Northport kids take vacation, in the past

The Northport Historical Society and Museum gave kids a hands-on history lesson this week.

It was the museum’s first-ever “History Takes a Vacation” program, started by the museum's assistant director, Kari-Ann Carr. Students learned about the battle at Fort Salonga, spy operations on Long Island, and what 19th century children did for fun.

“We are taking different aspects of local history and giving students a better, in-depth look at what happened here,” Carr said.

Fourth-grader Chloe Bonchonsky, 10, said she enjoyed the program, particularly when her spy lessons taught her how to write in invisible ink.

“I love history,” she said. “That’s the main reason I came here.”

Thursday was the program’s finale, and students were crocheting, making pinwheels and playing marbles. They were having fun, but Jake Corso, 10, said he still prefers modern games.

“They’re fun, if I was alive back then,” he said.

Carr said the museum intends to run the program again in August. For more information, call the museum at 631-757-9859.

Check back later for a video feature.