Discover Long Island’s Living History
Old Bethpage Village Restoration isn’t just a museum. It’s a journey back in time. Here, history isn’t behind glass. It’s in the creak of wooden floorboards, the smell of fresh hay, and the rhythm of daily life. Step into a working 19th-century village and see how Long Island’s past still shapes its present.
Plan Your Visit
Step off the beaten path and into the 1800s
Set on over 200 acres of preserved farmland, Old Bethpage Village Restoration transports visitors to a quieter, simpler Long Island—before electricity, highways, and screens.
This faithfully recreated pre–Civil War farm village features more than two dozen original homes and buildings, relocated from across the region and carefully restored to preserve their unique stories.
As you explore, sip a sarsaparilla at the Noon Inn, meet heritage-breed animals at Powell Farm, or chat with costumed interpreters demonstrating everything from blacksmithing to open-hearth cooking. Whether you’re here with a curious class, a history-loving friend, or just a desire to slow down, you’ll find something to discover around every corner.
A Tour of the Village
Every building has a story—and a place in Long Island’s past
From the moment you leave the reception center and stroll into the heart of the Village, you’ll immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of 19th-century life. Visit the general store, enjoy a drink at the Noon Inn, and explore the crossroads surrounded by working fields and woods.
Landmark buildings include the Schenck House—home to Dutch settlers and a host to Revolutionary War soldiers—and the Conklin House, believed to have sheltered a young Walt Whitman. Watch sparks fly at the Bach Blacksmith Shop, brought here from Hicksville and still outfitted with 1800s tools and techniques. With more than two dozen structures to explore, each one offers a hands-on glimpse into the people and stories that shaped Long Island.
History of the Village
Celebrating 55 Years of Living History
In the 1960s, as suburban growth surged, Nassau County recognized the urgent need to save Long Island’s architectural and cultural heritage. In 1962, the County acquired the former Powell Farm in Bethpage, and under the leadership of Museum Director Edward Smits, plans began for a living history village unlike any other.
Since then, Old Bethpage Village Restoration has become a vital preservation site, rescuing endangered buildings and giving them new life. Each relocated structure is meticulously restored with era-appropriate materials—original glass, handmade shingles, antique nails—and cared for by skilled craftsmen and historians.
But buildings are only part of the story. What truly makes the Village come alive are the people—farmers, craftspeople, and townsfolk—who carry forward the spirit of 19th-century Long Island every day.
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