Part of Bayside Historical Society's Author Talk at the Castle Series

Cost: $10.00 for BHS members; $20.00 for non-members

Bayside Historical Society welcomes local author Carl Ballenas for a presentation about his book, Jacob's Gift. Born in Brooklyn, Carl Ballenas was raised in Richmond Hill, NY, and resided there for many years. He attended Our Lady of the Cenacle School and is presently a teacher at the Immaculate Conception School in Jamaica Estates. The book, Jacob's Gift, was created by Carl and members of the Immaculate Conception Aquinas Honor Society.

Jacob's Gift is a Christmas tale based on historical events and uses actual people and places from the town of Richmond Hill, NY. Journalist and social reformer Jacob Riis and his family resided in Richmond Hill for nearly thirty years, and he loved the town dearly and took an active role in the community. The first Christmas caroling started by Jacob took place in the year 1911 on Christmas Eve. The following year, in 1912, an anonymously written letter appeared in the local newspaper suggesting that the caroling become an annual event.

Join us at the Castle as Carl Ballenas takes us through the fascinating and heart-warming history behind his book. Signed copies of Jacob's Gift will be available for purchase. 

Purchase tickets below or call 718-352-1548.

No coupons are available at the present time