By Cait Crudden
Nestled in the heart of Kings Park lies a hidden gem that serves as a window into the community’s storied past—the Kings Park Heritage Museum. Housed within a beautiful brick school building, and proudly stating they are the only school-based museum in the country, this cultural institution is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history, heritage, and identity of Kings Park and its residents.
Established in 1994, the Kings Park Heritage Museum has become a cornerstone of the local community, attracting visitors from near and far who seek to delve into the area’s fascinating history. From its humble beginnings as a small collection of artifacts to its current status as a thriving museum, the institution has undergone remarkable growth and transformation over the years.
At the heart of the museum’s collection are artifacts, furniture, photographs, documents, and cars that chronicle the evolution of the Kings Park area from its early days to its emergence as a vibrant suburban enclave. Visitors can explore exhibits that highlight key moments in the town’s history, including its role in the educational system, the performances held once a month highlighting different backgrounds, and the establishment of the Kings Park Psychiatric Center, which played a significant role in shaping the community.
One of the museum’s most cherished exhibits is the first electric piano, donated by the inventor, Wilton Decker’s family, that was almost shipped to the Smithsonian Museum but opted to stay here on Long Island where it has local roots. This museum also displays some items from 9/11 as well as items donated from the Kings Park Psychiatric Center, a sprawling complex that operated for over a century before closing its doors. Through archival materials and memorabilia including items crafted by the patients, visitors gain insight into the lives of patients, staff, and administrators who called the institution home.
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Kings Park Heritage Museum hosts a variety of special events, lectures, and educational programs throughout the year. From historical walking tours of the museum after school hours in Kings Park to workshops on computer programming and website design held on Thursday nights from 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. by Media Director Joe Piacentino Jr., there’s always something new and exciting happening at the museum.
But perhaps the museum’s most valuable assets are the dedicated team of volunteers, including two high school seniors, Noah Walch and Ryan Guzman, who work tirelessly to ensure that Kings Park’s rich history is preserved and shared with future generations. Noah Walch acts as videographer for the museum, documenting all their performances and Ryan Guzman is currently creating a scavenger hunt within the museum using QR codes for the fourth and fifth graders in the school district later this year. From cataloging artifacts to conducting guided tours by the Director Sal Iraci and the Media Director Joe Piacentino Jr., these passionate individuals play a vital role in keeping the museum’s mission alive.
For many residents of Kings Park, the museum holds a special place in their hearts, serving as a source of pride and a connection to their community’s past.
“I love to get to meet the people in the community during the events and performances,” remarked Director Sal Iraci, a longtime resident and museum volunteer.
“This month was an opportunity to showcase Hawaii and Polynesian heritage,” added Media Director Joe Piacentino Jr. “It gives people a chance to see the museum without an appointment and they get to see high quality performances that give back to the community.”
Next month’s performance will highlight Greek history. The Museum will open on May 17 at 6:00p.m. with a food tasting at 6:30p.m. and the performance beginning at 7:0p.m.
Looking to the future, the Kings Park Heritage Museum remains committed to its mission of preserving, promoting, and celebrating the history and heritage of Kings Park. Whether you’re a history buff, a curious visitor, or a proud resident, a visit to the museum is sure to be a memorable and enriching experience, offering a glimpse into the past and a deeper appreciation for the community we call home.
The Leo P. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum is located at 99 Old Dock Road in Kings Park and can be reached at (631) 269-3305.