The Farmingdale-Bethpage Historical Society will sponsor two events during September, both in cooperation with the Town of Oyster Bay 350th Anniversary Commemoration.

"On Sunday, Sept. 7, Farmingdale Village historians Bill Johnston and Daniel Looney will lead a walking tour of historic Farmingdale Village, beginning at the Farmingdale Village Green at 2 p.m.," said Venditto. "Residents are invited to talk a walk back in time and learn about community life in the early days of historic Farmingdale."

Many facets of America's history are reflected in microcosm in this stroll through the central business district of this village. The walk will include a visit to the interior of a fine example of adaptive reuse of a building known for its history and architecture, the Bank of Farmingdale (1930), now the new home of the Carman, Callahan, and Ingham law firm. No registration is necessary for this walking tour. In the event of heavy rain, the walk will not be held. Residents may call 249-3099 for further information.

"In addition, on Sunday, Sept. 21, the Farmingdale-Bethpage Historical Society will sponsor a bus tour of the historic Bethpage Purchase area, beginning at 2 p.m. at the Farmingdale Village Green," said Venditto. "This bus tour promises to be both enjoyable and educational. Residents will learn about the fascinating origins of their community."

In 1695, Thomas Powell made a compact with three Long Island Native American clans to purchase a tract of about 10,000 acres. Known as the Bethpage Purchase, today this area includes all or parts of Farmingdale, Bethpage, East Farmingdale, South Farmingdale, Melville, Old Bethpage, Plainedge and Plainview. Registration for this bus tour may be made by sending name(s), address, telephone number, and a check for $6 per person payable to the Farmingdale-Bethpage Historical Society, to FBHS, 42 Sherman Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735-2235. Registration must be received by September 18. For further information, call 249-3099.

The Farmingdale Village Green, the starting point for both the walking and bus tours, is located next to Farmingdale Village Hall, 361 Main Street.

The town-wide 350th Anniversary Lecture/Tour Series highlights the local history of individual communities throughout Oyster Bay while celebrating the collective heritage of the Town. In addition to the Farmingdale tours, lectures and/or tours are taking place in Hicksville, Massapequa, Bethpage, and Oyster Bay hamlet. A full series schedule is available at www.oysterbaytown.com, or by calling 624-6389.

"All are cordially invited to participate in the Farmingdale tours and the entire Town-wide lecture/tour series and join in celebrating our local history and the Town of Oyster Bay's 350th Anniversary," Venditto concluded.

In conjunction with the series and the Town of Oyster Bay's 350th Anniversary, an informative town brochure highlighting the many historical points of interest throughout the town is also available and may be obtained by calling 624-6389.