Stepping Out

A look at a bygone era

Exploring historic crafts at Old Bethpage Village Restoration

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Stepping Back in Time

Historic Crafts Weekend
Mingle with some long ago tradesfolk from the 19th century at Old Bethpage Village Restoration during a hands-on showcase of historical crafts. Families can experience how everyday goods were made 150 years ago as “tradesmen” demonstrate and explain their craft. From broom making to basket weaving, and working with horn to coopering and silversmithing, a wide sampling of items will be on display. Check out demonstrations by a silversmith, basket weaver, wool dryer, broom maker, tinsmith, potter, weaver, someone works with horn and leather, and more. Visitors can learn about the important trades that sustained 19th century communities and even purchase some of these wares.
Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 12-13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $12, $8 children 5-12 and seniors. Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage. (516) 572-8401.

Family Fun

Magnificent Mansion
Families can glimpse Long Island’s past when the Gilded Age comes alive at historic Coe Hall, as part of Planting Fields’ Nature Sunday series. The Elizabethan revival Gold Coast mansion — built by insurance magnate William Robertson Coe and his wife, the Standard Oil heiress Mai Rogers Coe, in 1921 — represents life lived on a grand scale. Along with its impressive 409-acre grounds, the mansion has been painstakingly renovated. Kids can learn about the Coe family on a guided tour through the estate, examining its historically furnished rooms that feature original stained glass windows imported from England’s Hever Castle. Then create a stained glass masterpiece to take home.
Sunday, Aug. 13, 12 p.m. Planting Fields’ Coe Hall, 1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay. (516) 922-9210 or www.plantingfields.org.