For a double celebration, the Bayside community gathered on the grounds of the Bayside Historical Society (BHS) for its 60th anniversary and the 110th anniversary of Bayside Day.
Saturday afternoon in Fort Totten was filled with live music, activities for all ages and special remarks from community leaders. Volunteers with the BHS expressed that the turnout was higher than anticipated, with over 100 people of all ages attending the annual event this year.
City Council Member Vickie Paladino attended the celebration and presented BHS President Paul DiBenedetto with a NYC Council Certificate of Recognition for the 60th anniversary. State Senator John Liu also delivered a Senate proclamation to the BHS officers and board members.
“It was fascinating to relive the history by touring the castle and celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Bayside Historical with friends and longtime supporters of the society,” shared Paladino on social media. “Thank you to everyone who contributed to the festivities and for those who work within the society to preserve history.”
DiBenedetto, elected as the new president of BHS earlier this year, accepted the proclamations between band sets. His band, Chicken Head Rocks, spent the afternoon performing rock and blues jams for the attendees.
Families played various lawn games outside on the lawn, and children made their own Bayside flags and log houses at the arts and crafts tables.
Inside the BHS Castle, attendees explored photo exhibits, learned about the neighborhood’s history and tested their knowledge of Bayside with trivia. They also grabbed food provided by Bayside Milk Farm and enjoyed refreshments in commemorative keepsake cups.
The Castle, which was built in 1887, became a city landmark in 1974. In 1984, BHS took over the space after helping restore it and bring in events, changing exhibitions and a permanent archival collection.
Today, it offers various educational and fun events year-round, including author talks, the popular Halloween-themed Totten Trot race and historical tours.
“BHS extends its heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff and volunteers who worked so hard to make this day a success. We also thank our wonderful community for coming out to mark this occasion with us,” the organization shared on social media.
