HUNTINGTON, NY – A significant piece of Huntington’s history entered a new chapter on October 16th as the Town of Huntington began the careful deconstruction of the Crippen House, a structure that tells the story of four centuries of local life.
Believed to be the town’s first mill building, the structure was originally built in 1657 and decommissioned in 1672. It was then moved from Mill Lane to its current location and converted into a residence. Nearly two centuries later, the property was purchased by Peter Crippen, who came to Huntington from Virginia in the 1830s. Peter Crippen was a prominent community leader and one of the founders of Bethel AME Church, Huntington’s first African American church. The Crippen family continued to own the property until 2019.
Recognizing its deep historical importance, the Town of Huntington purchased the property in 2020 and began efforts to preserve as much of the home as possible. An archaeological study, led by Dr. Allison McGovern and supported by the 1653 Foundation, helped identify which elements of the structure could be salvaged. These pieces will be donated to the Huntington African American Museum where they will serve as a lasting tribute to the town’s African American heritage.
Now, as deconstruction begins, the community gathers to honor the Crippen legacy. Standing before the historic home, Kip Harmon, a descendant of Peter Crippen, shared heartfelt words: “As I stand here, wrapped in the spirit of my ancestors who allowed us to be Huntingtonians, I’m humbled. I’m so proud to have been born into the Crippen Smith Harmon family, but I’m overwhelmed. I thank everyone for coming to pay honor to my ancestors, whatever they can salvage from this house.”
The story of the Crippen House lives on, soon to be rebuilt nearby in spirit and form within the Huntington African American Museum, preserving the legacy of a family and a community that helped shape the town’s history.
The Huntington African American Museum is accepting donations to help establish the new museum on their website.
Photography by Ken Farrell and Diane Schaber. Videography by June Margolin.
