Frequently, while meeting with other people active in the Long Island historical community, my friends and I at the Levittown Historical Society suffer to endure the raised eyebrows of those from considerably older communities. "Your history is only 50 years," they remind us, unaware that we have an extensive chronicle of aviation, auto racing, railroading, and agriculture that predates World War II and that in the case of farming, harks back to colonial times.

Still, what a 50 years it has been. No community in history has ever become a household name and specimen of iconic lore within five years of its inception except Levittown. The relative youth of Levittown, however, operates to the advantage of historians. As far as I am aware, there does not exist anywhere in the United States a community of this size and renown that has had an historical society established within 41 years of its founding. And certainly not one with access to so many old timers who are living repositories present from the beginning.

This June 10, from 6 - 9 p.m., the Levittown Historical Society will be hosting an Open House at its Museum at the Memorial Education Center. While Levittowners, young and old, will be there to enjoy refreshments, meet local historians and invited dignitaries, and have a gander at the extensive collection of artifacts and vintage photographs on hand, the honored guest of the evening will be Mrs. William Levitt.

Mrs. Levitt is a sophisticated, accomplished, well-traveled lady who would seem to require no introduction. But it has been a while since she last honored us with a visit. Many people may not be aware of how her life became inextricably connected to the town and the legacy whose name she so proudly bears. Here too, then, is an opportunity to share in yet another aspect of the legacy of William Levitt. More than potato fields and farmhouses, old aircraft and Levitt homes, is the profound human interest story that is Levittown. It will be on display at Open House; exhibited as proudly as the original Levitt home furnishings and ephemora relating to the community's world famous status.

We are hoping for a large turnout of people interested in the extraordinary history and heritage of the Levittown community. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing you at the museum. And should you have any questions, want to learn more about Levittown and its history, or wish to join the Levittown Historical Society, please feel free to call us any time at 735-9060.