01/10/2023
ANNOUNCEMENT: Tonight's event, Author Talk with Carl Ballenas, has been rescheduled to next Tuesday, Jan 17, 7:30 to 9:30.
Bayside Historical Society
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BHS is a learning destination, a research resource for the community, and a venue for the arts.
Operating as usual
01/07/2023
Author Talk with Carl Ballenas | baysidehistorical
Bayside Historical Society welcomes local author Carl Ballenas for a presentation about his book, "Jacob's Gift," a Christmas tale based on historical events that uses actual people and places from the town of Richmond Hill, NY. Join us at the Castle in Fort Totten as Carl takes us through the fascinating and heart-warming history behind his book and the origins of Christmas caroling in Queens. Tuesday, January 10, 2023, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. $10.00 for BHS members/$20.00 for non-members. Get full details and buy tickets on our website.
Join BHS at the Castle as author Carl Ballenas takes us through the fascinating and heart-warming history behind his Christmas tale, "Jacob's Gift."
01/06/2023
Exploring Boroughs: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Queens & Things To Do There
Bayside Historical Society got a mention in "The Ultimate Travel Guide To Queens & Things To Do There." 👍 Thank you, Globe Trotter Travels!
A visit to Queens, NYC's largest borough, is always worthwhile, thanks to its myriad of attractions, amazing culture, and food.
01/04/2023
THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!
The submissions deadline for Bayside Historical Society's 22nd Annual Winter Art Show is Wednesday, January 11, 2023.
The event will feature a combination of online galleries on the BHS website and a live exhibit in The Bay Terrace Shopping Center. The show is open to artists working in all media who are age 18 and older and live, work, or attend school in Queens.
For complete details, requirements, and registration materials, visit baysidehistorical.org/bhs-winter-art-show
01/01/2023
May the new year bring peace, health, and happiness to you and your family!
12/25/2022
12/23/2022
These lovely vintage cards were kept by members of the Bell Family and have been preserved by the Bayside Historical Society Archives.
To celebrate the season, Bayside Historical Society will be sharing a different holiday greeting card from the Bell Family every Monday and Friday in December. The Bells settled in Bayside in the early 1800s and established themselves as a family dedicated to the town's improvement and quality of life for its residents. These lovely vintage cards were kept by members of the Bell Family and have been preserved by the Bayside Historical Society Archives.
12/19/2022
12/16/2022
REMINDER: The registration deadline for submissions for Bayside Historical Society's 22nd Annual Winter Art Show is Wednesday, January 11, 2023.
The event will feature a combination of online galleries on the BHS website and a live exhibit in The Bay Terrace Shopping Center. The show is open to artists working in all media who are age 18 and older and live, work, or attend school in Queens.
For complete details, requirements, and registration materials, visit baysidehistorical.org/bhs-winter-art-show
12/15/2022
- The home of Abraham Bell I, built in 1845, once stood at the NW corner of Bell Boulevard and 38th Avenue (then Warburton Avenue).
https://baysidehistoricalsociety.omeka.net/items/show/453
12/13/2022
Santa met an eager and energized crowd at the Castle this past Sunday! Children had great fun working on their holiday crafts, which were led by BHS's Anne O'Connell. Dakota MacLeod, Ray Naccari, and Clyde Bullard kept the music playing all afternoon, and there was lots of dancing and singing along. Doug Gerbino delighted the crowd with his reading of "The Night Before Christmas" on an old microphone that represented the way this classic story was recorded back in the 1930s. The story of "Jacob's Gift" was read by Dakota MacLeod and everyone received a copy from Santa, who thrilled the children with his arrival. Many thanks to the volunteers who came out to help during this event, including The Bayside High School Key Club, Dor Poris, Anita and Gabi Gutierez, and Dana Friedman. Special thanks to BHS's Carol Marian for arranging that special visit from the North Pole.
12/03/2022
Bayside Historical Society hosting Holiday at the Castle celebration – QNS.com
Thanks for the shout-out, QNS! We’re looking forward to this event, happening December 11 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Bayside Historical Society will be putting on a celebration Dec. 11 to mark the holiday season.
12/01/2022
Many thanks to Dominick Totino Photography for this spectacular shot of the Bayside Historical Society Christmas tree.
11/29/2022
Holiday at the Castle: A Family Celebration! | baysidehistorical
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!
Date: Sunday, December 11, 2022, from 2 pm – 5 pm
Cost: $10 per person (max $30) / $35 per family of 1-5 / $45 per family of 6-10
Purchase tickets at:
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!
