Old Bethpage Village Restoration facts for kids
| Established | 1963 |
|---|---|
| Location | 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, NY 11804 |
The Old Bethpage Village Restoration is a special place in Old Bethpage, New York. It's like stepping back in time! This huge 209-acre (0.85 km2) village is a living museum. It opened in 1970. Many old buildings were saved from being torn down by Nassau County. They were moved here to create the village.
People dressed in old clothes show you what life was like in the 1800s. You can see how people lived and worked back then. This village is also where the yearly Long Island Fair takes place. The idea for the village started in 1963. That's when Nassau County bought the Powell farm, which was 165-acre (0.67 km2).
The village was also used for filming! It was a main location for the Apple TV+ show Dickinson. This show stars Hailee Steinfeld as the famous poet Emily Dickinson. The village's buildings were used as the Dickinson family homes.
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Exploring a 19th-Century Village
The Old Bethpage Village Restoration has 51 old buildings that were saved. There are also seven buildings that were rebuilt to look like they did long ago. These buildings are set up to look like a typical farming village from the mid-1800s on Long Island. About 20 of these buildings are open for you to explore.
Historic Buildings to See
The Powell Farmhouse is very special. It's the only building that was already on this land when the county bought it. The Manetto Hill Methodist Church was the first building moved here. It came from Plainview.
You can visit Layton's Store to buy old-fashioned candy. The Noon Inn is a working tavern where you can get root beer and pretzels. The Schenck House is a very old Dutch farmhouse from the 1730s. The Bach Blacksmith Shop from Hicksville is where all the metal items for the village are fixed or made.
Fun Activities and Events
The village often has special events on weekends. You can see exciting Civil War re-enactments. They also celebrate holidays like the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving in an old-fashioned way.
Seasonal Celebrations
In the winter, there are "Candlelight Evenings." The front part of the village opens at night. It is decorated for a 19th-century Christmas. You can enjoy caroling, special snacks, and cider. Other fun events include "Sheep to Shawl" days. Here, you can see how wool is turned into cloth.
"Hands-on-History Sundays" let kids try out old chores. Halloween is also a big event. It includes ghost tours, pumpkin carving, and a scavenger hunt.
The Long Island Fair
The Long Island Fair has been held here since the village opened. This fair includes vintage base ball games. These games are played using the rules from the mid-1800s. You can also find craft sales and see demonstrations of old crafts. In recent years, there has been a summer camp called the Junior Apprentice Program. Local children can learn about life in the past.
Escape Room Adventures
Since 2017, the village has added escape room games. These games take place inside the historic houses. You can solve puzzles and explore the buildings in a new way.
Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Each fall, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze takes place here. This is Nassau County’s biggest Halloween event. [Historic Hudson Valley] creates this amazing show. It features thousands of glowing jack o’lanterns. There are also huge pumpkin sculptures made by local artists. This event includes a half-mile walking trail. It has special lights and music.
Old Bethpage Village Brass Band
The Old Bethpage Village Brass Band often performs here. They are a Civil War-style brass band. You can often see them marching through the streets. They also play outdoor concerts in the afternoon. Dr. Kirby Jolly started this band. They were even featured in Ken Burns' 1990 PBS series, The Civil War. This band is special because it's supported by a county parks department.
Restoration Farm
A small, private, and organic farm was started in the village in 2007. It covers about 7 acres (2.8 ha). This farm sells its fresh produce at a farm stand. You can also get produce through a CSA program.
Why the Village is Important
In 2009, there was a plan to close all county parks, including this village. Many people spoke up against this idea. They pointed out that about 35,000 students visit the village every year. The Old Bethpage Village Restoration is a valuable place. It helps people learn about history.
