COUNTY EXECUTIVE ANDY SPANO DEDICATES
MUSCOOT FARM MUSEUM

County Executive Andy Spano has dedicated the new Muscoot Farm Museum, which features classic farm tools, kid-friendly interactive displays and a collection of historic farm photographs -- including some donated by Spano himself. The dedication was held on Sunday, October 19, 11:30 a.m. as part of the farm’s traditional Autumn Celebration and Farmers Market.

“I am delighted to officially open this wonderful museum, which will enhance the appeal of Muscoot and give visitors a glimpse of the rich history of this unique, living Westchester landmark,” Spano said. “I invite Westchester families to come to Muscoot and visit the museum and all the other great farm displays.”

The museum is housed in a converted 1,000-square-foot farm building (originally used to store carriages). The museum features interactive displays for children, including a lighted farm map complete with small buildings representing the full-scale farm structures. Farm implements from the past include an old stove, a hand-driven bone grinder and a “boot-driven” corn husker. The displays also include a collection of historic photographs of the farm, including “ice harvesting” photos from Spano’s personal collection.

The museum was funded in large part from a grant from the federal Institute for Museum and Library Services and from support from the Friends of Muscoot Farm.

The museum opening is part of the farm’s traditional Autumn Celebration, held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., which features vendors and demonstrations including Baskets at Home, homemade wicker baskets; Rose Mary Berlin, author of the “Itty & Bitty” books, signing books and reading; Anita Barbour, Origami design; Bill Fitzgerald, blacksmith; Albert Carmen, beekeeper; Tara Marean, stained glass making and Guiding Eyes for the Blind, guide dog demonstration. There will also be hayrides available. Entertainment will be provided by the Wicker Creek Band

The Muscoot Farmers Market will also be open and promotes sustainability and the support of local farms, and enables shoppers to buy the freshest produce, meats and cheeses, along with soaps, candles, honey, maple syrup, flowers, fish, chutney, and delicious baked goods that were produced or grown by local farmers and vendors. A large variety of vendors will be on hand, including Stuarts Farm, Cabbage Hill Farm, Clean Ridge Soap Co., Kitchawan Farm and Hudson Valley Wool. The market is held on Sundays through October 26.

Muscoot is a Westchester County Park located on Route 100 in Somers and can be reached via I-684, exit 6. Go west on Route 35 to Route 100 and turn left; the farm is one-and-a-half miles down on the right. The park is accessible to the disabled with assistance.

For more information, call (914) 864-7282.

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Joseph A. Stout, Commissioner