Village of Babylon Historical
& Preservation Society

Babylon Village: Where History is Made

Open Wednesdays and Saturdays 1:00pm - 3:00pm

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Membership

We're pleased to announce that you can now become a member or renew your current membership online!
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Events

Babylon Village is host to many wonderful events through the year.  Check back often to stay up to date with the latest happenings or join our mailing list to stay informed.
All Events

Check out our new blog! Babylon Village: Where History is Made

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The year 2026 marks the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence—a milestone that invites us to rediscover America’s origins and the stories that shaped our nation. To commemorate this historic occasion, the Suffolk County 250th Commemorative Planning Committee, commissioned by County Executive Edward P. Romaine, has created a special 250th Passport Book. This keepsake book invites residents and visitors alike to explore Long Island’s Revolutionary War sites, 18th-century landmarks, special exhibits and events in Suffolk and Nassau counties. This book is available print-on-demand and is sold at the minimal and non-profit price. An alternate version is available as a free pdf download from the www.suffolk250.org website or on the Suffolk250 App!

Travel through Long Island's historic towns, visit participating museums and heritage sites throughout 2026, and collect a unique commemorative stamp at each stop. When complete, your passport becomes both a personal souvenir and a symbol of America's 250th Anniversary.

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"MY BETSEY": THE REMARKABLE WIFE OF ALEXANDER HAMILTON - ELIZABETH KAHN KAPLAN 
April 26, 2026 @ 2:00PM - 4:00 PM 
Members free; non-members $5 at door 
Elizabeth Schuyler and Alexander Hamilton came from widely different family backgrounds, yet their marriage was a great success. Included in this talk are their eight children; her reaction to his affair with Maria Reynolds; his fatal duel with Aaron Burr in 1804. She lived for 50 more years as a widow salvaging the reputation of her distinguished husband and working on behalf of orphans and public education in New York.
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WHAT ENTERTAINED THE FOUNDING FATHERS - ROBERT VIAGAS

June 14th @ 2 - 4 p.m.

The hit Broadway musical showed the Founding Fathers (and Mothers) rapping and dancing. But what did they actually do for entertainment? Yes, they danced, but what kind of dances? Yes, they sang, but what kind of songs? Yes, they attended the theatre and listened to concerts, but which shows? And where? what stimulated their imaginations as they were forming a new nation? Robert Viagas lays it all out for you with samples and descriptions that will help to humanize the giants who created the United States 250  years ago.

Members free/non-members $5 at door

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In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, the Babylon Village Arts Council proudly presents Flags, a dynamic mixed media exhibition exploring the symbolism, history, and meaning of the American flag. On view from June 2 through July 29 at the Babylon Village Historical & Preservation Society, this exhibition features a diverse collection of works that reflect themes of identity, unity, freedom, and personal expression. Join us for an Opening Reception on Thursday, June 11 from 6–8 PM to experience this powerful showcase and celebrate the voices of our local artistic community.
Free and open to all
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GEORGE WASHINGTON'S 1790 GRAND TOUR OF LONG ISLAND - DR. JOANNE GRASSO 
September 26, 2026 @ 2:00PM - 4:00 PM   
Members free; non-members $5 at door
After being elected president, George Washington set out to tour the new nation. He spent 5 days on Long Island in April 1790. From Brooklyn to Patchogue to Setauket and back he was honored at each stop. Dr. Grasso's discussion will trace this momentous journey.

 

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ONCE UPON A TIME IN BAY SHORE...THE BALL THAT BROKE A SOUTH SHORE GILDED AGE ESTATE - MARSHA COLLOCK  
October 26, 2026 @ 2:00PM - 4:00 PM   
Members free; non-members $5 at door
Before it was the Southward Ho Country Club, before it was Thorneham, and before it was the Louis Bossert home, this gilded age mansion and estate was known as The Oaks.
Learn about this grand estate, the family who owned it and the extravagant ball that lead to the 20th century's first wall street scandal.

    Come Visit Us

    When

    Wednesdays and Saturdays
    1:00pm - 3:00pm


    Where

    117 West Main Street
    Babylon Village, NY 11702


    Services

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    Circa Boards

    Your application will be presented to the Board of Trustees of the Historical Society for approval.
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    Historic Homes

    Download a Historical Homes Form. Thank you for caring for a part of our history.
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    Scholarships

    The BVHS scholarship, awarded to a high school senior who has shown excellence in History.
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    Youth Programs

    The Babylon Village Historical Society hosts tours for scout and other youth groups.
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