MUSEUM VILLAGE OF OLD SMITH'S CLOVE
Museum Village is a unique and inviting open-air historical museum which offers visitors the opportunity to explore vignettes of 19th century American life. Using a large collection of eclectic artifacts, the museum provides hands-on educational experiences and exhibits that illustrate the transition from a rural to an industrial culture and economy in America.
VIRTUAL TOUR
Here on our website you can view virtual tour previews of our many exhibits. We hope these previews will inspire you to come visit us in person and enjoy our living history experience.
- Pursuant to New York State law, ALL visitors over the age of 2 must wear masks or acceptable face coverings while at Museum Village unless they are exempt under the current face-covering order. (You may view the NYS Executive Order regarding face coverings here: https://regs.health.ny.gov/volume-1a-title-10/content/section-66-32-face-coverings)
- We ask that all visitors observe six-foot physical distancing between your party and other parties at all times, including while outdoors.
- Hand sanitizer is available for use in the Gift Shop and Restrooms.
- Restroom Occupancy is limited to 1 person or 1 family at a time.
- Please diligently observe all signage and directional guides, which may indicate one-way traffic, and provide helpful reminders to ensure a steady and safe flow throughout the Village.
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF PROVIDING EDUCATION, LIVING HISTORY AND COMMUNITY
FEATURED OBJECT
Stereoscope viewer Manufacturer: Underwood & Underwood, NYC
Date: circa 1901
Materials: wood; metal
About: Stereoscopes were one of the first ways that people could see created 3-D images before the advent of moving pictures on film. This model from the Museum Village collection is based on an 1862 design by American polymath Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894), who simplified an earlier English design. The illusion of depth is created using two prismatic lenses and a double-shot photograph card with strategic image placement (as shown), which, when combined, "tricks" the eyes' focus to see the image three-dimensionally. Many types of entertaining images were created for stereoscopic cards, including scenery from faraway lands, humor, and romanticism.