IMMIGRANT FARMER EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

During the late 19th-century, a transition was occurring on the North Fork-Eastern European immigrants were moving into the area and purchasing many farms. By the 1930’s, more than 80% of the homes on Sound Avenue were owned by these immigrants. Hallockville Museum Farm restored the Cichanowicz Farmhouse, Naugles Barn, and Trubisz Family buildings – these are direct connections to the important contributions immigrants made to East End agriculture.

This program includes:

• Learning about the important contributions Polish immigrants made to agriculture on the Eastern End of Long Island.
• Preparing a “Passport” based on an authentic Polish document. Student passports will be checked and stamped after completing the tour.
• Touring a home built by a Polish immigrant farm family. See how it is different or similar to current homes today.
• Examining archival material like a federal census manuscript. Find out what life on Long Island was like for immigrants in the past.
• Planting or harvesting potatoes (season depending).
• Learning games, pastimes immigrant farm children played, and dance steps to the polka or other traditional Polish music.
• Meeting our cows Stella, Rosie, and Darla! Learn how to care for them and their importance to local farmers.

Note: Activities are subject to change based on the season and the availability of materials.