Old Bethpage Village Presents 19th-Century Dancing and Music on June 27

In the 19th century, a popular form of entertainment involved listening to fiddle tunes and dancing to the calls of the local dance-master. On Saturday, June 27, visitors to Old Bethpage Village Restoration (OBVR) will be able to enjoy a re-creation of this slice of 19th-century American culture through a performance by the Old Bethpage Village Dancers, announced Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi. The event will take place in the Noon Inn PicNic Grove, with three performances at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

The Old Bethpage Village Dancers is a group of dedicated volunteers who practice a variety of contradances, quadrilles and reels and perform on a regular basis at OBVR. On May 16, the performers, in mid-19th-century attire, will demonstrate such dances as the Jefferson and Liberty, the Lancer’s Quadrille, and the Virginia Reel. The group will be called by accomplished dance-master Chart Guthrie.

“This is a great opportunity for the public to enjoy a traditional form of 19th-century entertainment as interpreted by a very accomplished group of performers,” says Jim McKenna, OBVR site director and curator. “We also encourage members of the public to take part in the festivities by joining with the Old Bethpage Village Dancers and learning the gracious art of traditional American dance.”

Old Bethpage Village provides visitors with the opportunity to step back in time and experience life in a recreated mid-19th-century American village set on more than 200 acres and boasting some 50 historic buildings. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday - Friday and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday - Sunday. Beginning June 26, the Village is open Wednesday - Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Entrance fees are $7 for children 5 - 12 (those under 5 are free), seniors and volunteer firefighters; and $10 for adults. OBVR is located on Round Swamp Road in Old Bethpage (exit 48 on the LIE); for more information, call 516-572-8400.