By Nathan Duke
The Bayside Historical Society introduced a new virtual exhibit on its Web site this week that presents visitors with an overview of the community’s history spanning more than 350 years.
“Take a Cruise Through the History of Bayside” is an interactive online exhibit with text and photos on the historical society’s Web site at baysidehistorical.org.
The timeline begins in 1639 with the Dutch West India Co.’s acquisition of the locale that is now known as Bayside from the Matinecock tribe. It ends in 2000 with the formation of the nationally acclaimed rock group Bayside Band.
“Visitors can find out about a murder at the yacht club and how in 1904 the community fought the telephone company about putting up poles,” said Jennifer Dullahan, a spokeswoman for the society.
Some of the other items on the timeline include a section of Bayside known as The Alley becoming the first commercial center in the region in the mid-1700s, the purchase of the Bell Farm in 1824, the creation of the Bayside Yacht Club in 1902, the historical society’s debut in 1964 and Fort Totten’s designation as a landmark in 1999.
The exhibit was designed by Alison McKay, who is the archivist and exhibit coordinator at the society. The group is based in Fort Totten, where it has its own museum that regularly mounts exhibits.
But the timeline is only featured online, complementing the artifacts and items at the museum but not directly linked to an exhibit.
It will remain on the society’s Web site indefinitely, but it will not be updated at any point, Dullahan said.
The exhibit was created through public funds provided by the city Cultural Affairs Department and state Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose).
The society is also currently featuring an online exhibit on heavyweight champion boxer James John Corbett, who was also known as “Gentleman Jim.” Corbett was born in San Francisco but settled in Bayside in 1903 and lived there until his death in 1933.
Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e-mail at nduke@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
