Greater Astoria Historical Society

On a citywide level, Greater Astorial Historical Society Executive Director Bob Singleton says interest in preserving historical landmarks and areas of historical significance piqued after the destruction of the old Penn Station in 1963. “I think there was an awareness in New York City of the DNA of what makes this city great,” he said. “There’s a lot of discussion about New York City’s being an innovational place for new Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 10, 2022 ideas and concepts, where you can see tomorrow today.”

“For something to grow, it needs a firm foundation,” he added. “I think when Penn Station was destroyed, people said, ‘You know, we really need to take a step back and survey what our city is, where we stand, what we’re all about, why this is such a wonderful place.’”

Following what Singleton says was a trend of the time, the Greater Astoria Historical Society was founded in 1985. The area, which covers not only Astoria but also parts of Long Island City, Queens Plaza and Ravenswood, has

History is rich in Greater Astoria, LIC Exec director says reach out by Sean Okula embraced and embodied that spirit of innovaAssociate Editor tion over the generations. Among the many stories Singleton can share are tales of Colonial tide mills, the Steinway piano company and the first photocopy, a printing of the word “Astoria” made in a storage space at Broadway and 36th Street. While Singleton prepares lectures and invites speakers to shed light on niches of the area’s history, he and the organizaPAST TO tion also like to engage the community on a more personal level. Just PRESENT before the start of the pandemic, he was working with a group of English as a second language students on the construction of their own pianos made out of cardboard. They may have been presented to the context of time. So they can look back, look at president of Steinway & Sons, still based in today and start to look at the future with more Queens, if not for the virus. understanding.” On an individual level, it is that personal Singleton implores the community to make touch that brings history to life for those that that effort to reach out to the organization, pass through the historical society. highlighting the fact that it is not only readily “If I show them an icebox, people might available through virtual means — one of the say, ‘Yeah, in my country we still have these,’ benefits of the pandemic is the advent of or, ‘My grandparents used to have this,’” he Zoom lectures — but also that the community said. “They can see themselves within the informs the organization as much as it

The Greater Astoria Historical Society has previously led walks through areas such as Steinway Village, on which participants would pass landmarks such as the Steinway Mansion, above. FILE PHOTO informs the people. “If some parent or some teacher sees this, get in touch with us,” he said. “If you’re a neighborhood group, get in touch with us. If you have questions about the community, call us. We’re here for you. We’re here as a service to answer those questions.” The Greater Astoria Historical Society can be reached by phone at (718) 278-0700 and by email at info@astorialic.org. Q

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