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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260712T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260712T150000
DTSTAMP:20260704T002929Z
CREATED:20260704T001838Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260704T002929Z
UID:28577-1783864800-1783868400@astorialic.org
SUMMARY:Hallet's Cove in the American Revolution (Just the Exhibition)
DESCRIPTION:Travel back to the turbulent years of the American Revolution and discover a side of Astoria that few people know. \nVisit the Advance Masonic Temple to see the historic Blackwell Door\, an artifact dating to the American Revolution and one of Astoria’s most remarkable surviving pieces of colonial history. \nPlease note: The walking tour of Hallets Cove is not taking place on this date. Only the Blackwell Door viewing at the Advance Masonic Temple will be held. \nDate: Sunday\, July 12th\nTime: 2:00–3:00 PM\nRegistration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hallets-cove-in-the-american-revolution-a-walking-tour-tickets-1992790660510?aff=oddtdtcreator
URL:https://astorialic.org/event/hallets-cove-in-the-american-revolution-just-the-exhibition/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://astorialic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/walking-tour.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260718T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260718T150000
DTSTAMP:20260704T003014Z
CREATED:20260704T002700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260704T003014Z
UID:28584-1784383200-1784386800@astorialic.org
SUMMARY:Hallet's Cove in the American Revolution: A Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Travel back to the turbulent years of the American Revolution and discover a side of Astoria that few people know. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet at the entrance of Socrates Sculpture Park at Broadway and Vernon Boulevard. The tour will focus on the American Revolution in Astoria and the families who’ve lived in the area of Hallets Cove. \nLasting about one hour\, the tour will end at the Advance Masonic Temple\, where you will have the opportunity to see the Blackwell Door\, an artifact from the American Revolution. \nDate: Saturday\, July 18th\nTime: 2:00–3:00 PM\nRegistration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hallets-cove-in-the-american-revolution-a-walking-tour-tickets-1992790660510?aff=oddtdtcreator
URL:https://astorialic.org/event/hallets-cove-in-the-american-revolution-just-the-exhibition-2/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://astorialic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/walking-tour.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260726T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260726T150000
DTSTAMP:20260704T003115Z
CREATED:20260704T003115Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260704T003115Z
UID:28590-1785074400-1785078000@astorialic.org
SUMMARY:Hallet's Cove in the American Revolution: A Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Travel back to the turbulent years of the American Revolution and discover a side of Astoria that few people know. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet at the entrance of Socrates Sculpture Park at Broadway and Vernon Boulevard. The tour will focus on the American Revolution in Astoria and the families who’ve lived in the area of Hallets Cove. \nLasting about one hour\, the tour will end at the Advance Masonic Temple\, where you will have the opportunity to see the Blackwell Door\, an artifact from the American Revolution. \nDate: Sunday\, July 26th (repeating on Sundays)\nTime: 2:00–3:00 PM\nRegistration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hallets-cove-in-the-american-revolution-a-walking-tour-tickets-1992790660510?aff=oddtdtcreator
URL:https://astorialic.org/event/hallets-cove-in-the-american-revolution-a-walking-tour-2/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://astorialic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/walking-tour.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260802T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260802T150000
DTSTAMP:20260730T201900Z
CREATED:20260728T214047Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T201900Z
UID:28595-1785679200-1785682800@astorialic.org
SUMMARY:Hallet's Cove in the American Revolution: A Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Travel back to the turbulent years of the American Revolution and discover a side of Astoria that few people know. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet at the entrance of Socrates Sculpture Park at Broadway and Vernon Boulevard. The tour will focus on the American Revolution in Astoria and the families who’ve lived in the area of Hallets Cove. \nLasting about one hour\, the tour will end at the Advance Masonic Temple\, where you will have the opportunity to see the Blackwell Door\, an artifact from the American Revolution. \nDate: Sunday\, August 2nd (repeating on Sundays)\nTime: 2:00–3:00 PM\nRegistration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hallets-cove-in-the-american-revolution-a-walking-tour-tickets-1992790660510?aff=oddtdtcreator