11/29/2022
GivingTuesday 2021 - Bayside Historical Society
Today is , a day to show your support for the causes that matter to you!
In these challenging times, your generosity can make more of an impact than ever: contributions will help nonprofit organizations that have been affected by COVID-19 continue their vital work.
On November 29, 2022, donate to help Bayside Historical Society move forward with our public events and exhibits, education programs, historic preservation efforts, and so much more.
To donate, please visit us at: www.baysidehistorical.org/giving-tuesday
Thank you for your support!
Today is GivingTuesday, a global generosity movement! Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this Bayside nonprofit institution needs your support more than ever!
11/24/2022
11/23/2022
BHS welcomed the spirit of Sinatra along with the spirit of the season at our Thanksgiving Feast of American Jazz, featuring the wonderful vocal stylings of Jim Altamore and his trio. Audiences were entertained by popular songs and jazz standards from the Great American Songbook and transported to a golden age of American music. This November 20th event was the final one in this year's Passport Concert season; we look forward to welcoming you back to our 2023 lineup.
11/22/2022
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.
11/20/2022
The 2023 Whitestone Village Tree Lighting is happening on Friday, December 2, from 6:30pm-7:30pm.
11/17/2022
The 2023 Bayside Village Tree Lighting is happening on Sunday, December 4, at 4pm.
Join us on Sunday December 4th as the Bayside St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee sponsor the 2023 Bayside Village Tree Lighting. Music will be performed by The Shannon Breeze. Santa Claus will be there along with The Ciara Green School of Irish Dancing
11/16/2022
We had a fabulous turnout (in spite of the rain!) for our presentation about the Salem Witch Trials. Queens-based genealogist and historian Leslie Wickham — a descendant of accused witch Sarah Towne Bridges Cloyce, who escaped with her life — took us back to the events leading up to, during, and after the witch hysteria in Salem. She talked about that period and what life was really like in the Massachusetts Colony in the 1690s. We thank Leslie for this fascinating evening of American history.
11/16/2022
Bayside Winter Art Show Opens Call For Submissions
Thanks, Bayside-Douglaston Patch, for spreading the word about our upcoming Winter Art Show!
Artists: The registration deadline for submissions is Wednesday, January 11, 2023.
The Bayside Historical Society is hosting its 22nd edition of the Winter Art Show through the month of February.
11/15/2022
Saviours of classic architecture
Thank you, Queens Chronicle, for this wonderful article about the Bayside Historical Society's founding, its notable achievements, and its ongoing mission to preserve and protect the history of Bayside, Queens.
1964 gave Queens The Beatles at Kennedy Airport, the Mets at Shea Stadium and the World’s Fair at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Before it all, in January of that year,
11/14/2022
We had a great wreath-making workshop at the Castle this past Thursday! Thanks to workshop leaders Denise Rizzuto and Lisa Wilson, Anne O'Connell for assisting the crafters, and Anne Smith & Maria Rodriguez for refreshments. The Tea Room hummed with activity, conversation, and laughs. So many new people were attracted to this event, and many expressed interest in repeating similar activities.
11/14/2022
Autumn in New York: A Thanksgiving Feast of American Jazz | baysidehistorical
There's still time to purchase tickets for this Sunday's special concert of "Autumn in New York: A Thanksgiving Feast of American Jazz." Vocalist Jim Altamore and his jazz trio will entertain audiences with a swinging afternoon of enduring popular standards from the Great American Songbook. November 20, from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM; $20 BHS members; $25 non-members. We hope to see you there!
Don't miss the final Passport Concert Series of the 2022 season! BHS welcomes vocalist Jim Altamore and his jazz trio to the Castle for a swinging afternoon of timeless music from the Great American Songbook.
11/13/2022
Bayside Historical Society extends a heartfelt thank-you to the vintage car owners who braved the heavy rains this morning to show their beautiful cars at the Castle. We hope we will see all of you back again next year, and that Mother Nature cooperates!
11/11/2022
The Salem Witch Trials: Lecture by Leslie Wickham | baysidehistorical
Tickets are still available for our "Salem Witch Trials" lecture by genealogist and historian Leslie Wickham. Don't miss this fascinating presentation about the events leading up to, during and after the witch hysteria in Salem. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2022 AT 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Admission is $10.00 for BHS members and $15.00 for non-members.
Explore the truth about the events leading up to, during and after the witch hysteria in Salem, Massachusetts.
11/03/2022
SAVE THE DATE! 🤩 One month from today! More details coming soon.
11/02/2022
Día de los Mu***os Traditions
Ella describes the traditions observed by her family for the Mexican holiday, Día de los Mu***os, or Day of the Dead.
