The Long Island Museum Carriage Museum Begins New Gallery Renovations

Conservationists recently began preparing an 1890 Hansom Cab, created by Forder & Company in London, England as part of a major renovation at the Long Island Museum of American Art, History & Carriages that represents phase three in a complete Carriage Museum overhaul that began four years ago. The Hansom Cab was a very popular mode of transportation and it was not uncommon to find these vehicles outside of prestigious hotels waiting to take wealthy patrons to their destinations, much like modern day taxi cabs.  The vehicle pictured has been in storage since 1987 but will be on permanent display in the New York City urban gallery, scheduled to open this fall.              Around the turn of the last century, horse-drawn vehicles were essential to the growth of cities as centers for living and working, and critical to the growth of the United States as a major economic power. The new urban gallery will illustrate the importance of horse-drawn transportation in a recreation of an historic setting that will transport visitors to the excitement of New York City streets in 1900. Large photomurals based on turn of the century views of New York, background noises of a bustling city and authentic historic vehicles will provide a turn-of-the-century city setting that conveys the multi-modal nature of transportation systems in 19th century America. The new urban gallery is being funded through a special fundraising campaign. Supporters will be recognized in many ways, including a unique “Adopt a Carriage” program.  For more information, contact Deirdre Doherty, Director of Development for Corporate Relations at the Long Island Museum.

The Long Island Museum is located at 1200 Route 25A in Stony Brook. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 per person, $6 for seniors and $3 for students ages six through 17. Museum members and children under six are admitted for free. For additional information call 631-751-0066 Become a museum member and receive the quarterly newsletter, News & Events , which includes details about upcoming exhibitions and programs