The Broad Channel Historical Society was founded in 1994.
Our mission is to document and preserve the history of Broad Channel,
often referred to as the “Venice” of New York. The committee was initiated
by then President of the Civic Association Danny Mundy, who came up with the
idea from reading the “Glimpse of the Past” column in the town newsletter, “Channel News.”
With seed money from then New York State Senator Ada Smith, we purchased loose-leaf
notebooks and plastic sleeves to begin documenting the colorful history of
“The Channel.” After one year of articles, written memories, and videotaped interviews,
we held our first Bi-Annual Historical Day in June of 1995. This event brings out the townspeople
and folks from the surrounding area to enjoy our collection, usually housed in
the Broad Channel Public Library. Our collection always grows after Historical Day
as more residents bring interesting memorabilia to light.
Subway poster was a big hit, as were the locations of the bars in Broad Channel.
Free swag: pictures donated by the owner of the BayGull store.
Free swag: Calendars from previous years.
A glimpse of some framed pictures given away.
More framed pictures given away.
Charlie Lehr makes sure everything is in place.
Charlie is very thorough.
Jane Tubridy presides over sales of 2019 Calendars and Dan Guarino's books.
Barbara Toborg can still get down on one knee.
St Vigilius Memorabilia.
Joan Wilmarth from the Breezy Point Historical Society chats width Barbara Toborg.
Dorothy Fraher (back to camera) makes visitors feel welcome.
Visitors take their time looking through the binders.
Denis Magoolaghan was an interested visitor.
Danny Mundy helps another visitor.
"Pat and Allan Purack (left) come to practically every Historical Day; Arlene McCamebridge and Friend in front of the Nut Club Uniform.
"The dark green uniform was worn by the Nut Club cheerleaders.
"Frank Henglein's great-grandson Frank was very helpful setting up and he also picked the winning raffle ticket.
"Barbara helps Scott Battaglia find pictures.
"Scott Battaglia diligently searches for pictures.
"Barbara promises to lend Denis an audio-tape of an interview with his mother Frances.
"Denis checks out the Raunt binder.
"Phil Dagostino in summer attire; we had a nice day for the event.
"Bill Nenemenger perusing our material on the family restaurant, Weiss.
"Mary Mundy signs in; Suzanna Hemminger checks out the 2019 Calendar.
"Newpaper clipping about Joe Rudick's Mother, provided by Muriel Berry Stemmann.
Grandson of Meyer Weiss (with daughthter) pours over our memorabilia of the famous family restaurant.
Joe Ruddick provides additional details.
Note the Red Cross Blanket from Superstorm Sandy in the Background.
Replica of WWII Honor Roll of those who served from Broad Channel.
"Joe Rudick looking for family history.
Sunday, Historical Day 2018
"The door-prize was this aerial photograph by John Grillo!"