11/01/2022
Drone footage of the Totten Trot 5K by Video Editor, Designer, and Photographer W***y Airaldi (W***yAiraldi.com). This is video 3 of 3 — thanks, W***y!
11/01/2022
Drone footage of the Totten Trot 5K by Video Editor, Designer, and Photographer W***y Airaldi (W***yAiraldi.com). This is video 2 of 3.
11/01/2022
A big shout-out to Video Editor, Designer, and Photographer W***y Airaldi (W***yAiraldi.com) for these sensational drone videos of the Totten Trot 5K. Here's the first one of three.
11/01/2022
Gregg Sullivan of BaysideLiveTV.com interviews first-time Totten Trot sponsor Parker Jewish Institute.
11/01/2022
Photos from Bayside Historical Society's post
11/01/2022
Photos from Bayside Historical Society's post
10/31/2022
Happy Halloween, everyone! 🎃 We just love these enchanting Halloween postcards by the artist Ellen Hattie Clapsaddle, an American illustrator/commercial artist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Clapsaddle was born during the Civil War period in South Columbia, NY, studied art at Cooper Institute in New York City, and passed away in New York City in 1934. Although sadly, she died in obscurity, today she is recognized as the most prolific souvenir/postcard and greeting card artist of her era.
These prints are courtesy of the Halloween Postcards blog; you can view more of Clapsaddle's work here: https://tinyurl.com/Clapsaddle
10/26/2022
The flower bed in the rear of the Castle got a facelift thanks to the volunteers who attended the October 23 Garden Clean up. Invasive plants were removed, and new paths lined with cobblestones were cut through the beds. Twenty bags of garden debris was removed. In addition, the established flower beds were w**ded and new perennials were planted. We look forward to the 2023 gardening season when we will establish a pollinator garden and raised vegetable beds. Thank you to NYC Parks who provided the tools and supplies and to the volunteers who provided the “muscle”.
10/25/2022
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 w**d 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. ❤️
10/20/2022
Crocheron House Hotel
Read about the history of the Crocheron House Hotel in Bayside Historical Society's Urban Archive photo collection.
Bayside, Queens, New York, NY,
Address
208 Totten Avenue, Fort Totten
New York, NY
11359
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Videos
The troop from Company K 67th NY Volunteers Association safely demonstrated musket firing by files to the crowd.
The troop from Company K 67th NY Volunteers Association safely demonstrated musket loading and firing to the crowd, while describing the harrowing circumstances the Civil War soldiers endured.
If you closed your eyes, the wonderful music of The Kostas Psarros Ensemble transported you from our Castle in Fort Totten to the sunny shores of Greece. The traditional sounds of the bouzouki and mandolin inspired our audience to get up on their feet. When the dancing was over, everyone was happy to enjoy refreshments and an opportunity to spend time with friends. This October 2nd event was part of our Passport Concert Series; we hope you will join us for future events. We're always happy to welcome you to the Castle!
Master Musician and Harmonica Virtuoso Jiayi He and his ensemble delighted our Castle audience on Sunday, August 28, 2022. The second concert in our Passport series, the program was a lovely blending of traditional Chinese music and classical favorites. Accompanied by a four-piece ensemble, Master He engaged the audience with historical facts and information about the various harmonicas he played, as well as the origins of some of the traditional songs. We hope you enjoy these clips from Sunday's show!
Aurora Flores and the Zon del Barrio orchestra playing live at the Bayside Historical Society Castle in Fort Totten.
BHS Board President Paul DiBenedetto and his band Chicken Head Rocks rocked Bell Blvd!
Video(943314973047073)
#earthday #baysidehistoricalsociety
Performers from The Ciara Greene School of Irish Step Dancing at Bayside Historical Society's Annual Membership Meeting.
Performers from The Ciara Greene School of Irish Step Dancing at Bayside Historical Society's Annual Membership Meeting.
Weddings at Bayside Historical Society
Hold your next event at the Castle and make it a historic occasion! Located in scenic, waterfront Fort Totten Park in Bayside, Queens, the Castle is a NYC landmark that is home to Bayside Historical Society. With a variety of affordable spaces and rooms available for rental, our location just might be ideal for your next event. For more information, call (718) 352-1548 or visit www.baysidehistorical.org/site-rentals.
We hope to see you at Bayside Historical Society's annual Vintage Car Show on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 9 AM – 1 PM! Get more info and RSVP at www.baysidehistorical.org/events-1/bhs-vintage-car-show-2021.
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
We're Psyched for the Totten Trot!
