Museum Village

Museum Village was the vision of Roscoe William Smith, an electrical engineer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and collector who contributed to his native Orange County in many ways during his 99 years. Roscoe made his fortune as founder of the Orange and Rockland electric company in 1905. The wealth he generated from his successful company and investments allowed him to give back to the community in many ways. Probably Mr. Smith's most cherished gift to the local community was Museum Village of Old Smith's Clove. Mr. Smith was passionate about American history and was an avid collector of Americana. His collection varied widely, from textiles and porcelain items to horse-drawn carriages. His main interest, was in craft tools and mechanical devices: their invention, adaptation and development which he realized were slowly disappearing.

He would sometimes accept farm tools or artifacts as forms of payment for electricity. For over 40 years Mr. Smith amassed a great collection. In 1940 he began to display the artifacts and educate visitors. Museum Village opened its doors on July 1, 1950.

Today, more than 50 years later, Museum Village still pursues its founder's vision of educating generations of Americans about the work and life of their ancestors. Through educational programs, hands-on-exhibits and special events Museum Village is dedicated to exploring and interpreting 19th century rural life as well as inspiring an appreciation for the evolution of industry and technology in America.

Move your mouse around the map below and read what exhibits the buildings contain.

While visiting the exhibit buildings now at Museum Village, visitors can shop in a 130-year-old general store, see a real Mastodont skeleton, dip a candle, step inside a 200-year-old log cabin, sit in a one-room schoolhouse, and watch a broom or coverlet being made. All that and be home in time for dinner!

	School House The Museum Village schoolhouse is a replica of the Monroe Stone Schoolhouse built in 1805. Like most 19th century rural schoolhouses, the Monroe school was a simple one-room building. Students of all grades and ages sat together and learned arithmetic, spelling and writing. The school year lasted only 12 weeks from Thanksgiving to early spring because most of the children from the area worked on family farms.
General Store The J.C. Merritt Store at Museum Village is named after a similar store, owned and operated by John Carlton Merritt from 1875 to 1924. The collection of old food packages, sewing notions, items of clothing and hardware come from the original Merritt Store, a family owned business. The store not only served the local clientele but all the farmsteads in a 10-12 mile radius outside the village.
	Drug Store The museum's exhibit of the Vernon Drugstore features the authentic content, fixtures and furnishings of Charles Vernon's store, originally located in the nearby village of Florida. In the 19th century, most of New York's rural communities had a drugstore where the local residents could buy medicines of all kinds. Herbs, healthcare apparatuses, eyeglasses, tobacco, and even refreshing soda and ice cream were available.
Log Cabin The log cabin that stands next to the Vernon Drugstore on the Museum's grounds originally stood just beyond the forest of Dean's Mine. The cabin dates from the last quarter of the 18th century. Visitors to the cabin learn how a family of five lived in a small, one-room building.
	Weave Shop In the first half of the 19th century, yarn was spun on spinning wheels and cloth was woven on looms. Shirts, pants and dresses were then cut from the homemade cloth and hand sewn. At the Museum Village weave shop you can observe the old methods of weaving fabric on a handloom and how the intricate patterns were followed.
Candle Shop At the candle shop learn the process of creating a candle and the different materials used to make them. Then, try your hand at dipping your own candle to take home. See an exhibit on the evolution of lighting devices from the oil lamp to the electric light bulb.

	Broom Shop Visitors will learn the process of broom making from sorting the broom corn to the hand-made finished product. Brooms and broom products made in the shop are available for sale.
Blacksmith The blacksmith was one of the most important people in a village, repairing equipment and making tools, horseshoes and other items necessary in a farming community. Learn more about this vital trade.
	Wagon Shop Situated next to the blacksmith shop, the wheelwright (wheel maker) worked closely together with the blacksmith to maintain wagons for the community. (Presently closed for renovations.)

Print Shop Job printing was important to provide local business people with posters and pamphlets. Watch a printing demonstration on a hand-operated printing press.
	Pottery Shop Watch our potter demonstrate on a kick wheel as he "throws" a pot. Learn what types of clay were used and why.
Dress Emporium See an exhibit of a selection of dresses, hats, shoes and accessories from the museum's extensive costume collection.
	Natural History Building See a Mastodon skeleton found locally in Orange County. Explore the natural world of our area through rocks, minerals, fossils and animals.