Greater Astoria Historical Society

07/24/2026

Calling all people who love to read! Join our Book Club. We meet virtually every other month and discuss books with a New York City theme. Interested? Contact us at [email protected] for more information.

07/17/2026

The Blackwell Door exhibit, an integral link to Astoria’s revolutionary past, will be open to the public tomorrow, July 18th, and every following Sunday (but not this Sunday!) from 11am-6pm. For more information on the walking tours led by Alan Arichavala , they are available via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/33165268075

07/04/2026

Happy 250 years of American Independence from us at the Greater Astoria Historical Society. Here is footage of yesterday’s parade of tall ships filmed and edited by our boardmember Alan Arichavala (Alan Arichavala ).

07/01/2026

A 261-year old pine hewn door stands silent but the arrow carved into its panel by a British officer tells its story.
The Greater Astoria Historical Society invites you to visit our newest exhibit “The Blackwell Door”, opening this Saturday, July 4th, and Sunday, July 5th. Learn about how the Blackwell family as well as many other families in Western Queens were affected by the American Revolution.
Walking tours will also be hosted by Alan Arichavala (Alan Arichavala ), sign up link available https://www.eventbrite.com/o/33165268075

05/25/2026

Today we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Erected in 1926, this monument in Astoria Park is dedicated to the 101 men from Long Island City who died in World War I.

05/08/2026

The Jane's Walk Astoria tour last Saturday was the last glimpse many had of the First Reformed steeple in place; it was removed today, with the remainder of the structure to follow.

05/03/2026

Our boardmember Alan Arichavala’s update on the First Reformed Church. We need to come together and email our elected officials to continue efforts saving the church, at the very least, save parts of it from demolition including the steeple. Tomorrow, the church will be scheduled for demolition.

04/24/2026

Now remember, there is a cemetary out back of the church.

Most historians believe the grave of Astoria’s founding father Stephen Halsey is somewhere in Astoria; but finding where is the difficulty.

04/24/2026

Burned down tonight

The church suffered a devastating 5-alarm fire on April 23, 2026 and could be a total loss

03/30/2026