Sharing its name with a notorious ancient city, Babylon village has been the home harbor of Long Island baymen, a post–World War II suburban boomtown, and the birthplace of the nation's first professional black baseball team. The modern village is well known for its picturesque Argyle Park and flourishing downtown, but it was once revered as a vacation resort destination for those near and far. The community has evolved from decades of residents, visitors, and experiences that have contributed to and created the history of Babylon village, one of the oldest established communities on the South Shore of Long Island.
The Village of Babylon Historical and Preservation Society was established in 1974 to preserve and share the community's rich history and has operated a local historical museum in the original Babylon Library building since its formation. The historical society has collaborated with its West Main Street neighbors, Babylon town historian Mary Cascone and the Town of Babylon History Museum, to showcase the village.