named programs · 6 · from sources
What they call their work
Author Talk at the Castle Series
Live presentations by historians and authors on topics related to American history and local significance, part of the U.S. 250th anniversary commemoration.
Family Workshops
Interactive educational events for children and families, such as the Springtime Butterflies & Pollinators workshop with nature educator Wing.
Gravestone Preservation Workshop
Hands-on educational workshop at Lawrence Cemetery teaching safe cleaning and conservation techniques for historic gravestones.
Open Sew at the Castle
Gathering for sewing and handwork enthusiasts to share projects and skills in a creative, informal setting; fee-based for non-members.
Passport Concert Series
Cultural music performances at the Castle featuring traditional and folk artists from diverse backgrounds, including Persian and classical guitar.
Second Sunday Castle Tours
Monthly guided tours of the BHS Castle and exhibitions, offered free to the public with reservations required.
activities · 9 groups
What they do
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Historic Site Designation Advocacy 1 activity
- Advocating for historic preservation in QueensEngages in advocacy efforts to support the designation of individual and district landmarks in Queens and New York City through community engagement, including letter-writing campaigns, public hearing attendance, and outreach.
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Historic Building Restoration and Preservation 1 activity
- Conducting historic site preservation and restorationConducts ongoing upkeep, restoration, and preservation of The Castle, a 19th-century landmarked building in Fort Totten Park, including completion of major exterior restoration campaigns and launching fundraising efforts for site repairs after storm damage to historic properties like Lawrence Cemetery.
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Historic Site Public Programming 1 activity
- Hosting public events and community programsHosts a wide range of public events including lectures, performances, family workshops, author talks, historical reenactments, concerts, and seasonal gatherings such as sewing circles and gardening days to promote engagement with local history and culture.
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Local History Preservation and Education 1 activity
- Managing and providing access to historical archivesMaintains and manages an extensive archival repository documenting the history and heritage of Bayside and Northeast Queens, offering public access to researchers of all ages.
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Local History Museum Operations 1 activity
- Operating historical exhibits and museum programming at The CastleOperates permanent and changing exhibits on the history and culture of Bayside and Northeast Queens at The Castle in Fort Totten Park, utilizing its archival collection. Offers guided tours of the historic Gothic Revival-style Officers' Club building and provides a virtual 360-degree tour accessible online.
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Community Festival & Event Production 1 activity
- Organizing annual community events and racesHosts annual community events including the Totten Trot 5K Foot Race and Kids' Fun Run (drawing over 300 participants), the Winter Art Show, Independence Day celebrations with fireworks, and Bayside Day commemorations, often co-hosted with community partners.
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Educational Field Trips and Experiential Outings 1 activity
- Providing educational programs for studentsHosts K–5 field trips at The Castle where students engage with authentic artifacts and documents through grade-appropriate activities, welcoming thousands of NYC school children annually to learn about early 1900s Queens.
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Historical Cemetery and Museum Ghost Tours 1 activity
- Providing guided tours of historic sitesOffers monthly guided tours of The Castle and its exhibitions, as well as annual guided tours of Lawrence Cemetery that sometimes include theatrical performances where actors portray individuals buried there.
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Volunteer-Supported Arts & Cultural Operations 1 activity
- Supporting volunteer engagement in programs and eventsRelies on volunteers to support program and event operations, including setup and teardown, assisting teachers during school programs, greeting visitors, managing ticket sales, and seating attendees.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$350K
Contributions & grants$261K75%
Program service revenue$47K14%
Investment income$5K1%
Other revenue$36K
expenses
Total expenses$328K
Program expenses88%
Admin / overhead11%
Fundraising1%
Salaries & benefits$160K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$277K
Cash$245K
Investments$0
Liabilities$16K
Net assets$261K
Liquid reserves9.0 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue -17.6%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRITA KUBE | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 30 | $59K |
board members · 14
- ANNE SMITH — TRUSTEE
- ANTHONY KOUTSOURADIS — PRESIDENT
- CAROL BINEN — TRUSTEE
- CAROL MARIAN — TREASURER
- ELLEN LAPERNA — TRUSTEE
- FRANK MACCHIO — TRUSTEE
- HENRY EULER — SECRETARY
- LAURA JAMES — VICE PRESIDENT, EDUCATION
- MICHAEL ROBINSON — TRUSTEE
- PAT COULAZ — TRUSTEE
- PAUL DIBENEDETTO — VICE PRESIDENT, BUILDINGS
- PHIL KONIGSBERG — TRUSTEE
- SANDRA PERSAUD — TRUSTEE
- WARREN SCHREIBER — TRUSTEE
relationships · 28
Who they work with
- 501st Legion's Empire City Garrison Partner — Special guest appearance at the Totten Trot 5K, providing costumed characters for photo opportunities.
