Behold! New Lebanon, living museum of contemporary, rural life kicks off on July 4

As published in Berkshire Magazine, July 2015

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What if you could fit an entire town, its people, and its history into one museum? This summer, one town in New York is doing just that. Behold! New Lebanon, the nation’s first “living museum of contemporary, rural American life,” will kick off a 13-weekend season on July 4.

Tours begin at the Behold! Station and General Store, where visitors can catch the shuttle to each destination. Over 50 townspeople—including cattle raisers, wood-workers, auctioneers, race-car mechanics, homesteaders, bakers, artisans, jazz musicians, and much more—will take on the role of “rural guide,” giving a detailed and often hands-on glimpse into their everyday lives in the country.

“Each of them is such an unusual opportunity,” says Behold! president Ruth Abram. “There’s just so many things that are in our town that are hidden treasures.”

Opening weekend tours and workshops include tips from a professional dog trainer, a behind-the-scenes look at Lebanon Valley Speedway, a sausage-making demonstration, and talk with a veteran auctioneer.

438 NY Route 20
New Lebanon, N.Y.
518-720-7265
beholdnewlebanon.org