HUNTINGTON, NY – September 11, 2026
On a beautiful September evening at the historic Dr. Daniel Kissam property, friends and supporters of the Huntington Historical Society gathered for An Evening Under the Stars, an annual tradition celebrating Huntington’s history while raising funds to help preserve it for future generations.
Held September 10, the sold-out event is the Historical Society’s largest fall fundraiser and has been a major source of revenue for nearly 30 years. Proceeds help support the Society’s ongoing mission of sharing the Town of Huntington’s history and preserving its historic resources.
Honoring Two Keepers of Huntington’s History At the heart of this year’s celebration were two people who have devoted decades to preserving and sharing Huntington’s past: Robert C. Hughes, Huntington Town Historian, and Antonia S. Mattheou, Town of Huntington Archivist.
The evening’s event program summed up their contributions beautifully:
“Tonight, our community honors Robert C. Hughes and Antonia S. Matteou for their decades of distinguished service to Huntington and the Huntington Historical Society’s preservation efforts. They are scholars and mentors to our community, preserving our local history & heritage.”
Both Hughes and Mattheou have spent years not only safeguarding Huntington’s history, but sharing their knowledge with others and serving as mentors within the community.
A Celebration Under the Stars
Of course, celebrating Huntington also meant enjoying some of the people, businesses and flavors that make our community special.
Guests were treated to passed hors d’oeuvres from The Culinary Studio, while Marciano’s Pizza Truck served fresh pizza throughout the evening. And from this Huntington Matters reporter’s perspective, it was some of the best pizza I’ve had in years.
Drinks included local beer from Six Harbors Brewing Company, along with wine from Total Wine & More. The Young Rebel Goombas provided the soundtrack for the evening, keeping the celebration going with live music.
There was plenty more happening throughout the night, including a silent auction and numerous raffle baskets that gave guests a chance to take something special home while supporting the Historical Society.
As the evening wound down, guests enjoyed carrot cake and cookies, with a chocolate bar to take home – a sweet ending to a night devoted to Huntington’s history.
More than a fundraiser, Evening Under the Stars was a reminder that preserving local history takes a community. It takes organizations committed to protecting it, residents willing to support that work and people like Robert C. Hughes and Antonia S. Mattheou who have dedicated years to making sure Huntington’s stories, records and heritage aren’t lost.
For one evening, the community gathered not simply to look back at Huntington’s past, but to celebrate the people working to carry it forward.
Photography by Diane Schaber.
