Old Bethpage Village Presents "History Alive!" Children's Program in April and May

The History Alive program gives children the opportunity to experience everyday 19th-century life.

Parents and children can both try their hand at managing the everyday chores of 19th-century life, as part of the “History Alive! Hands-On History” program at Old Bethpage Village Restoration (OBVR), announced Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi.

The program runs on Sundays in April and May through May 18 from noon to 4 p.m.

As part of the program, children and their parents or accompanying adults can engage in such common 19th-century activities as writing on a slate board at the School House, churning fresh cream into butter at the Powell Farmhouse, rolling wooden hoops beside the Noon Inn, and carding wool at the Benjamin House.

Children may even find that they are asked to sweep the porch at the General Store with a handmade broom, or assist the local hatter in the production of a hat.

“This is a great opportunity for children to experience life without contemporary conveniences and to gain a greater appreciation for what the daily lives of an earlier generation of Long Islanders were like,” says OBVR Site Director and Curator Jim McKenna.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration provides visitors with a unique and wonderful opportunity to step back in time and experience life in a recreated mid-19th-century American village set on more than 200 acres. Hours are as follows: Wed. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sat. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Entrance fees are $7 for children 4 - 14, seniors and volunteer firefighters; and $10 for adults. It is located on Round Swamp Road in Old Bethpage; for more information, call 516-572-8400.