Past Events
Browse through our archives of past Bayside Historical Society events, from 2023 back to 2014.
Programs are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
A Conversation with Lidia Bastianich
June 29, 2023
Time: 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Cost: $20 for BHS members; $25 for non-members
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Author Talk at the Castle Series
Bayside Historical Society is honored to welcome to the Castle Lidia Matticchio Bastianich, Emmy award-winning public television host, best‐selling cookbook author, successful restaurateur, and owner of a flourishing food and entertainment business. Lidia will be presenting a lecture, conducting an audience Q&A, and signing copies of her latest book, A Pot, a Pan, and a Bowl.
Lidia has shared her love of food and family on public television for over two decades, and continues to invite you to her table. Don’t miss this chance to meet Lidia up close and in person!
6th Annual Independence Day Celebration
June 27, 2023
Time: 6:00pm to 9:30pm
Cost: Free
Bayside Historical Society is hosting the 6th Annual Independence Day Celebration with a free concert and fireworks display by Grucci in Fort Totten Park. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for an evening of community fun! Food vendors will be on site. Free parking and shuttle buses available! This event is sponsored by Council Member Vickie Paladino and Parker Jewish Institute.
Whitestone History Stroll with Jason Antos
June 24, 2023
Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Cost: Free for members of either BHS or QHS; $7 pre-registration / $10 day of event (cash only) for non-members
Presented by Bayside Historical Society and Queens Historical Society
Jason Antos, renowned local historian, published author, and Executive Director of Queens Historical Society will narrate our History Stroll beginning at the site of the former Whitestone LIRR station, and continue through the mansions along Powell Cove Boulevard to the site of the Hammerstein House. This area of Whitestone was home to beer gardens, mansions to rich and famous politicians, stage and film personalities, and others of interest. Join us to hear the rich history and anecdotes of our local community.
Gardening Day at the Castle
June 24, 2023
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Cost: Free
Come join us for another rewarding morning of gardening — all levels of expertise are welcome! Tools and supplies will be provided. In addition to garden maintenance, we'll be working on several exciting enhancements to the Castle grounds, including a pollinator garden, a pumpkin patch, and a vegetable patch.
Open Archives Night: The Bell Family
June 15, 2023
Time: 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Cost: Free for BHS members; $20 for non-members
Join Bayside Historical Society for a sneak preview of the Bell Family Collection. View a selection of the artifacts, photos, and documents in this collection. Help shape the final exhibit by sharing your opinion in the on-site survey available at the event on June 15.
Vong Pak's Binari: Experimental World Music from Korea
June 11, 2023
Time: 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Cost: $20 BHS members; $25 non-members
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Passport Concert Series
Vong Pak’s Binari is an experimental world music influenced by Korean folk music, improvisation, avant-garde, jazz, as well as storytelling. The characteristic triple rhythmic groove, South and North Korean folk song hybrid together with trombone and drum set sound. Like the Korean Epic song, Pansori, they draw the story by music. This unique combination of Korean folk music mixed with western styles like jazz and funk will expand the listener's ears, showcasing the Korean tradition to western audiences.
Beekeeping Workshop at the Castle
June 3, 2023
Time: 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Cost: Free
Join Master Beekeeper Walter Blohm for this fascinating workshop, as he discusses the benefits of beekeeping and how bee enthusiasts can get started on making beekeeping a serious hobby. Blohm will also talk about the life of honey bees and the important role they play in our food supply. This workshop will take place outside in the Castle gardens. Plus: Delicious local honey from the BHS hives will also be available for purchase.
Gardening Day at the Castle
June 3, 2023
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Cost: Free
Come join us for another rewarding morning of gardening — all levels of expertise are welcome! Tools and supplies will be provided. In addition to garden maintenance, we'll be working on several exciting enhancements to the Castle grounds, including a pollinator garden, a pumpkin patch, and a vegetable patch.
