By Karen Bloom
But how did all this come about?The change in transportation on Long Island, and throughout the U.S, is an important story in American life. It's one that has been well documented by the Long Island Museum's Carriage Museum. Now, the museum has begun transforming its internationally renowned Carriage Museum, into a lively, "new" state-of-the-art facility. The first phase of that process is being unveiled to the public this weekend, with the opening of a new exhibition, "Going Places: How Horse Drawn Vehicles Shaped American Life." Using an interactive, multimedia approach, the exhibit - like the others to come - incorporates audio and video elements to explore the forces the shaped the 19th century world of horse and buggy into the modern day of blacktop and combustion engine. In the process, visitors will learn "people stories" about the vehicles to make the past come alive. Museum-goers will be drawn into the world of immigrant stablehands, farmers, small businessmen, the carriage manufacturers, weathy titans of industry, and the elite leisure class of the Gilded Age."The Long Island Museum is perhaps best known for its collection of horse-drawn vehicles," said Jackie Day, Long Island Museum President and CEO. "The collection includes not only vehicles but related items and a reference library. In the mid 1980s, a major exhibition of the collection was installed in our Carriage Museum. The museum has determined that the time has come to update and renew the museum to engage new generations. We believe this project will bring new attention and interest to the collection, and to the important story of horse-drawn transportation in America."The gallery's new look builds stories around ten important carriages, using mannequins, photo murals and audio-visual enhancements. Right before visitors' eyes, a huge map of Long Island rounds out the story of changing transportation networks throughout the region, using thousands of fiber optic lights. That leads into a presentation of the beautifully crafted vehicles that served so many roles years ago.The Long Island Museum introduces the story of horse-drawn transportation in its new gallery, with a weekend of special events. "Carriages In Bloom" is the focus on Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Visitors can see North Suffolk Garden Club's flower displays, inspired by vehicles throughout the Carriage Museum. At 2 p.m., everyone is invited to join poet Susan Kinsolving for a presentation based on her book, Among Flowers.The next day, Sunday, noon-5 p.m., is a "Carriage Celebration" for the entire family. Bring the kids to meet some farm animals, such as horses and oxen, climb aboard a carriage, and take lessons from a schoolmarm or blacksmith. Also, explore the history of transportation with a craft making activity and take part in a scavenger hunt.
"Going Places: How Horse Drawn Vehicles Shaped American Life"
Opening weekend celebration: Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; noon-5 p.m., Sunday. Reservations required for program with poet Susan Kinsolving. Admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors, $3 students. Members and children under six are free. 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook. (631) 751-0066 or www.longislandmuseum.org.
