ASSESSOR LEVINSON:  "HISTORY IS WHERE YOU FIND IT!"

Media Contact: Randolph Yunker - (516) 571-2490

(Mineola, NY)  For decades, they sat in a little used supply closet on a top shelf at the Department of Assessment; town assessment books from the mid-1800’s predating the incorporation of Nassau County.

“When I took office in 2004 and began to modernize and reorganize Department of Assessment operations and records, I had no idea that I would uncover neglected historical artifacts that were placed in storage decades ago,” stated Assessor Levinson.  “Rather than have these treasures shipped to an archive center never to be seen again, I have decided to present the assessment books to the Old Bethpage Village Restoration for display to the general public.”

The Old Bethpage Village Restoration was established in 1963 to preserve historical buildings that would have been destroyed by modern day development.  Since the first placement of the Manetto Hill Methodist Church, the village is now home to over 50 carefully preserved 19th Century buildings on the its 209-acres site.

“I can not imagine a more fitting place for these 19th Century documents to rest than in the hands of a center that is dedicated to visually preserving our Long Island heritage for future generations,” stated Assessor Levinson.

If you would like to learn more about the Old Bethpage Village Restoration and Long Island’s “living history,” Assessor Levinson invites residents to visit the village’s website at www.oldbethpage.org or by telephone – (516) 572-8401.

The village, which is part of the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums, is open Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.