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. The museum farm has restored the Cichanowicz Farmhouse, Naugles Barn, and Trubisz Family buildings – these are direct connections to the important contributions that immigrants made to East End agriculture.

• Learn about the important contributions that Polish immigrants made to agriculture on the Eastern End of Long Island.
• Prepare a “Passport” based on an authentic Polish document. Student passports will be checked and stamped after completing the tour.
• Tour a home built by a Polish immigrant farm family. See how it differed or is similar to homes today.
• Examine archival material, including a federal census manuscript. Find out what life on Long Island was like for immigrants.
• Plant or harvest potatoes (depending on season).
• Learn games and pastimes that immigrant farm children played. Try a few dance steps to the polka or other traditional Polish music.
• Meet our Jersey cows, Stella, Hallie, Darla and Zoe! Learn how to care for them and how important they were to local farmers.

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