Hicksville Gregory Museum
Heitz Place
Hicksville, NY 11801
(516) 822-7505
http://www.gregorymuseum.org/

Housed in the historic Heitz Place Courthouse (1895), this museum presents impressive exhibits and a range of Science and Craft Workshops for children and adults. Saturday at the Museum for ages 4 to 12 offers great hands-on experiments and projects. Exhibits include a display of part of the Museum's 10,000-specimen Mineral Collection featuring a sampling which serves as an introduction to the major mineral groups. New Jersey zeolites, Herkimer "diamonds", a spectacular fluorescent display, and many economically important minerals are shown.

Other Earth Science Exhibits explain the Geological History of Long Island and the Water Cycle and Groundwater Resources.

Naturally, the old courthouse had a Jail, and it remains the historical center of the building. One of the original cells is preserved as an exhibit, with the rest of the area dedicated to the history of Hicksville.

School Programs consist of tours and classes, such as the following examples for grades 3 - 12: Rocks: they tell stories about the environments where they formed. Students also learn about some surprising uses; Crystals and Symmetry: teaches about these fascinating objects and includes a hands-on crystal-growing workshop; Beaches and Coasts: studies the geological processes at work on our shores; Desert Geology: explores the geological and environmental factors that create deserts. Programs last two hours and may include two topics.

Many other Earth Sciences Programs are available, including Introductions for grades K - 2. In addition, Scouts can earn merit badges here, too.

Outreach Programs, Teachers Courses and Student Internships further add to this important educational resource.


Hours: Open Tuesday - Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm. Weekends 1 - 5pm. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Hours are subject to change, so call ahead before visiting.
Admission:
Adults $5.00
Seniors (65+) $3.00
Children (4-14) $3.00
Groups:
School Programs cost about $8.00 per student (some have small additional materials fee). One adult per 10 students (required) admitted FREE. No fee charged for Hicksville schools.
Group Reservations: At least 1 to 2 months in advance.
Lunch: Bagged lunch allowed for morning school groups. Otherwise fast food and restaurants nearby.
Handicapped Access: Partial.
Directions: LIE to exit 41 South (Rt. 106/107). At third light bear left onto Bethpage Road. Bear right onto Bay Ave. and proceed straight to Heitz Place.60 minutes east of the George Washington Bridge.

Copyright © 1996-2014 by Patrick Tadeushuk. All Rights Reserved.