Caribbean Island Music with Geff Z & The One Vybz Crew
May 21, 2023
Time: 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Cost: $20 BHS members; $25 non-members
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Passport Concert Series
Bayside Historical Society welcomes Geff Z & The One Vybz Crew to the Castle ballroom for this latest installment in our Passport Concert Series. Originating from Central and South America, and the Caribbean, the band offers a potpourri of Island Music — Reggae, Soul, Soca, and Calypso. Featured performers include Paul G. Zuniga (Keyboards) from Belize, Vibert Austin (Vocals) from Guyana, Leon Raga (Bass) from St. Lucia, and Fitzroy Frank (Drums & Percussion) from Jamaica. Their music will have you dancing in the aisles!
Gardening Day at the Castle
May 20, 2023
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Cost: Free
Come join us for another rewarding morning of gardening — all levels of expertise are welcome! Tools and supplies will be provided. In addition to garden maintenance, we'll be working on several exciting enhancements to the Castle grounds, including a pollinator garden, a pumpkin patch, and a vegetable patch.
Brazilian Soirée with Diálogos Duo
April 30, 2023
Time: 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Cost: $20 BHS members; $25 non-members
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Passport Concert Series
The acclaimed Diálogos Duo presents the World Premiere of "Soirée for Pixinguinha," which celebrates the Brazilian master's 125th birthday with thirteen inspired tributes. Composed in the virtuosic genre known as Choro, their music is an exciting alchemy of Afro-Brazilian, contemporary jazz and classical styles. Diálogos Duo features composer Richard Boukas on the guitar and Louis Arques on the clarinet and bass clarinet.
MUSIC MEMORY LANE: Classics of the Cousin Brucie Era (Sunday Event)
April 23, 2023
Time: 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Concert tickets: $20 BHS members & seniors; $25 adults; $10 kids
Join Bayside Historical Society for a weekend-long tribute to the music of "The Cousin Brucie Era" at our MUSIC MEMORY LANE celebration. This fabulous event features the Broadway Blockbusters ensemble, live orchestra, and all of your favorite music from the 60s, 70s and 80s! This is sure to be a great afternoon — don't miss this chance to relive the music, the fashions, and the memories of the rock and roll generation!
TRIBUTE TO COUSIN BRUCIE WEEKEND LINEUP:
SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 3:00 - 6:00 PM
"Get Into the Groove" — On Sunday, we'll open the day with a special pre-show Wine & Cheese Reception for an additional $10 per person (adults only — 21+). The curtain goes up at 4:00PM.
MUSIC MEMORY LANE: Classics of the Cousin Brucie Era (Saturday Event)
April 22, 2023
Time: 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Concert tickets: $20 individual; $60 for family up to 5 people
Join Bayside Historical Society for a weekend-long tribute to the music of "The Cousin Brucie Era" at our MUSIC MEMORY LANE celebration. This fabulous event features the Broadway Blockbusters ensemble, live orchestra, and all of your favorite music from the 60s, 70s and 80s! This is sure to be a great afternoon — don't miss this chance to relive the music, the fashions, and the memories of the rock and roll generation!
TRIBUTE TO COUSIN BRUCIE WEEKEND LINEUP:
SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 3:00 - 5:00 PM
"It's a Family Affair" — Put on your bell bottoms, love beads, disco-dancing shoes, or your Flashdance leg warmers and bring your family to the Castle for a day of great music and fabulous memories! Join us for showtime on Saturday at 3:00PM. We'll be giving a prize to the family that comes in the best costume for one of the decades featured: the 60s, 70s, or 80s.
Earth Day Garden Cleanup at the Castle
April 22, 2023
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Cost: Free
Bayside Historical Society invites volunteers to celebrate Earth Day by beautifying the Castle's gardens and preparing them for planting. This event is free; gardening supplies will be provided.
The Vibrant Music of Haiti
April 16, 2023
Time: 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Cost: $20 BHS members; $25 non-members
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Passport Concert Series
Bayside Historical Society welcomes The Agoci Band to the Castle ballroom for a concert of high-energy music that will have you dancing in the aisles. Agoci (nurturing the soul) was founded by dancer, choreographer, teacher, and lead singer Rol'hans Innocent, to promote Haitian Dance and Music around the world. This band performs original songs, in English and Haitian Creole, about the joy, the love and the struggle of Haitian people. Agoci combines Traditional Haitian Folk Music with Hip-Hop, Compas, and Calypso flavors into a sound that everyone can dance to. Its music is unlike anything you heard before.