No virus is going to dampen our Halloween spirit! This year’s VIRTUAL TOTTEN TROT 5K is upholding our tradition — 19 years now! — of running/walking in Halloween costume. There will be prizes for best 3 costumes and best group theme! Here’s a look back at some great Halloween get-ups through the years. Don’t forget to sign up for this year’s event: https://tinyurl.com/yye4j8vr!
Remembering celebrations past
Although this year’s fireworks event at Fort Totten cannot proceed as scheduled, we at Bayside Historical Society are cheering ourselves up with the memory of past celebrations that we have shared with all of you. Here is a little taste of the fun while we dream about next year!
"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." ~Audrey Hepburn #baysidehistoricalsociety #forttottenpark #wereinthistogether
Thank You, #nycparks!
A personal thank you from Bayside Historical Society President Paul DiBenedetto to all park employees on the front line! BHS joins New York City's tribute to the dedication and perseverance of park workers around the world. #GoingGreenforParkies Paulie Coconuts
Congratulations, Ed Baggott!
Bayside Historical Society congratulates FDNY Queens Borough Commander Ed Baggott on his retirement. 🎉
Demonstration by Company K, 67th NY Infantry
Civil War era demonstration by Company K, 67th NY Infantry, The First Long Island Volunteers, at Bayside Historical Society
Look who we found in our yard today!
BHS Independence Day Fireworks Celebration 2019
Missed last’s night fireworks display? Check out this awesome time-lapse video of the entire firework display shortened to under 2 minutes! Many thanks to Mike Kuchinskas of NYC Parks for doing this!
Thank you BaysideLiveTV.com for this footage of Bayside Historical Society marching at Bayside's Saint Patrick's Day Parade! See you all next year!
BHS Annual Membership Meeting
The Malone Men accompany Ken Curtin on the traditional Irish folk song, "A Nation Once Again."
BHS Annual Membership Meeting
The Malone Men: Jack Malone on the uilleann pipes, Thomas Malone on the fiddle, and Kevin Malone on the accordion. Kevin must be very proud of his talented sons!
BHS Holiday Dinner Party 2018
Mirth & merriment out on the dance floor at our Holiday Dinner Party!
The Carl Bartlett, Jr. Quartet at the BHS Sunday Jazz Brunch
The Carl Bartlett, Jr. Quartet wowing the audience at the Bayside Historical Society Sunday Jazz Brunch (February 2018).
The Stu Pender Quartet
The Stu Pender Quartet at the Bayside Historical Society Jazz Brunch, February 2017.
Who We Are
Bayside Historical Society was founded in 1964 to collect, preserve, and disseminate information concerning the history of Bayside and its adjacent communities; advocate for the preservation and protection of its most historic structures and distinctive neighborhoods through the landmarking process; and strive to develop a broad constituency of like-minded preservation and educational organizations to protect the historic integrity of our communities and collections.
Since 1984, BHS has been located at the Castle in Fort Totten. Built in 1887, the building was originally used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as their Officers’ Mess Hall and Club. The Gothic Revival-style Castle is a NYC designated landmark, and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, BHS serves as a learning destination, a resource for researchers and the community, and a venue for the visual and performing arts.
Learn more about us at baysidehistorical.org/about-bhs.
Nearby museums
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Cuttermill Road, Great Neck
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Alley Pond Environmental Center
76th Avenue -
Northen Boulevard
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Voelker Orth Museum, Bird Sanctuary and Victo
38th Avenue -
11362
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The Harriet and Kenneth Kupferberg Holocaust
56th Avenue -
The Bronx African American History Project
East Fordham Road Dealy Hall Room -
11354
Other New York museums
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91 Street Street -
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
5th Avenue -
West 52nd Street
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Eastern Pkwy
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Lincoln Square
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E 47th Street
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5th Avenue
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Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial
Battery Place -
Fifth Avenue
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Eastern Parkway
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Bowery
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American Museum of Natural History
Central Park W
Comments
Thank you Bayside Historical Society for putting this together -- can't wait!
The Bayside Historical Society's month-long show includes two online galleries with some work on display at the The Bay Terrace Shopping Center.
