Past Events 2022
Browse through our archives of past BHS events
Programs are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, by Council Members Vickie Paladino, Linda Lee, and the NYC Council Queens Delegation.
Open Sew at the Castle — CANCELLED
December 17, 2022
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!
Holiday at the Castle: A Family Celebration!
December 11, 2022
Time: 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Cost: $10 per person (max $30) / $35 per family of 1-5 / $45 per family of 6-10
Bayside Historical Society is ringing in the holidays with a festive day of seasonal crafts for kids, refreshments, storytelling, sing-a-longs, and of course, a visit from Santa! Our beautiful Castle will be decked out for the holidays, and Santa and his helpers might have some surprises in store. Come join in the fun!
Annual Holiday Party — CANCELLED
December 3, 2022
Time: 6:00pm to 11:00pm
Cost: $95.00 per person
Due to unexpected repairs to our ballroom ceiling, this event unfortunately has been cancelled.
Bayside Historical Society invites you to an evening of holiday enchantment featuring The Dean Saghafi Orchestra with vocalist Kathryn Farmer. A 12-piece big band will provide the perfect soundtrack to an evening of cocktails, dining, and dancing. Plus: Tree Lighting, Holiday Sing-a-long, and Holiday Auction.
Open Sew at the Castle
November 26, 2022
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!
Autumn in New York: A Thanksgiving Feast of American Jazz
November 20, 2022
Time: 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Cost: $20 BHS members; $25 non-members
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Passport Concert Series
We're rounding out the 2022 lineup of our Passport Concert Series with a very special concert featuring vocalist Jim Altamore, a versatile singer of Popular Standards from the Great American Songbook. He is bringing his jazz trio to the Castle for a swinging afternoon of enduring music that rekindles timeless memories.
Jim has performed world-wide, highlighted by a series of concerts in France in tribute to Sinatra, and has worked with artists such as Diana Ross and Spyro Gyra. Get ready for an afternoon of top-notch entertainment as Jim transforms the BHS ballroom into an elegant jazz club from days gone by.
Decorate the Castle for the Holidays
November 19, 2022
Time: 11:00am to 2:00pm
Bayside Historical Society thanks the Key Club of Bayside High School and their Moderator Steve Jacoby for decorating the Christmas tree and lighting the menorah in the BHS Castle. Special thanks to BHS’s Anne O'Connell and Carol Marian and to Carol’s daughter Beth Ann for their great decorating skills! We look forward to our official tree lighting during the cocktail hour of Bayside Historical Society's Annual Holiday Party on December 3rd.
The Salem Witch Trials: Lecture by Leslie Wickham
November 15, 2022
Time: 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Cost: $10.00 for BHS members; $15.00 for non-members
Have you read or seen on Broadway The Crucible and think you know about the Salem Witch Trials? Think again! Explore the truth about the events leading up to, during and after the witch hysteria in Salem. Learn about the time period and what life was like in the Massachusetts Colony in the 1690s.
This presentation will be given by genealogist and historian Leslie Wickham, a descendant of accused witch Sarah Towne Bridges Cloyce. Sarah escaped with her life but two of her older sisters, Rebecca Towne Nurse & Mary Towne Easty were found guilty and put to death.
BHS Vintage Car Show 2022
November 13, 2022
Time: 9:00am to 1:00pm
Ride back in time with Bayside Historical Society's classic car show! A variety of vintage and antique automobiles will be showcased on the lawn of the Castle at Fort Totten.
Cost: The event is free for visitors to attend. For car registration information and pricing, contact organizer Jim Barnes at 917-428-4499 or jimbarnes05@aol.com.
The car show is presented by the Long Island Sound Region of the Classic Car Club of America, in conjunction with Bayside Historical Society.
Wreath-making Workshop at the Castle
November 10, 2022
Time: 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Cost: $25 BHS members; $30 non-members
Add a personal touch to the season with our wreath-making workshop. Expert crafters Denise Rizzuto and Lisa Wilson will show you how to craft a beautiful artificial wreath for your home. Supplies and materials are included in the cost of the workshop — just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! Participants will take home their handiwork at the end of the class.
21st Annual Totten Trot 5K Foot Race &
Kids' Fun Run
October 30, 2022
Time: 7:30am registration, 9:00am race start
Cost: $25-$40
Our annual Totten Trot 5K Foot Race is a Halloween-themed, waterfront course in historic Fort Totten Park on Little Neck Bay in Bayside, a pristine stretch surrounding a preserved Civil War fortress. The Kids' Fun Run at 10:00am is a short-distance sprint for tiny tots and kids up to 12, grouped by age category. Halloween costumes are encouraged for adults and kids!
PLUS: This year's Totten Trot 5K is dedicated to your good health! Bayside Historical Society is pleased to partner with Parker Jewish Institute to provide a special Health & Wellness Exhibition as part of this year's event.
Open House New York 2022
October 23, 2022
Time: 1:00am to 4:00pm
Cost: FREE
Bayside Historical Society is thrilled to be participating in person once again for this year's Open House New York Weekend, a five-borough-wide event that celebrates architecture and design.
