TOUR HISTORIC HOMES OF THE 1800'S

One of my most favorite events of the holiday 

season is a visit to the Candlelight Evenings at:

Old Bethpage Village Restoration

Usually used for daytime school field trips, the Village is open for only a few evenings per year, so be sure to visit this week, weather permitting!

The museum is a collection of actual homes from Long Island that have been saved, moved to the museum's 200 acres + restored to their original form.  During these evenings, visitors walk the gas lantern lined paths + actually go inside these historic structures.  Docents dressed in traditional clothing greet + educate about the home, the family that lived there, the furnishings + day-to-day life in the 1800's.  Questions are encouraged.

To add to the festive holiday spirit, the church is filled with live Barber Shop Singing (including audience participation) + there is a concert of traditional Parlor Music in the school house.  The simple pleasure of sitting  in a sparsely furnished, warm candlelit room, was quite melancholy.

Some of the other live entertainment throughout the grounds include A Brass Quartet + Fife & Drum Corps playing in front of a roaring bonfire.  Snacks of hot apple cider + ginger snaps are available...very tasty indeed.  Inside the Reception Center are Lantern Shows + in the Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall, handmade holiday gifts are available for purchase.

In past years I have experienced the village after a light snow, when the grounds were picture postcard white.  Since it is snowing now, it's a particularly perfect time to visit (just call ahead to make sure they are open since a blizzard is expected).  I was there last week when there was a brisk chill in the air, which made the candlelight inside the homes seem even more authentic.  Due to the low light + flash restrictions, sharp picture taking was a challenge. My favorite location was, of course, the general store.  Fascinating to see the vintage  fabrics, buttons, pottery + tools that were for sale back then.  The items didn't look too old or unfamiliar.  Everything old is new again.

The buildings presently open to visit are:

The Bach Blacksmith Shop c.1875, The Benjamin House 1829, The Conklin House 1815, The Cooper House c.1815, The District No.6 School c.1845, The Hewlett House c.1840, The Kirby House c.1845, The Luyster Store  c.1840, The Manetto Hill Church 1857, The Noon Inn c.1850, The Ritch House & Hat Shop c.1830 + The Schenck House c.1765.

Those who know me might think this enjoyment of charming simplicity is out of character.

That's exactly why I wanted to share one of my most surprisingly favorite holiday places to visit.

I hope they are open this week + you can fit it in.  If  you are out-of-town, maybe next year.  Enjoy!

Old Bethpage Village Restoration

 *Weather permitting this week!

Please phone for updated snow schedule

 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm

LIE Exit 48

516. 572 8400

*Bring flashlights + wear comfortable warm footwear.  The paths are dirt roads, just like in ye ole days!