Past Events

An Interview with Maria Smilios, Author of The Black Angels

October 22, 2025

Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm

Cost: $10.00 for BHS members; $15.00 for non-members

The Bayside Historical Society is excited to collaborate with the Greek Elder Care Network Book Club and the Hellenic American Project to present an author interview with Maria Smilios, featuring a captivating conversation with Dr. Nicholas Alexiou, Founder and Director of the Hellenic American Project and Professor of Sociology at Queens College, about her award-winning new book. The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses who Helped Cure Tuberculosis reveals the extraordinary history of the dedicated Black nurses who were instrumental in combating the deadly tuberculosis epidemic in New York City during the 1900s. A Q&A discussion will follow the interview, and Maria will be signing and selling copies of her book.

19th Century Base Ball Game — CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

October 11, 2025

Time: 11:00am

Cost: Free

Last year's vintage baseball game at Fort Totten Park was such a hit that we couldn't wait to do it again! BHS welcomes back the New York Mutuals for a historical re-creation of a baseball game the way it was played back in the 1860s. The team will wear replicas of 19th-century baseball uniforms and use period-appropriate balls and bats (no gloves, as they hadn't been invented yet). This year, they'll face off against the Bayside Little League coaches and parents, with some support from BHS Board Members! Join us at Fort Totten Park to cheer on the players and see if these local Baysiders can handle an 1864-style baseball game! The New York Mutuals will be available to answer audience questions and invite children to field grounders. Enjoy a fun day while learning about the history of baseball.

Lawrence Cemetery Tour

October 4, 2025

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am

Cost: Free

Bayside Historical Society is conducting a free guided tour of the historic Lawrence Cemetery, the burial ground of one of Bayside's founding families. The cemetery's first burial occurred in 1832, and the last one in 1939. During our tour, history will come alive as our staff recounts the stories of different members of the Lawrence family.

This tour will last approximately one hour; please note that it will require walking on uneven ground and there are no restrooms on site.\

Outside Meeting Location: The Lawrence Cemetery is located at the corner of 216th Street and 42nd Avenue.

Gardening Day at The Castle

September 27, 2025

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Cost: Free

We're inviting community volunteers to join our fun and rewarding fall gardening sessions on Saturday mornings. Everyone from beginners to experts is welcome! Gardening tools and supplies will be provided. This is a great opportunity not only to contribute to the beauty of The Castle but also to connect with fellow community members who share a love for nature and gardening.

Author Talk with M.X. Kane: Period Rush: Tales of the Fighting 21st

September 25, 2025

Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm

Cost: $10.00 for BHS members; $15.00 for non-members

As part of our events commemorating the 160th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War, Bayside Historical Society is pleased to welcome Civil War reenactor and first-time author M.X. Kane for a presentation on his captivating historical fiction trilogy, Period Rush: Tales of the Fighting 21st.

BHS Members Night: Geology of Long Island/Queens

September 18, 2025

Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm

Cost: Free for BHS members; $10 for not-yet-members

Connect with current and future members and explore our community's work at BHS's meet & greet event. Enjoy a presentation on local soil ecosystems and their impact on agriculture by Namshik Yoon, a retired NYC Chief of Operations, Urban Park Ranger, and Earth Science Teacher. Attendees will also get exclusive access to The Castle's Archaeology Room, which features artifacts up to 6,500 years old. Come join us for a fun and educational evening!

Second Sunday Castle Tours

September 14, 2025

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Cost: Free

Bayside Historical Society staff and volunteers are offering guided tours of The Castle and its exhibitions on the second Sunday of each month from 1pm-3pm. Tours are approximately 45 minutes long; there will be two tours offered, the first beginning at 1pm and the second at 2pm. The cost is free, but reservations are required. Reserve your spot in advance for the September tour by booking your tickets online.

Open Sew at the Castle

September 14, 2025

Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Cost: $8 BHS members; $10 non-members

Do you quilt, sew or embroider? Join fellow sewing enthusiasts for an afternoon of creativity and socializing. Bring a project you're 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. A limited number of sewing machines are available, so please bring your own if possible. Also, don't feel obligated to sew on a machine — hand work (cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, etc.) is always welcome!

Beekeeping Workshop in the BHS Gardens

September 13, 2025

Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Cost: Free for BHS members; $10 for non-members

Join Walter Blohm, a NYC beekeeper with over 40 years of experience, for a 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 be held outdoors in The Castle gardens.

Space is limited, so make sure to reserve your spot early. If you must cancel, please let us know so we can reallocate the tickets to others.