Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board, in partnership with the Friends of Sagamore Hill and Theodore Roosevelt Association, announce that the nation’s largest Theodore Roosevelt Celebration will take place on Saturday, May 31st and Sunday, June 1st as the Rough Riders return to Oyster Bay along with real life descendants for a reunion and symposium. This free, family-fun weekend will take place at both Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and at Town Hall.
“What better way to celebrate the American spirit in advance of Independence Day than seeing history come alive as the Rough Riders and Theodore Roosevelt visit the place he called home, the hamlet of Oyster Bay,” said Supervisor Saladino. “This is a great opportunity for residents of all ages to step back in time and learn more about the Rough Riders, their skills and how they helped advance America’s profile around the globe.”
On Saturday, May 31st from 11am – 3pm, Boots and Saddles Productions and the Island Long Riders will perform the following at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park:
Photo Opportunities with Generals Theodore Roosevelt and Joseph Wheeler reenactors
- Rough Riders on Horses
- Living History Camp with Campfire Cooking Demonstrations
- Cavalry Saber Performances & Mounted Shooting Show
- Gilded Age Historic Carriage Display
- Historical Tintype Photography Presentation by Bodor Tintype Studio
On Sunday, June 1st from 11am – 3pm, a symposium will take place at Town Hall (54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay) for History Buffs. The first Rough Rider Reunion since 1968, descendants from the 1st U.S.V. Cavalry and Spanish American War will gather to participate in discussions with:
- Jeff Heatley – a preeminent Historian on the Rough Riders, and Author of “Bully: Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, The Rough Riders, and Camp Wikoff” –
- Seth Isaacson – a leading firearms historian from Rock Island Auctions and Contestant on a History Channel show featuring all the Historical Firearms of the Rough Riders and Spanish American War.
- Pat Falci – an actor and historian from the 1997 Movie “The Rough Riders.”
- Sue Sarna – Head Curator of the New Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, and longtime Sagamore Hill head curator.
- Clay Risen – New York Times journalist and Author of “The Crowded Hour” discussing Theodore Roosevelt, the Rough Riders, and the Dawn of the American Century.
“We are so pleased to partner with the Friends of Sagamore Hill and Theodore Roosevelt Association to welcome home our most famous resident, President Theodore Roosevelt, along with the Rough Riders,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “Join us for this free family-fun day in Oyster Bay.”
The Rough Riders was a nickname given to the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry, one of three such regiments for the Spanish American War and the only one to see combat. The U.S. had gone to war in opposition to Spanish colonial policies in Cuba, which was then torn by a rebellion. 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, a strong advocate for the Cuban War of Independence, helped attract skilled horsemen eager to see combat to the regiment. Known as “Roosevelt’s Rough Riders,” they are best remembered for their conduct during the Battle of San Juan Hill. Several days after the Battle, the Spanish fleet sailed from Cuba, and in only a few weeks an armistice ending the fighting was signed. Despite the brevity of their service, the Rough Riders became legendary, thanks to Roosevelt’s writing his own history of the regiment and the silent film reenactments made years later. Colonel Roosevelt later became the 26th President of the United States of America. During his time in office, Roosevelt’s residence at Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay became known as the “Summer White House” and the focus of international attention.
For more information on this History Comes Alive celebration, please visit www.oysterbaytown.com/roughridersreunion
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