Old Bethpage Village, Long Island

In the heart of the hamlet of Bethpage is Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Bethpage is in the town of Oyster Bay, in Nassau County. The Village Restoration is just one reason for people of Bethpage to be proud of the community in which they live.

Old Bethpage Village recreates the times of pre-Civil War Long Island and shows the agricultural and commercial, as well as the domestic lifestyle of the era. It illustrates the crafts and skills of the time. The homes are filled with antiques and there are gardens and fields. The general store sells old fashioned root-beer and pretzels. There are live demonstrations of hat making, spinning, weaving and blacksmith crafts. There is always something new; the village is in a constant state of restoration.

There are more than 55 historic buildings on 200 acres, all original structures. It gives the town of Bethpage a sense of history and makes people proud to live here. Buildings were saved from demolition, from all over Long Island, and moved to this site. Shops are set up and there is a school house with working fireplace and a period costumed teacher. In fact, all of the volunteer and working town’s people are dressed in period costume. The Powell Farm is original to the site and is complete with pigs, cows and turkey. This entire area was originally part of the Powell Farm and historical records tell us that Thomas Powell, a devout Quaker, bought the land in 1695 from the Massapequa, Secatog and Matinecock people.

The Old Bethpage Village Restoration is the center of community activity. Special events are planned each month. There is sheep shearing in May and Autumn Harvest time in October and there are various other activities throughout the year.

It is a wonderful historic destination and can be part of family life for those living near the village especially if the family interests involve historical America. Old Bethpage Village also runs school group tours to enrich the culture of Long Island.

This is just one reason to drive out and visit Bethpage.

Photos by Alida Thorpe

Directions from the Southern State Parkway:
Southern State Parkway to Exit 28A Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway (NY135) North. Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway to Old Country Road East exit 10. Right turn onto Old Country Road Eastbound to Round Swamp Road. Right onto Round Swamp Road and village entrance will be on your left.

Official website:
Bethpage Community
http://www.bethpagecommunity.com/

Old Bethpage Village
http://www.oldbethpage.org/