Behold! New Lebanon, the living museum of contemporary rural American life, programs will be free of charge to all New Lebanon residents on opening day, July 4. The new museum without walls celebrates the rich historical and cultural heritage of New Lebanon.
In order to assure a place, all spots must be reserved in advance [private] by calling 518-720-7265 or by email at info@beholdnewlebanon.org no later than noon on Friday, July 3. Space is limited at some of the venues, and availability will be on a first come, first served basis.
The following programs are scheduled for Independence Day, 2015:
• “The Zen of Woof” (10 to 11 am): A rare opportunity to get advice from Peg Munves, a highly sought-after dog trainer. With her dogs at her side, Peg offers tips on how to live with and train dogs in our urban, suburban, and rural homes.
• “Speed Demons” (10:30 to 11:30 am): Walk behind the scenes of Lebanon Valley Speedway with owner Howard Commander. Learn how the track works, examine the cars, and meet some of the drivers.
• “Stuffed” (making sausage) (1:30 to 3 pm): What goes into a good sausage? Phoebe Young explains, and demonstrates how they are made. Taste her delicious New Lebanon Bologna while learning how she was inspired to create this local delicacy.
• “Auctioneering 101” (1:30 to 3 pm): Dolores Meissner, New Lebanon’s veteran auctioneer, talks about her personal journey, how she learned the auction business, and the rise of her fabled auction house. She explains how it all works and how to get a bargain at an auction.
There will be 60 different tour programs over the course of the summer, Rural Guides greet visitors at their farms, studios and workspaces, where they practice cooking, farming, cattle raising, automobile racing and mechanics, wood-working, foraging and much more. These presenters are not costumed actors or docents recalling old-world skills; they are the real townspeople of today, whose lives and work challenge the quaint myths about country life
Tours depart from the new Behold! Station and General Store, which serves as a gateway and launch spot for museum tours and other activities. Made available through the generosity of Meissner’s Auction Service, the Behold! Station is in a picturesque Victorian house located at 438 State Route 20 in New Lebanon.
More information, including full descriptions of all programs and the online box office, can be found at www.beholdnewlebanon.org. [/private]