Museum Cove
The Museum Cove of the Youth Services Department is an area located in the children’s program room at the Northport Library. The Museum Cove was created to introduce children to a museum experience featuring a variety of subjects. Each exhibit is supported by displays, books, multimedia components, and hands-on interactive items and activities. Special programs are also presented to coordinate with each exhibit.
Current Exhibit
The Lighthouses of Long Island
January – May 2012
With a hilly, rugged coastline to the north and sandy shoals to the south, Long Island and its surrounding waters have historically presented a challenge to mariners. Between 1796 and 1912, numerous lighthouses were built to greet and guide sailors especially during nighttime hours and stormy seas. Nineteen lighthouses currently grace the shores and waters of Long Island, from Stepping Stones Lighthouse in western Long Island Sound all the way to Montauk Point Lighthouse on the easternmost tip of the south shore. Each structure is unique and each plays a role in warning and providing safe passage for ships.
Beginning this month, the Northport Library’s Museum Cove is home to an exhibit entitled The Lighthouses of Long Island. Our display case features a number of nautical treasures on loan from the Huntington Lighthouse. This year, this charming structure is celebrating its 100th anniversary! Reprints of archival photos from the Northport Historical Society and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society cover one wall of the Museum Cove. A map on the other wall with current images of every Long Island lighthouse has been created with the generous assistance of the United States Lighthouse Society.
Navigate your way to the Library’s Museum Cove between January and May and take a closer look at these steadfast structures and the people who maintained them throughout the years. A variety of programs will be offered during the next few months for lighthouse enthusiasts of all ages.
Lighthouse Adventures
(N) Tuesday, January 10, 4:00 p.m.
Children in grades 1-6
Learn about the science of lighthouses from a Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum educator. See how they work, understand how lenses operate, and try out the jobs of a lighthouse keeper. Participants will assemble their own little flickering lighthouse. (45 min.) Registration is underway at either library or online. (NENJ699)
A History of Asharoken and Eaton’s Neck: Then and Now
(N) Wednesday, January 18, 7:00 p.m.
For adults
From Asharoken Beach to Eaton’s Neck Point to Sand City Island, local author Ed Carr will present a slide presentatioin that traces the fascinating history of Asharoken and Eaton’s Neck from 1925 to today. He will also talk about Eaton’s Neck lighthouse which has been designated a National Landmark. Mr. Carr is the author of Faded Laurels: The History of Eaton’s Neck and Asharoken.
(60 min.) No registration required.
Prince of the Harbor
(N) Thursday, February 16, 4:00 p.m.
Children in grades 1-5
Come meet the ‘Prince of the Harbor,’ a.k.a. Huntington Lighthouse, with Dorothy Brochon, Volunteer Coordinator for the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society. Experience life at the lighthouse in the early 1900’s and then travel through time to the present day. (60 min.) Registration begins February 2 at either library or online. (NENJ721)
Long Island Lighthouses
(N) Thursday, March 1, 7:00 p.m.
All ages
Join Eco-Photo Explorers as they weave their special blend of beautiful photography and informative lecture to explore the fascinating history of some of Long Island’s most interesting lighthouses. The viewer will travel from Coney Island to Montauk, examining lighthouse architecture, their technology, and the stories that make these vital structures such an integral part of our local history. The story behind Long Island’s Life Saving Services will also be discussed. (90 min.) No registration required.
Songs of the Sea
(N) Friday, March 30, 7:00 p.m.
All ages
Join John Corr, local master of traditional seafaring music, as he entertains us with guitar, banjo, spoons, and other instruments. You will no doubt be inspired to clap and sing along as Mr. Corr performs sea songs, whaling ballads, chanteys, and nautical tunes. (60 min.)
Registration begins March 9 at either library or online. (NENJ722)
Lighthouses for Little Ones
(N) Saturday, April 28, 10:30 a.m.
Children ages 4-5, not yet in kindergarten
Come to the Cove and listen to some rollicking tales and music of the sea. Participants will create a craft to take home. (30 min.) Registration begins April 16 at either library or online. (NENJ720)