Open Sew at the Castle
April 15, 2023
Time: 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Cost: $8 BHS members; $10 non-members
Do you quilt, sew or just love textiles? Join other sewing enthusiasts in an afternoon of creating and socializing. Bring something you are currently working on and enjoy the camaraderie of community sewing! While this is not a sewing class, beginner seamstresses and quilters are most welcome and will find inspiration and guidance. There are a limited number of sewing machines available, but please try to bring your own if you have one. Also, do not feel obligated to sew on a machine — hand work (cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, etc.) is always welcome!
Spring Garden Cleanup at the Castle
April 1, 2023
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Cost: FREE
This event has been cancelled due to inclement weather.
Spring is here at last, and we can't wait to roll up our sleeves and start working on the Castle's gardens! We're welcoming volunteers to help clear out last year’s weeds and old plants and prep the beds for new flowers and plants. No green thumbs required — just helping hands! This event is free; gardening supplies will be provided.
Open Sew at the Castle
March 25, 2023
Time: 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Cost: $8 BHS members; $10 non-members
Do you quilt, sew or just love textiles? Join other sewing enthusiasts in an afternoon of creating and socializing. Bring something you are currently working on and enjoy the camaraderie of community sewing! While this is not a sewing class, beginner seamstresses and quilters are most welcome and will find inspiration and guidance. There are a limited number of sewing machines available, but please try to bring your own if you have one. Also, do not feel obligated to sew on a machine — hand work (cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, etc.) is always welcome!
Joseph Cornell Shadow Boxes: Lecture and Crafting Workshop
April 13, 2023
Time: 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Cost: $30 BHS members; $35 non-members
In this BHS workshop led by artist and Creative Arts Therapist Betsy Lazarus, you will learn more about the life and art of Joseph Cornell, an innovative mid-20th Century artist known for his shadow box assemblages. Further exploring the creative process, participants will design a shadow box from assorted objects into a work of art both unique and personally meaningful. You are encouraged to bring objects both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional of your own to include in your piece along with frames and other decorative supplies that will be provided. No artistic experience is required for this program!
Americana: Songs of the 40s and 50s
March 19, 2023
Time: 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Cost: $20 BHS members; $25 non-members
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Passport Concert Series
Americana music has been defined as incorporating "elements of various American roots music styles, including country, roots-rock, folk, bluegrass, R&B and blues." For the next event in our exciting Passport Concert Series, BHS welcomes jazz vocalist Barbara Rosene to the Castle for a musical trip through the 1940s and 1950s. Renowned for her passionate interpretation of the great music of the 1920s through the 40s, Barbara takes classic material from all eras of jazz and makes the material sound fresh and emotionally relevant today.
Hop Into Spring at the Castle: A Family Celebration!
April 1, 2023
Time: 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Cost: $10 per person (max $30); $35 per family of 1-5; $55 per family of 5+
Here comes Peter Cottontail, hoppin' down the Castle trail. Hippity, hoppity, Spring is on its way!
Make your way to the Castle for this special Spring event! Bayside Historical Society welcomes neighbors and friends for a fun-filled day of crafts, music, surprises, and a visit from Peter Cottontail. See if your kids can find all the bunny eggs hidden in our beautiful spring garden!
BHS Annual Membership Meeting
March 15, 2023
Time: 7:00 PM–7:30 PM: Member Business Meeting; 7:30 PM–10:00 PM: General Meeting
Cost: Free for BHS members
Bayside Historical Society celebrates Irish Cultural heritage during our Annual Membership Meeting. This members-only event will feature the Installation Ceremony of newly elected BHS Officers and Trustees, as well as Volunteer Recognition. Afterwards, we’ll gather in the ballroom for Irish music & refreshments to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Enjoy delectable corned beef sliders, homemade Irish soda bread, and Irish coffee while being entertained by the Ciara Greene School of Irish Step Dancing and Celtic guitarist & singer John Walsh.
