Indian Dance Celebration with the Ajna Dance Company

March 23, 2025

Time: 3:00pm to 4:30pm

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Cost: $10 for BHS members; $15 for non-members

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Part of Bayside Historical Society's Passport Concert Series

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BHS is excited to have author Rebecca Bratspies return for an ongoing This exhilarating Passport Concert event explores the significance of the Hindu Holi festival, introducing participants to Indian dance, movement, and culture through three distinct styles: Classical, Folk, and Bollywood. Attendees will experience a dynamic and engaging interactive demonstration and educational presentation, featuring a performance by the Ajna Dance Company. Plus: Participants will get the chance to try out their Bollywood and Bhangra dance moves! Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of culture and rhythm!

Author Talk with Rebecca Bratspies: Naming Gotham, Part II

March 13, 2025

Time: 7:30pm to 9:00pm

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

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

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BHS is excited to have author Rebecca Bratspies return for an ongoing presentation about more of the intriguing individuals behind the names of New York City's most famous roads, bridges, neighborhoods, and institutions. From the Kosciuszko Bridge to the Outerbridge Crossing to Shirley Chisholm State Park, these names reflect the vibrant history of the city that never sleeps, though few are aware of their real stories. Join Rebecca Bratspies once again as she reveals the dynamic personalities behind the names that have become New York's urban shorthand for traffic jams, culture, and recreation.

Open Sew at the Castle

March 9, 2025

Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm

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

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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!

Second Sunday Castle Tours

March 9, 2025

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

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Cost: Free

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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 first tour of 2025 by booking your tickets online.

Spring Garden Cleanup at The Castle

March 8, 2025

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm

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Cost: Free

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Spring has finally arrived, and we're eager to get to work on The Castle's gardens! We're inviting community volunteers to help us clear out last year's weeds and old plants and prep the beds for a fresh array of colorful flowers and lush greenery. No gardening expertise needed — just willing hands! 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. We look forward to seeing you in the garden this spring! This event is free; gardening supplies will be provided.

 

Latin Jazz Brunch: A Valentine Passport Concert

February 16, 2025

Time: 12:00pm to 3:00pm

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Cost: $40 for BHS members and $45 for non-members

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Part of Bayside Historical Society's Passport Concert Series

 

BHS continues to celebrate Valentine's Day at The Castle as we turn up the heat with our Latin Jazz Brunch! The elegant, sophisticated, and danceable music of NYC-based Tres Gatos will provide the romantic soundtrack to our delicious Valentine's  Day buffet.

 

We're excited to combine our annual live jazz event with the first Passport Concert Series event of 2025! Based out of New York City, Tres Gatos brings a contemporary energy to their seamless blend of Latin Jazz and Afro-Cuban music. The band features Ariel Robles (from Puerto Rico, Bassist), Ernest Alvarez (Cuba, Percussionist and Vocalist), and Ittetsu Nasuda (Japan, Pianist).

Author Talk with Richard Melnick: Long Island City in 1776

February 13, 2025

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

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

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

 

In 1775, Boston was at the center of attention, but after April 1776, the Revolutionary War shifted its focus to New York City and the strategically important Long Island, stretching from Brooklyn's terminal moraine high ground to Queens's Hell Gate. That year marked the arrival of revolution on Long Island, particularly in what would become Long Island City. The area's failures, defeats, and subsequent occupation by the British strengthened the resolve and character that later contributed to Patriot victories on distant battlefields across the colonies. The British did not leave western Queens County until November 1783, but the events of 1776 remained significant throughout the seven years of occupation that followed. Join author Richard Melnick at The Castle as he explores the military, political, and cultural history of 1776 in Long Island City.

Open Sew at the Castle

February 9, 2025

Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm

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

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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 Sew at the Castle

February 9, 2025

Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm

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

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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!

Second Sunday Castle Tours

February 9, 2025

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

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Cost: Free

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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 first tour of 2025 by booking your tickets online.

24th Annual Winter Art Show

February 5 – March 2, 2025

Time: 9:00am – 9:00pm

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Cost: Free

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Bayside Historical Society's 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.

Author Talk with Rob MacKay: Famous People of Queens

January 21, 2025

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

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

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

 

BHS is pleased to welcome back author Rob MacKay for another fascinating presentation about Queens history. His latest book, Famous People of Queens, is a captivating look at a diverse group of individuals from various neighborhoods and historical eras who have made tremendous contributions to the world. The group includes acclaimed actors, legendary athletes, visionary business people, inspiring religious leaders, pioneering scientists, talented singers, brave war heroes, and acclaimed writers. They all made their homes in Queens for a significant period of time, and they all added interesting twists to the borough's story, showcasing its enduring appeal as a melting pot of talent, creativity, and resilience.

Open Sew at the Castle

January 12, 2025

Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm

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

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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!

Second Sunday Castle Tours

January 12, 2025

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

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Cost: Free

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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 first tour of 2025 by booking your tickets online.