Historical Society Hosts Walking Tour, Lecture on 1876 Fair and 'Chautauqua' Workshops

It’s time for some enrichment, and the Greater Astoria Historical Society is ready to offer three distinct options for self-improvement on three consecutive days. This Saturday, licensed guide Tony Rohling will lead a walking tour of Sunnyside Gardens (below), a planned community which is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Participants will examine the architecture and landscaping in this historic district and check out Phipps Garden Apartments, a model residential complex for working-class families that a philanthropic organization belonging to the Henry Phipps family built in 1931. It features stylish brick work and curved steel fire escapes.

On Sunday, the Greater Astoria Historical Society will launch its first Chautauqua in Astoria workshop. Chautauqua is a lakeside village in upstate New York where summer visitors enjoy fine and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship, and recreational activities. Plus, the term “Chautauqua” can mean an informational lecture, and modern Chautauquas (above) focus on re-creating famous figures related to a specific theme. Sally Ann Drucker, an experienced Chautauquan, will lead a series of workshops on legendary New Yorkers from the 19th Century. Participants choose and research a legendary figure, write a 20-minute script, and learn how to present their material to live audiences. After four workshops, Chautauqua in Astoria culminates in live performances. 

Then on September 8th, the Greater Astoria Historical Society will team up with the New York Nineteenth Century Society to present a lecture on the 1876 Centennial Exhibition, which was held in Philadelphia. Attendees will learn about the celebration of America’s 100th birthday, the inventions that debuted then, and the lasting impact the event had on the United States. (For example, the Statue of Liberty’s torch-bearing hand was on display at the exhibition before the completed monument was installed in New York Harbor.) 

Details after the jump.

Details: 90th Anniversary of Sunnyside Gardens Tour, meet by the flagpole in the park at 52nd Street and Roosevelt Avenue, Sunnyside, September 6th, noon, $25.

Bonus details: Chautauqua in Astoria, Greater Astoria Historical Society, Quinn Building, 35-20 Broadway, Fourth Floor, Long Island City. After the first class on September 7th, the other ones are on October 5th, November 2nd, November 23rd (dress rehearsal), and December 4th (performance), all classes start at 2 pm, free. Register via astorialic@gmail.com.

Extra bonus details: 1876 Centennial Exhibition, Greater Astoria Historical Society, Quinn Building, 35-20 Broadway, Fourth Floor, LIC, September 8th, 7 pm, $5.

Photos: Greater Astoria Historical Society