Scrapbooking 101 with Mary Walsh — TO BE RESCHEDULED
March 9, 2023
Time: 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Cost: $20 for BHS members and $25 for non-members
Bayside Historical Society welcomes crafter Mary Walsh to the Castle for a fun and creative night of scrapbooking. Please bring your own scissors, stick glue, and 8-10 of your favorite photographs. Mary will demonstrate how you can use scrapbooking to organize and preserve your precious memories in a way that tells a personal story. Participants will take home their handiwork at the end of the class.
Author Talk with David D. Morrison
March 7, 2023
Time: 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Cost: $5.00 for BHS members; $10.00 for non-members
From his childhood love of Lionel trains to a career as a branch line manager for the Long Island Rail Road to founding the Long Island Rail Road Historical Society, train enthusiast David D. Morrison has devoted much of his life to railroad history. Having written numerous books for Arcadia Publishing's Long Island Rail Road series, David brings his extensive knowledge to the BHS Castle for a fascinating presentation about the LIRR Port Washington Branch. All aboard for a trip through history!
Family Fun Fair: Crafts & Games at the Castle
February 25, 2023
Time: 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Cost: $10 per person (max $30); $35 per family of 1-5; $45 per family of 6-10; $55 per family of 10+
Before the Internet. Before cell phones. Before cable TV...there were things to make and games to play. Join Bayside Historical Society at the Castle for a nostalgic day of family-themed crafts and games that don't require a computer or WiFi! Decorate picture frames for your 3x5 family photo or create a pretty flowerpot for your family garden. Music, games, and refreshments round out this fun afternoon
From Italy with Love: Music by Vocalist Elena Camerin
February 24, 2023
Time: 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Cost: $20 BHS members; $25 non-members
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Passport Concert Series
We're rounding out the month of love by bringing the romance of Italy to our ballroom. Bring that special someone to the Castle for an enchanting evening with vocalist Elena Camerin. Elena performs internationally and inspires young artists through her work as a voice instructor. Light refreshments will be served.
Open Sew at the Castle
February 18, 2023
Time: 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Cost: $8 BHS members; $10 non-members
Do you quilt, sew or just love textiles? Join other sewing enthusiasts in an afternoon of creating and socializing. Bring something you are currently working on and enjoy the camaraderie of community sewing! While this is not a sewing class, beginner seamstresses and quilters are most welcome and will find inspiration and guidance. There are a limited number of sewing machines available, but please try to bring your own if you have one. Also, do not feel obligated to sew on a machine — hand work (cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, etc.) is always welcome!
Romancing the Melodies: A Valentine Cocktail Party
February 12, 2023
Time: 2:30pm to 6:00pm
Cost: $45 for BHS members; $50 for non-members
Celebrate Valentine's Day in style at Bayside Historical Society's Jazz Cocktail Party! Live entertainment by the 12-piece Dean Saghafi Orchestra, featuring vocalist Kathryn Farmer, will provide the romantic soundtrack while you enjoy wine, a signature cocktail, and a selection of passed hors d'oeuvres in our beautiful ballroom. Coffee and sweets will round out this enchanting afternoon.
Craft Night: Make a Shamballa Macrame Bracelet
February 9, 2023
Time: 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Cost: $25 BHS members; $30 non-members
In this fun jewelry-making workshop, crafter Elaine Miller will show you how to create a beautiful and meaningful Shamballa macrame bracelet. A Shamballa bracelet is a hand-knotted bracelet from Tibetan Buddhism and stands for unconditional love, freedom and strength. Shamballa is the Mythical Kingdom located north of the Himalayas close to Tibet. The bracelets remind the wearer of the importance of unconditional love and mercy, living with an open heart and giving and receiving trust. The characteristics of the stones used give the wearer protection, strength, energy and a sense of decisiveness and determination. Supplies and materials are included in the cost of the workshop. Participants will take home their handiwork at the end of the class.
American Gospel Music: James Jones Ensemble
February 5, 2023
Time: 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Cost: $20 BHS members; $25 non-members
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Passport Concert Series
Concert of gospel music. Musician, vocalist, and music director James Jones Jr., son of music mogul Jimmy “Handyman” Jones, will bring his inspirational and soulful music to the Castle ballroom for an uplifting concert experience.
