BAYSIDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

 TO GIVE FREE TOUR OF HISTORIC LAWRENCE CEMETERY

BAYSIDE, NY - A free free tour of the historic Lawrence Cemetery -- a NYC landmark that remains one of Bayside's last true links to its colonial past -- will be given by Bayside Historical Society (BHS) on Saturday, November 7 at 2 p.m.

Located at 216 ^th Street and 42 Avenue, the cemetery is a plot of land that was part of the original patent granted to John Lawrence by the Dutch in 1645, and it is the resting place for several prominent individuals in Bayside history, including a former NYC mayor and a one-time president of the NY Stock Exchange, among others.

Though this parcel of land was held and maintained by the Lawrence family for more than 300 years, it eventually fell into disrepair as family members dispersed throughout the nation.  It wasn't until the 1960s that Joseph Brown, founder of the Bayside Historical Society, spearheaded efforts to restore it.  The cemetery was declared a landmark in August, 1967 by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.  BHS has since maintained the property.

Those interested in the tour should reserve by calling (718) 352-1548.  This program is made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York City Councilmember Tony Avella, and New York State Senator Frank Padavan.  Additional support has been provided by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

The Bayside Historical Society is located within Fort Totten Park, in Bayside, NY, and is easily

accessible by public transportation (Q13 or Q16 bus to Fort Totten) and by car:  Cross Island Parkway North to exit 32 (Bell Blvd.).  A New York City landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, the Bayside Historical Society is dedicated to the preservation of Bayside and offers a variety of cultural and educational programs, exhibits and events for the community.  Visit the Society online at . www.baysidehistorical.org