For nearly two decades, Open House New York Weekend has been a citywide celebration of architecture, urban design, and New York City. Every October, buildings and projects across New York’s five boroughs — from infrastructure facilities to cultural spaces and from workspaces to private residences — open their doors to the public for tours and talks with architects, urban designers, historians, preservationists, and city leaders. COVID-19 has not stopped Open House New York from delivering the best OHNY Weekend they can! Through video tours, virtual talks, outdoor self-guided experiences, and more, this year's festival is an opportunity for New Yorkers to reconnect with the city we love, and a rallying call in support of the city's strength and resiliency.

 

Bayside Historical Society is proud to be participating in the 2020 Open House New York weekend! Our virtual presentation below explores the past and the present of the Castle in Fort Totten Park, the home of BHS since 1984. Built in 1887, the building was originally used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as their Officers’ Mess Hall and Club. The Castle is one of the finest surviving examples in New York City of Gothic Revival castellated architecture, and is a NYC designated landmark that is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.