Since 1984, BHS has been located at the Castle in Fort Totten Park. 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.
BHS will be participating on Sunday, October 23rd, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Our staff will be on hand to give tours and talk about our beautiful building and its history. This event is free to all!
Final Gardening Day at the Castle
October 22, 2022
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Cost: FREE
Calling all volunteers to our final gardening day of this season! Be prepared to weed, trim, mulch, divide and replant perennial plants, and prepare the gardens for the next growing season. All levels of gardening expertise are welcome, and tools and supplies will be provided.
Lawrence Cemetery Cleanup
October 22, 2022
Bayside Historical Society thanks BHS member Carol Marian, the scouts of Sacred Heart Scout Troop 49, Tom Kalinkos & Kalinkos Landscaping, and BHS member Rosemary Zimmerman & her husband for their efforts in cleaning up the historic Lawrence Cemetery in Bayside this past Saturday. Intensive yard work and weed cleanup was performed, litter removed, and necessary maintenance work done, but much more remains for Phase Two of our cleanup. BHS is grateful for these community-minded volunteers who value local history.
Living History at Fort Totten: Civil War Reenactment
October 15, 2022
Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm
Cost: FREE
Enter the camp of Company K of the 67th NY Infantry for a day of Civil War Living History at Fort Totten, where you can walk in the footsteps of Union soldiers and discover all aspects of life in the 1860s. Interact with the 67th NY and learn of the lives of the soldiers they imitate: what they thought, how they ate, how they were clothed, how they fought, and how they endured through the greatest war in America's history.
Open Sew at the Castle
October 8, 2022
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!
Beautiful Music from Greece
October 2, 2022
Time: 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Cost: $20 BHS members; $25 non-members
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Passport Concert Series
The Kostas Psarros Ensemble will take you on a journey through the rich and diverse music of Greece — a country where, geographically and musically, East meets West. You will get introduced to the different colors, odd and dancing rhythms, and beautiful melodies and harmonies of folk/traditional music of Greece.
Beekeeping Workshop
September 20, 2022
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Cost: $15 BHS members; $20 non-members
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. Plus: Delicious local honey will be on sale — don't forget to take home a jar!
The Mystery of Africa — CANCELED
September 18, 2022
Time: 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Cost: $20 BHS members; $25 non-members
We regret to announce that this event has been cancelled.
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Passport Concert Series
Nigerian-born performer and musician Adichie will perform his originally composed African music along with his Jungle International Band, a World Music Dance Band that combines contemporary grooves, cultural beats and funk. Come and visit this transformation of spiritual and cultural enlightenment with international flavor on stage at the Castle.
Open Sew at the Castle
September 17, 2022
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!
Member Homecoming Carnival
September 14, 2022
Time: 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Cost: FREE
Current, returning, and others considering becoming a member are invited to a delightful night of surprises, updates on future happenings at the Castle, and the opportunity to meet and greet friends, old and new.
A Concert of Traditional Chinese Music
August 28, 2022
Time: 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Cost: $20 BHS members; $25 non-members
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Passport Concert Series
BHS welcomes Chinese Master Musician and world-class harmonica virtuoso Jiayi He to the Castle ballroom, where he will be performing a concert of traditional Chinese music.
Salsa & Latin Music from Puerto Rico & Cuba
August 14, 2022
Time: 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Cost: $20 BHS members; $25 non-members
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Passport Concert Series
Latin Historian and performer Aurora Flores and the Zon del Barrio orchestra are bringing sabor to the BHS ballroom! Join us for a lively afternoon of salsa and Latin music from Puerto Rico and Cuba.
Gardening Day at the Castle
August 13, 2022
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Cost: FREE
Join BHS at the Castle for a session of summer garden maintenance to encourage a healthy garden that will thrive and flourish throughout the year. All levels of gardening expertise are welcome, and tools and supplies will be provided.
Open Sew at the Castle
August 6, 2022
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!
A Royal Night of Entertainment for Kings & Queens
July 30, 2022
Time: 8:00pm to 11:00pm
Cost: $40 per person, General Admission | $50 per person, Pre-Show Wine and Cheese Reception
Bayside Historical Society and Broadway Blockbusters Productions present the greatest moments of song and dance from Las Vegas to Broadway! Join us at the Castle for a special evening featuring highlights from Les Misérables, Guys and Dolls, Company, and more. The show will also feature favorites from the Great American Songbook and an appearance by Magician Apollo Riego.
Gardening Day at the Castle
July 9, 2022
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Cost: FREE
Join BHS at the Castle for a session of summer garden maintenance to encourage a healthy garden that will thrive and flourish throughout the year. All levels of gardening expertise are welcome, and tools and supplies will be provided.
Open Sew at the Castle
June 25, 2022
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!
Gardening Day at the Castle
June 11, 2022
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Cost: FREE
Thanks to our hard-working Earth Day volunteers, the Castle gardens are beginning to bloom! Come join us for another rewarding morning of gardening — all levels of expertise are welcome! Tools and supplies will be provided.