Author Talk with Sergey Kadinsky
February 1, 2023
Time: 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Cost: $10.00 BHS members; $20.00 non-members
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Author Talk at the Castle Series
BHS welcomes local author and historian Sergey Kadinsky to the Castle for a presentation about his book, Hidden Waters of New York City. This book offers a historical survey of 101 hidden lakes, creeks, inlets, ponds, and reservoirs within the borders of New York City, including Fort Totten Pond, Crocheron Pond, Oakland Lake, and Alley Pond. These minor waterways serve a vital role in promoting sustainability and hold potential for revival that could offer cultural, economic and environmental benefits for the city. Learn how these hidden waterways impacted our past, what are their present conditions, and what are the plans for their future.
Open Sew at the Castle — CANCELLED
January 28, 2023
Time: 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Cost: $8 BHS members; $10 non-members
This event has been cancelled due to necessary building repairs.
Do you quilt, sew or just love textiles? Join other sewing enthusiasts in an afternoon of creating and socializing. Bring something you are currently working on and enjoy the camaraderie of community sewing! While this is not a sewing class, beginner seamstresses and quilters are most welcome and will find inspiration and guidance. There are a limited number of sewing machines available, but please try to bring your own if you have one. Also, do not feel obligated to sew on a machine — hand work (cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, etc.) is always welcome!
Open Archives Night: The American Legion and Historical Map Collections
January 26, 2023
Time: 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Cost: $10 BHS members; $20 non-members
At BHS's upcoming Open Archives Night, highlights from two popular archival collections will be on display for up-close viewing. Our American Legion exhibit is a collection of historical memorabilia from the American Legion Post 510 of Bayside that includes rare documents, photos, and artifacts. Our historical map collection is a fun and fascinating trip down memory lane with maps of northeast Queens detailing street names, local shops, celebrity residences, and landmarks. See if you can find the name of the streets where you lived or grew up and compare "then and now" photos of your neighborhood.
The Music of Israel
January 22, 2023
Time: 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Cost: $20 BHS members; $25 non-members
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Passport Concert Series
BHS is excited to announce the first event in our 2023 Passport Concert Series lineup! The David Glukh Klezmer Ensemble is one of the most unusual groups of its kind, and have performed worldwide to critical acclaim. Eclectic by repertoire and design, the group is composed of David Glukh (piccolo trumpet), Ronn Yedidia (accordion/piano), David Keen (violin), Yuval Edoot (percussion), and Eddy Khaimovich (bass). The ensemble performs traditional klezmer music along with special "fusions" between klezmer and other musical traditions of the world.
Create Your Own Tiered Serving Tray — CANCELED
January 21, 2023
Time: 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Cost: $45 BHS members; $50 non-members
Due to unexpected building repairs, this event unfortunately has been cancelled.
By popular demand, expert crafters Denise Rizzuto and Lisa Wilson return to the BHS Castle for another home decor crafting workshop! Denise and Lisa will be providing hands-on instructions for assembling and painting the charming tiered serving tray pictured above. This photo shows what this versatile tray would look like if it were decorated for Christmas. All supplies and materials are included in the cost of the workshop and participants will take home their handiwork at the end of the class.
Author Talk with Carl Ballenas
January 17, 2023
Time: 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Cost: $10.00 for BHS members; $20.00 for non-members
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Author Talk at the Castle Series
Bayside Historical Society welcomes local author Carl Ballenas for a presentation about his book, Jacob's Gift, a Christmas tale based on historical events that uses actual people and places from the town of Richmond Hill, NY. Join us at the Castle in Fort Totten as Carl takes us through the fascinating and heart-warming history behind his book and the origins of Christmas caroling in Queens. Signed copies of Jacob's Gift will be available for purchase.
22nd Annual Winter Art Show
February 1-28, 2023
Time: 9:00am to 9:00pm
Cost: FREE
Bayside Historical Society's 22nd Annual Winter Art Show, showcasing contemporary Queens-based artists working in a variety of styles and mediums, features a combination of online galleries on our website and a live exhibit in The Bay Terrace Shopping Center. The online galleries also feature the emerging talent of student artists at Bayside High School in Queens, as well as artwork by senior citizens living in long-term care in Queens. The show will run for the entire month of February 2023.