'Saltwater Stories' make a splash at Long Island Children's Museum

“Old salts” and new can once again set sail at Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM) this weekend. The museum opens its doors to Long Island’s baymen, who will share their “Saltwater Stories,” with visitors during two days of interactive programming, Jan. 14-15.
Families can explore the sights, sounds and even the scents of Long Island’s waterways as they interact with folk artists who impart the traditional ways of life passed down in their families for generations. The event enables visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s seafaring culture, including fishing, ecology, arts and crafts, cuisine, and industry.
Saltwater Stories – now in its third year – has become annual program that explores local customs that have shaped Long Island’s historical, cultural and economic development. Children learn directly from maritime “tradition keepers” who will share the skills and techniques that have been passed down in their families for decades. 
“The Saltwater Stories weekend provides visitors with the opportunity to immerse themselves in ‘living history,’” said LICM President Suzanne LeBlanc. “They will learn about an industry that has shaped our community directly from the individuals who are keeping the traditions and techniques passed down to them through generations alive. Most importantly, they now become tradition bearers for a future generation.”
The different aspects of Long Island’s maritime legacy are presented through creative tasks that kids can take part in alongside those who have made a living in and around the water.