Open Sew at the Castle
May 28, 2022
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!
Dermody Triangle Memorial Ceremony
May 23, 2022
Time: 7:00pm to 7:30pm
Please join Bayside Historical Society and honored guests at Dermody Triangle, the site of one of NYC’s oldest war memorials, as we lay a wreath to honor the memory of Baysider Captain William C. Dermody and all those who bravely fought in the Civil War.
Representatives from Company K, 67th New York Infantry, will attend the ceremony in period-correct Civil War uniforms and include an honor guard carrying a reproduction of their Regimental Flag and drummer during a "present arms" salute. The 67th New York will share about the mission and activities of their living history organization, including their well-regarded educational programs in schools. This is a free event.
Meetup Location: Captain Dermody Triangle, at the corner of 216th Street & 48th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11364
Open Archives Night: The Evolution of Bayside
May 17, 2022
Time: 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Cost: Free for BHS members; $5.00 for non-members
Explore the origins and growth of the Bayside community over the last 300 years. Bayside Historical Society will share artifacts, maps, photos, documents and ephemera from our extensive archival collection that traces the development of Bayside and the neighboring communities of Northeast Queens. Join us for this interesting and engaging evening! We encourage you to bring along your own old photos and share memories of life in Bayside during any time period.
Earth Day Spring Garden Clean-Up
April 22, 2022
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Cost: FREE
Bayside Historical Society welcomes volunteers to celebrate Earth Day by beautifying the Castle’s gardens! We’ll be clearing out last year’s weeds and old plants and prepping the beds for new flowers and plants. This event is free; gardening supplies will be provided.
Online Concert: Nome Sane?
April 12-19, 2022
Time: 1:00pm
Cost: FREE
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Live From The Castle Concert Series
The latest addition to our live music series features the innovative sounds of Nome Sane? This New York-based rock trio is the guitar driven, psychedelic, instrumental funk brainchild of Teddy Kumpel.
Open Sew at the Castle
April 9, 2022
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!
BHS Annual Membership Meeting
March 30, 2022
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Cost: $10 for BHS members and $15 for non-members
Join us as we celebrate Irish Cultural heritage during our Annual Membership Meeting. Be entertained with Irish music and song and a performance of Irish dance. Then, enjoy a taste of Ireland’s delectable corned beef sliders, homemade Irish soda bread, and Irish coffee. Our general meeting will showcase the Installation Ceremony of Bayside Historical Society Officers and Trustees, as well as Volunteer Recognition.
Author Talk with Vincent J. Tomeo
March 10, 2022
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Cost: $5.00 for BHS members; $10.00 for non-members
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Author Talk at the Castle Series
Meet local author, poet, photographer, and artist Vincent J. Tomeo who will present his book My Cemetery Friends: A Garden of Encounters at Mount Saint Mary in Queens, New York. Through prose and poetry, Tomeo honors and pays homage to our neighbors interred at this cemetery and shares encounters with others who stroll through the cemetery grounds. His presentation will include a Q&A session. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Online Concert: Jay Miners
February 14, 2022
Time: 12:00pm
Cost: FREE
Part of Bayside Historical Society's Live From The Castle Concert Series
Kick back and relax this Valentine's Day with the ethereal and emotive melodies of indie singer-songwriter Jay Miners, who performed her music live at the BHS Castle.
Sunday Jazz Brunch
February 6, 2022
Time: 12:00pm-3:00pm
Cost: $30 BHS members; $35 non-members
Jazz returns to the Castle to heat up a cold winter’s day! Join BHS for our annual live jazz event featuring the fabulous Carl Bartlett, Jr. Quartet. Bring your family and friends to embrace life, love, and friendship and celebrate the soft opening of the Castle after these trying times.
Refreshments will be presented in personal, wrapped portions with coffee, tea, wine and soda available. Seating will be arranged to provide adequate spacing between guests. Proof of vaccination and masks are required. Please join us for a reduced fee of $30.00 per person for BHS members and $35.00 for non-members. Reservations required.
Valentine Crafts at the Castle
February 5, 2022
Time: 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Cost: $5 per child/$15 maximum per family
Families are invited to join us at the Castle for a fun afternoon of Valentine crafts and activities. Crafts are suitable for children ages 4 to 12.
At present, New York Covid mandates for indoor activities specify that masks are required for all persons, regardless of age, and proof of vaccination is required for ages 5 and older. BHS will observe these mandates, or any alternate mandates that might be in effect, on the day of the event.
21st Annual Winter Art Show
February 1-28, 2022
Time: 9:00am to 9:00pm
Cost: FREE
Bayside Historical Society’s annual Winter Art Show features contemporary Queens artists working in all media. For the safety of our artists and visitors, the 2022 show will be a combined virtual and live event. Artists will submit photos of their work to be exhibited in virtual "galleries" on the BHS website. Selections from the BHS Annual Winter Art Show will be on display at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center. The show will run for the entire month of February 2022.