The Queens Historical Society (QHS) and New York Daily News are giving the community a better idea of the history of the borough through the trolley tour series and exhibition “History in Peril.”
In 2008, the Daily News ran a series of articles by Nicholas Hirshon called “History in Peril” that focused on historic areas of interest in Queens that are currently not been landmarked.
“We thought it was a really great cause,” said QHS Executive Director Marisa L. Berman.
Berman said that the society wanted to help, and thought that a tour of the various locations that would enable people to see the structures and learn of their history and importance. The stops include the former home of Jackie Robinson and the building where W.E.B. Du Bois was married in Addisleigh Park, an apartment where Jack Kerouac once lived in Ozone Park, Woodhaven Lanes in Glendale, the Ridgewood Theatre, the former home of Malcolm X in East Elmhurst and the New York City Building in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
“Everyone seems to be amazed by these sites,” Berman said, adding that many did not know about the people who lived in their communities. “Everyone is someone really famous in American history.”
In addition, Berman said that the people who have attended the two tours so far, the first on April 26 and the second on May 31, have become very interested in helping with the preservation efforts. The back page of a booklet handed out during the tours includes a petition to the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Berman acknowledged that some of the sites on the tour might not qualify for landmark status. During the May 31 tour, QHS volunteer and historian Jim Davis explained that, when it comes to preservation, the commission is more interested in architecture than history. However, Berman said that there should at least be signage marking these locations.
“It’s really just about acknowledging all the sites for the future so [people] know they were there,” she said.
Along with the tours, the society also has an exhibition in its headquarters in the Kingsland Homestead in Flushing that will be on display through September. It includes historical photographs and related artifacts.
Following the first tour, there was a lecture on the World’s Fair. A lecture focusing on Kerouac that was originally going to take place after the second tour is being rescheduled.
A final “History in Peril” tour will take place on Sunday, June 28. After the tour, there will be a presentation focusing on Woodhaven Lanes. The event will begin at 1 p.m.
The Queens Historical Society is located at 143-35 37th Avenue in Flushing. For more information, call 718-939-0647.
