participation is appropriate for me.

I release and hold harmless the County of Suffolk and the Manor of St. George, their property owners, sponsors, officers, employees, agents and volunteers (the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims for personal injury, illness, death, or property damage arising out of my participation in the event arising from the negligence of my voluntary participation and any such claim caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the Released Parties  in the event, except to the extent of gross negligence or intentional misconduct that a claim may not lawfully be waived.

I agree to follow event rules and the reasonable instructions of event personnel and public-safety officials. I understand that I may be removed from the event for unsafe, unlawful or substantially disruptive conduct.

If emergency medical attention is reasonably considered necessary, I authorize event personnel to contact emergency services. I understand that I am responsible for any medical expenses incurred on my behalf.

I have read and understand this acknowledgment and sign it voluntarily.