LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Bayside
Historical Society

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
efforts of organizations which seek to illuminate historical time peri-
ods, places and events within the State of New York and, in so doing,
help to ensure that the complete history of our State and Nation is
preserved, to be shared with present and future generations of citizens;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to celebrate the
50th Anniversary of the Bayside Historical Society; and
WHEREAS, The Bayside Historical Society was founded in 1964 to
collect, preserve, and disseminate information concerning the history of
Bayside, Queens, and its adjacent communities; to advocate for preserva-
tion and protection of its most historic structures and distinctive
neighborhoods through the landmark designation process; and to strive to
develop a broad constituency of community members intent on protecting
the historic integrity of its neighborhoods and collections; and
WHEREAS, The birth of the Bayside Historical Society was the culmi-
nation of the work of several committees including the Bayside Beautifi-
cation Committee, initiated by its founder, Joseph H. Brown (1892-1974),
whose aims were the beautification and protection of the environment and
community in which he lived, and to awaken civic pride in Bayside's long
history; and
WHEREAS, In 1964, under Joseph H. Brown's leadership, the Bayside
Historical Society was officially founded by a small group of residents
with three goals: the preservation and restoration of the Lawrence Fami-
ly Cemetery, Alley Pond, and Fort Totten; and
WHEREAS, With those goals accomplished, the Bayside Historical Society
went on to also be instrumental in obtaining New York City landmark
designation status for the c. 1887 Castle in Fort Totten Park where the
Society has made its home since 1984; and
WHEREAS, Two years later, in 1986, the Castle was listed on the
National Register of Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, Through the stewardship of the Bayside Historical Society,
the Castle has undergone a complete interior renovation and exterior
restoration; today, the Society at the Castle is a learning destination
for both school groups and the general public, a resource for community
groups and researchers, and a venue for the visual and performing arts;
and
WHEREAS, Each year it offers exhibits, educational programs, and
public programs including lectures, concerts, workshops, art classes,
tours, and access to an archival collection of more than 10,000 photo-
graphs, papers, ephemera, correspondence, oral histories, and objects
which document the development of this locale over the past 300 years;
and
WHEREAS, The quality and character of New York State are greatly
enhanced by institutions which engage communities in the exploration of
New York's history and culture, instilling in them a deep appreciation
for the richness and breadth of our cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for the Bayside Historical Society, and
for all of the individuals who have worked to bring proper attention to
a place and time which merit recognition in the grand panorama of the
history of our State and Nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Bayside
Historical Society; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Bayside Historical Society.