The Garvies Point Museum and Preserve is currently the center for any research on the geology of Long Island as well as a valuable resource in studying Long Island’s Native archaeology. Their goal is to interpret and preserve the natural, historic and prehistoric heritage of the Island.

The collections that are maintained in the Garvies Point Museum and Preserve are artifacts that are geological and archaeological in nature. These collections are actually used in educational museum programs and exhibits. These are also available for special research projects. Dozens of programs that are related to the local archaeology, geology and outdoor themes of Long Island and the environment are continuously offered to academic groups within school hours.

How did the Garvies Point Museum and Preserve come about?

The fact of the matter is that the Garvies Point Museum and Preserve was part of the estate of Thomas Garvie. Thomas Garvie was actually a physician and is one of two doctors in the northern part of Glen Cove during the early part of the 19th century. Garvie a businessman had also been a clergyman .

During the year 1797 Garvie, studied at Presbyterian Ministry. However, for reasons still unknown, he left the Ministry and became a candidate for the Edinburgh Royal College of Surgeons. He was issued a diploma in 1800.

In the family bible of the Garvies, it is found the first record of James and Thomas Garvie when they arrived in the US, specifically in New York. The same family bible also recorded that Thomas Garvie was married to Hellen. The same book also record the birth dates of their kids, James in the year 1812, John in the year 1813, Thomas in the year 1815, Jean in the year 1817, William in the year 1819, Helen in the year 1822, George in the year 1828.

What really does the Garvies Point Museum and Preserve offer?

The focus point of the Garvies Point Museum and Preserve is its exhibit offerings which emphasize the Native prehistoric American culture, archaeology, Long Island geology and the state of New York. The geological exhibit of Long Island features the history of the glaciers and how its current land features originally formed. There are dioramas that detail the climate changes as well as sea level as far back as twenty thousand years ago.

The exhibits that feature archaeology cover how man migrated from the continent of Asia towards the New World. There are also Indian life dioramas showing how they lived in Long Island. Also on display are Indian artifacts.

Basically, the whole Garvies Point Museum and Preserve encompasses 62 acres of moraine glaciers covered by thickets, forests, meadows. Various wildlife is also in the preserve, these includes more than 100 bird species. The Garvies Point Museum and Preserve is also the perfect place for bird watchers and nature photographers.

All in all, the Garvies Point Museum and Preserve is an excellent source of educational programs. It helps keep the heritage of the country and of Long Island in a way that is unique as well as entertaining.