Though we are 5 days into 2022, I wanted to take this moment to thank each and every one of you for your support in 2021! My year would not have been the same without you, truly. And so, without further ado let the “thank you’s begin”. Thank you to The Hellenic Initiative, Bayside Historical Society and the East End Seaport Museum for the honor and opportunity to auction off my art benefitting the relief efforts in Greece, and the historical preservation of Bayside's historical society, and Greenport’s seaport museum. Thank you to Hellenic Snack Bar & Restaurant for the honor of adoring your restaurant with my art last summer! Thank you to northforker magazine and Behind The Hedges for making my dream come true and publishing my art on your sites! Thank you to the incredible group of Hellenic Professional Women Inc.for your endless support and for featuring my fine art photography as a monthly giveaway! Euxaristo to the Evzones of Greece for making my photos go viral during our 200th celebration of independence! To NYCartwalk, At the Art Fair, Titan Foods, Vernon Grille, and Los Magoo Family for also making my dream come true of seeing my work on public display in the Hellenic heart of New York! An immense thank you (“muita obrigada”) to Visit Portugal for the honor and distinction of representing your beautiful country and for the trip of a lifetime! Lastly, an immense thank you to my collectors, family, and friends for your endless support.
Some of you may have wondered why my feed/blog fell silent for the latter half of the year, and the truth is I almost didn’t make it to Labor Day due to a completely terrifying and unpredictable incident and needed time to recover. I am beyond grateful for every sunrise and sunset, for the restorative, inspiring, and memorable trip abroad with my dear friends and family, for all the memories State-side that were not shared in this post, and for all of you!
Last year, my dream of becoming an award-winning, featured, and published photographer/decorator/philanthropist came true thanks to all of you. I am so very excited for all that 2022 has in store for us, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
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🇫🇷 🇬🇷
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CYXXvedh4y-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Some of you may have wondered why my feed/blog fell silent for the latter half of the year, and the truth is I almost didn’t make it to Labor Day due to a completely terrifying and unpredictable incident and needed time to recover. I am beyond grateful for every sunrise and sunset, for the restorative, inspiring, and memorable trip abroad with my dear friends and family, for all the memories State-side that were not shared in this post, and for all of you!
Last year, my dream of becoming an award-winning, featured, and published photographer/decorator/philanthropist came true thanks to all of you. I am so very excited for all that 2022 has in store for us, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
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🇫🇷 🇬🇷
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CYXXvedh4y-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
A group of Bayside men pose for a photo as they were drafted into military service in September 1942. This photo is part of the Theiss Collection at Bayside Historical Society.
If you are a veteran and would like to share your story with Queens Memory, please send us a message or comment here and we will follow up with more information. Thank you for your service.
If you are a veteran and would like to share your story with Queens Memory, please send us a message or comment here and we will follow up with more information. Thank you for your service.
Bayside Historical Society will be participating online in the 2021 Open House New York Weekend with a special expanded Virtual Tour of our landmarked 1887 Castle! Get more information at https://tinyurl.com/bhs-ohny
Bayside Historical Society's annual Totten Trot 5K Foot Race & Kids' Fun Run is back live and in person at Fort Totten Park — just in time for their 20th year! It's happening on Halloween 2021, so get those sneakers and costumes ready! Get complete information about entry fees, course, amenities, and awards and register online at
Bayside Historical Society's annual Totten Trot 5K Foot Race & Kids' Fun Run is back live and in person at Fort Totten Park — just in time for their 20th year! It's happening on Halloween 2021, so get those sneakers and costumes ready! Get complete information about entry fees, course, amenities, and awards and register online at
Bayside Historical Society's annual Totten Trot 5K Foot Race & Kids' Fun Run is back live and in person at Fort Totten Park — just in time for their 20th year! It's happening on Halloween 2021, so get those sneakers and costumes ready! Get complete information about entry fees, course, amenities, and awards and register online at
Bayside Historical Society's annual Totten Trot 5K Foot Race & Kids' Fun Run is back live and in person at Fort Totten Park — just in time for their 20th year! It's happening on Halloween 2021, so get those sneakers and costumes ready! Get complete information about entry fees, course, amenities, and awards and register online at
Bayside Historical Society's annual Totten Trot 5K Foot Race & Kids' Fun Run is back live and in person at Fort Totten Park — just in time for their 20th year! It's happening on Halloween 2021, so get those sneakers and costumes ready! Get complete information about entry fees, course, amenities, and awards and register online at events.elitefeats.com/tottentrot21.
Bayside Historical Society's annual Totten Trot 5K Foot Race & Kids' Fun Run is back live and in person at Fort Totten Park — just in time for their 20th year! It's happening on Halloween 2021, so get those sneakers and costumes ready! Get complete information about entry fees, course, amenities, and awards and register online at https://events.elitefeats.com/tottentrot21.
Bayside Historical Society's annual Totten Trot 5K Foot Race & Kids' Fun Run is back live and in person at Fort Totten Park — just in time for their 20th year! It's happening on Halloween 2021, so get those sneakers and costumes ready! Get complete information about entry fees, course, amenities, and awards and register online at