
Cultural & Historical Destinations in Brookhaven, New York, United States
1. Stockwood-Gideon Homestead
An 18th-century farmstead showcasing local crafts and trades. Offers a glimpse into colonial life.
- Historic Preservation: Protects and conserves the architectural, cultural, and educational value of the homestead
- Interactive Learning: Provides hands-on experiences with traditional crafts such as blacksmithing and weaving
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours led by knowledgeable guides for a deeper understanding of the site's history
2. Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Step back in time to Long Island's Victorian era at this living history museum.
- Authentic Exhibits: Features over 30 historic buildings filled with artifacts from the 19th century
- Costumed Characters: Historically-dressed guides portray life in the 1800s and share stories of local history
- Seasonal Events: Offers special events like Halloween, Christmas, and Patriot Day celebrations throughout the year
3. Setauket-East Setauket Historic District
A picturesque village with colonial homes, churches, and a library, showcasing the area's rich history.
- Historic Architecture: Features well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings
- Cultural Landmark: Serves as a reminder of the area's significant role in the American Revolution
- Local Community: A vibrant community with unique shops, restaurants, and events for visitors
4. Harborfront Park West
A waterfront park commemorating the U.S.S. Sullivans, showcasing local maritime history.
- Maritime History: Features the WWII destroyer escort USS Sullivans and displays related to its history
- Waterfront Activities: Offers fishing, boating, and scenic walks along the park's shoreline
- Community Events: Hosts concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year
5. Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
Explore Long Island's whaling history at this museum dedicated to the industry and its impact on the community.
- Industrial History: Highlights the importance of the whaling industry in Cold Spring Harbor's past
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on exhibits, including a replica whaleboat and a whaler's cabin
- Community Engagement: Works with the local community to preserve whaling history and promote education
6. Fort Salonga Archaeological Site
Explore a Native American archaeological site dating back to the Woodland Period.
- Indigenous History: Provides insights into Long Island's indigenous history and culture
- Archaeological Digs: Offers the opportunity to participate in archaeological digs during certain times of the year
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs and workshops on archaeology and indigenous culture
7. Miller-Mott House
A beautifully restored Georgian-style home that showcases the area's architectural history.
- Historic Architecture: Features a well-preserved example of Georgian colonial architecture
- Interior Design: Displays authentic period furniture and decorations
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours led by knowledgeable guides for a deeper understanding of the site's history
8. Old Bethpage Village Carousel Museum
Housing one of the largest collections of vintage carousels in the world.
- Vintage Collection: Features over 40 antique carousels, including some dating back to the late 19th century
- Interactive Experience: Offers visitors a chance to ride the historic carousels
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs on the history and craftsmanship of carousels
9. The Long Island Museum of American Art, History & Carriages
A museum featuring a vast collection of American art, history, and carriage collections.
- Artistic Diversity: Showcases a wide range of American artists from various time periods
- Historical Artifacts: Displays thousands of artifacts related to Long Island's history and culture
- Carriage Collection: Features one of the largest collections of horse-drawn carriages in the United States
10. Stony Brook Grist Mill
A restored watermill that showcases Long Island's agricultural past.
- Historic Preservation: Protects and conserves an important part of Long Island's agricultural heritage
- Interactive Demonstrations: Offers demonstrations on milling processes and the production of grains
- Community Engagement: Engages the local community in the preservation and promotion of the site's history
11. Gold Coast Mansions of Oyster Bay
Tour grand estates from the Gilded Age showcasing the opulence of Long Island's early 20th century.
- Historic Preservation: Protects and conserves these architectural gems from the Gilded Age
- Interior Design: Displays authentic period furniture, art, and decorations
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours led by knowledgeable guides for a deeper understanding of the sites' histories
12. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
A renowned molecular biology research institution with a rich history in genetics and genomics.
- Scientific Research: Conducts cutting-edge research in the fields of genetics, genomics, and molecular biology
- Public Education: Provides educational programs for students, teachers, and the general public
- Historic Site: Features a historic campus that showcases its rich history in genetics research
13. Setauket Presbyterian Church
A picturesque church built in 1765 that showcases the area's religious history.
- Historic Architecture: Features a well-preserved example of Georgian colonial architecture
- Religious History: Serves as a reminder of the area's significant role in the development of American Presbyterianism
- Community Engagement: Serves as an active church and community center for the local residents
14. Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium
A unique aquarium and fish hatchery that educates visitors about local marine life.
- Marine Conservation: Focuses on the conservation of local marine species through research, breeding programs, and education
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for students, teachers, and the general public
- Scientific Research: Conducts research on the biology, ecology, and conservation of local marine species
15. Gold Coast Railroad Museum
A museum dedicated to Long Island's railroad history with a collection of historic locomotives and artifacts.
- Historic Preservation: Protects and conserves the region's railroad heritage
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on exhibits, including the opportunity to explore restored railcars
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs on the history and impact of the Long Island Rail Road