If you are looking for a fun and educational way to spend a day on Long Island, you might want to check out Hallockville Museum Farm in Riverhead. This is not your typical museum, but a living history of farming and rural life on the North Fork from 1880 to 1920. You can explore the original buildings, see the farm animals, learn about the crafts and skills of the past, and even participate in some hands-on activities.
What to Expect
Hallockville Museum Farm is located on 28 acres of preserved farmland, with 19 historic structures that tell the story of the Hallock family and their neighbors. The centerpiece of the museum is the Hallock Homestead, which dates back to 1765 and was occupied by five generations of Hallocks until 1979. You can take a guided tour of the house and see how the family lived and worked through different eras. You can also visit the barns, sheds, workshops, and other buildings that showcase various aspects of farming, such as dairy, poultry, carpentry, blacksmithing, and more.
One of the best things about Hallockville Museum Farm is that you can interact with the farm animals that live there. You can feed the cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens, and learn about their roles in the farm economy. You can also pet some of the friendly animals, such as the goats, rabbits, and cats. If you are lucky, you might even see some baby animals!
Another highlight of Hallockville Museum Farm is that you can experience some of the traditional crafts and skills that were practiced by the farmers and their wives. You can watch demonstrations of quilting, weaving, spinning, knitting, rug hooking, basket making, and more. You can also try your hand at some of these activities yourself, such as making butter or candles, or playing with old-fashioned toys and games.
What to Bring
Hallockville Museum Farm is open from Monday to Sunday, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The admission fee is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and children (5-12), and free for members and children under 5. You can also book a group tour or a school field trip for a discounted rate.
You should also bring your curiosity and enthusiasm for learning about the past. Hallockville Museum Farm is a great place to connect with history and nature in a fun and interactive way. You will leave with a deeper appreciation of the farming heritage of Long Island and the people who shaped it.
How to Get There
Hallockville Museum Farm is located at 6038 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901. You can get there by car or by public transportation.
By car: Take I-495 E (Long Island Expressway) to exit 71 for NY-24 toward Hampton Bays/Calverton. Turn right onto NY-24 S/Edwards Ave. Turn left onto Sound Ave. Hallockville Museum Farm will be on your right.
By public transportation: Take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Riverhead station. From there, you can take a taxi or an Uber to Hallockville Museum Farm (about 15 minutes).
More Information
If you want to learn more about Hallockville Museum Farm, you can visit their website at https://hallockville.org/. There you can find more details about their tours, events, classes, workshops, camps, memberships, donations, volunteer opportunities, and more.
Hallockville Museum Farm is a wonderful place to visit for anyone who loves history, nature, animals, or crafts. It is a hidden gem on Long Island that will take you back in time and inspire you with its charm and authenticity. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a slice of rural life on the North Fork!