Tuesday's Top 10: Historical Sites and Museums on Long Island

LongIsland.com

When we think of the Fourth of July most of us think of parties, barbequing and fireworks. But the Fourth of July is more than that.

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When we think of the Fourth of July most of us think of parties, barbequing and fireworks. But the Fourth of July is more than that. It is Independence Day, the day we celebrate our independence and our rich and immense history. We at LongIsland.com have compiled a list of some of the most notable historic sites on the Island. Consider visiting one or many of these museums and historic homes to learn more about Long Island’s history.

 
1. Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum - 2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk – (631) 668-2544
The Montauk Point Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in New York State, built in 1796 under the authorization of President George Washington. To this day the light house still serves as aid to travels of the sea. The Montauk Point Lighthouse is open for public tours, school tours and special events.
 
2. Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum - 301 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor – (631) 367-3418
Long Island has a rich and interesting history when it comes to the fishing and whaling industries. The Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum is chock full of historic artifacts including New York States only fully equipped 19th century whaleboat. Stop in the museum to learn more about Long Island’s whaling history.
 
3. Joseph Lloyd Manor House - Lloyd Land and Lloyd Harbor Road, Lloyd Harbor – (631) 692-4664
 Lloyd Manor was the home of Jupiter Hammon, a slave who became the first published black poet. Interactive programs are made available to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. 
 
4. Sagamore Hill National Historic Site - 12 Sagamore Hill Road, Oyster Bay – (516) 922-4447
Sagamore Hill is the historic summer home of former President Theodore Roosevelt from 1885 till his death in 1919. It is still furnished with his belongings including various artifacts he collected during his travels. The home itself is closed for renovations but the beautiful property it is situated on is still open to visitors.
 
5. Stony Brook Grist Mill - 100 Harbor Road (off Main Street), Stony Brook – (631) 751-2244
The Stony Brook Grist Mill is Long Island's most completely equipped working Grist Mill. It was formerly the center of the community, the Water Cooler if you will, were residents exchanged news and gossip as they waited for their grain to be ground. It remained active till as late as the 1940s. The Mill is open to school field trips and the public in May through October.
 
6. Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium - 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport – (631) 854-5555
The Vanderbilt Museum is a mansion, formerly home to William K. Vanderbilt II. The Spanish Revival mansion consists of 24 rooms full of Vanderbilt’s exotic collections, the furnishings of the Vanderbilt’s family, paintings and family portraits and photos. Guided and self-guided tours are available to the public. The Planetarium is currently closed for renovations.  
 
7. Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site & Interpretive Center - 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station – (631) 427-5240
It was in 1819 in the small community of West Hills that Walt Whitman, America’s greatest poet, was born. It was in 1949, after numerous threats of being demolished in the wake of suburban expansion, that the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association was able to secure the plot of land and in 1985 it finally landed on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places. This historic site is open seven days a week and is now considered not only a historic site but also a learning center.
 
8. Old Bethpage Village Restoration - 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage – (516) 572-8400
A visit to the Old Bethpage Village Restoration is like taking a trip back in time. Located on 209 acres of land, the Old Bethpage Village Restoration brings visitors to a recreated 19th century. Included on the land are 19th century homes, farms and businesses. The Village is open to the public and school field trips Wednesday through Sunday.
 
9. Coe Hall - Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay – (516) 922-8670
Coe Hall, located on the grounds of the Planting Fields Arboretum, is the former home of insurance magnate William Robertson Coe Standard Oil heiress Mai Rogers Coe and is one of the few remaining Gold Coast estates on the North Shore of Long Island. Coe Hall contains many of the original pieces and furnishings that belonged to the Coe family. Coe Hall is open daily for self-guided tours.
 
10. Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center - 830 Fireplace Road, East Hampton – (631) 324-4929
Jackson Pollock, leader of the Abstract art movement, lived on Long Island’s East End with fellow painter and wife Lee Krasner from 1945 until his death in 1956. Krasner continued to live and paint in the house after Pollock’s death. Learn more about the couple when you visit the home and Study Center. Please visit the website for hours of admission. 
 
 

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