- Bayside High School Key Club Partner — Volunteers time and labor to support Bayside Historical Society’s programs.
- Bayside Hills Civic Association Partner — Co-hosted a Memorial Day ceremony at Captain Dermody Triangle
- Bayside Village BID Partner — Participated in the Bell Blvd Food & Music Fest with a booth presence
- Boy Scout Troop 49 Partner — Provides volunteer support to Bayside Historical Society.
- Brita Kube Partner — Executive Director responsible for leadership and operations of Bayside Historical Society.
- Con Edison Funder — Provides financial or in-kind support to Bayside Historical Society.
- Cord Meyer Development Funder — Supports Bayside Historical Society through financial contributions.
- Cord Meyer Development Company Partner — Partnered with Bayside Historical Society to co-host an art show in February 2024.
- Elizabeth Fox Partner — Archivist responsible for managing and preserving historical records and materials.
- Fort Totten Government — Bayside Historical Society is located within Fort Totten, a historic military site, and operates in Building #208 on its grounds.
- Friends of Crocheron & John Golden Park Partner — Collaborated on the John Golden Day Celebration, with BHS providing a historical exhibit
- Jeanine Carter Partner — Office Manager and Membership Coordinator handling administrative and membership functions.
- NYC Council Member Linda Lee Government — Provides support to Bayside Historical Society, likely through funding or advocacy.
- NYC Council Member Vickie Paladino Government — Provides support to Bayside Historical Society, likely through funding or advocacy.
- NYC Council Queens Delegation Government — Co-funder of BHS programs through public funds from the City Council
- New York City Council Government — Partner in providing public funds to support programs
- New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Government — Provides funding or programmatic support to Bayside Historical Society.
- New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Government — Provides public funds to support programs
- New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Government — Public funder supporting BHS programs in partnership with the City Council
- New York City Department of Parks & Recreation Government — Partners with Bayside Historical Society, likely in managing or supporting historic sites within park spaces.
- New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission Government — Designated Lawrence Cemetery as a landmark on August 2, 1967.
- Officers' Club at Fort Totten Partner — Hosts Bayside Historical Society's K–5 field trip education program at the landmarked site in Bayside.
- Queens Chamber of Commerce Partner — Supports Bayside Historical Society’s programs and initiatives.
- Rotary Club of Flushing Partner — Collaborates with or supports Bayside Historical Society through volunteerism or funding.
- Senator John C. Liu Partner — Participated in the America 250 Community Celebration hosted by the Senator
- Stephanie Partner — Certified Yoga Teacher leading weekly classes for the organization
- Wing (Ms. Butterfly) Partner — Collaborated on a family workshop about butterflies and pollinators
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community Engagement Through Volunteerism and Shared Stewardshipmethodology: community_engagement_through_volunteerismBy involving community members as volunteers in programming, gardening, and events, the organization builds ownership of local history, because participatory stewardship strengthens emotional connection and sustained support for preservation efforts.
- Cultural Preservation Through Advocacy and Landmarkingmethodology: cultural-preservation-through-advocacyBy advocating for landmark designation of historically significant sites—especially in underrepresented areas—the organization protects community heritage and strengthens cultural identity, because formal recognition prevents demolition and fosters civic pride in local history.
- Experiential Education Through Artifactsmethodology: experiential-educationBy engaging students in hands-on interaction with authentic artifacts and documents, the organization fosters historical thinking skills and deeper understanding of local history, because direct sensory and cognitive engagement makes abstract historical concepts tangible and memorable.
- Multifunctional Cultural Hub Modelmethodology: cultural_hub_modelBy operating The Castle as a shared cultural space for education, research, and the arts, the organization increases public engagement with history, because integrating multiple uses attracts diverse audiences and sustains long-term community investment in historic preservation.