URL:https://astorialic.org/event/hallets-cove-in-the-american-revolution-a-walking-tour-3/
LOCATION:Socrates Sculpture Park
CATEGORIES:Walking Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://astorialic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/walking-tour.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260809T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260809T150000
DTSTAMP:20260730T201944Z
CREATED:20260728T214428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T201944Z
UID:28598-1786284000-1786287600@astorialic.org
SUMMARY:Hallet's Cove in the American Revolution: A Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Travel back to the turbulent years of the American Revolution and discover a side of Astoria that few people know. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet at the entrance of Socrates Sculpture Park at Broadway and Vernon Boulevard. The tour will focus on the American Revolution in Astoria and the families who’ve lived in the area of Hallets Cove. \nLasting about one hour\, the tour will end at the Advance Masonic Temple\, where you will have the opportunity to see the Blackwell Door\, an artifact from the American Revolution. \nDate: Sunday\, August 9th (repeating on Sundays)\nTime: 2:00–3:00 PM\nRegistration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hallets-cove-in-the-american-revolution-a-walking-tour-tickets-1992790660510?aff=oddtdtcreator
URL:https://astorialic.org/event/hallets-cove-in-the-american-revolution-a-walking-tour-4/
LOCATION:Socrates Sculpture Park
CATEGORIES:Walking Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://astorialic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/walking-tour.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260810T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260810T210000
DTSTAMP:20260730T200144Z
CREATED:20260730T200144Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T200144Z
UID:28616-1786392000-1786395600@astorialic.org
SUMMARY:My Dear Hamilton\, Historical Virtual Book Club
DESCRIPTION:My Dear Hamilton\nStephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie \nWe meet on Monday\, August 10 at 8 PM\nVia Zoom \nEmail dvancura@astorialic.org\nFor more information and the Zoom link
URL:https://astorialic.org/event/my-dear-hamilton-historical-virtual-book-club/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://astorialic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/book2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260816T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260816T150000
DTSTAMP:20260730T200948Z
CREATED:20260730T200649Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T200948Z
UID:28620-1786888800-1786892400@astorialic.org
SUMMARY:Hallet’s Cove in the American Revolution: A Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Travel back to the turbulent years of the American Revolution and discover a side of Astoria that few people know. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet at the entrance of Socrates Sculpture Park at Broadway and Vernon Boulevard. The tour will focus on the American Revolution in Astoria and the families who’ve lived in the area of Hallets Cove. \nLasting about one hour\, the tour will end at the Advance Masonic Temple\, where you will have the opportunity to see the Blackwell Door\, an artifact from the American Revolution. \nDate: Sunday\, August 16th (repeating on Sundays)\nTime: 2:00–3:00 PM\nRegistration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hallets-cove-in-the-american-revolution-a-walking-tour-tickets-1992790660510?aff=oddtdtcreator
URL:https://astorialic.org/event/hallets-cove-in-the-american-revolution-a-walking-tour-5/
LOCATION:Socrates Sculpture Park
CATEGORIES:Walking Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://astorialic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/walking-tour.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260823T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260823T170000
DTSTAMP:20260730T201228Z
CREATED:20260730T201228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T201228Z
UID:28623-1787493600-1787504400@astorialic.org
SUMMARY:Hallet’s Cove in the American Revolution: A Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Travel back to the turbulent years of the American Revolution and discover a side of Astoria that few people know. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet at the entrance of Socrates Sculpture Park at Broadway and Vernon Boulevard. The tour will focus on the American Revolution in Astoria and the families who’ve lived in the area of Hallets Cove. \nLasting about one hour\, the tour will end at the Advance Masonic Temple\, where you will have the opportunity to see the Blackwell Door\, an artifact from the American Revolution. \nDate: Sunday\, August 23rd (repeating on Sundays)\nTime: 2:00–3:00 PM\nRegistration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hallets-cove-in-the-american-revolution-a-walking-tour-tickets-1992790660510?aff=oddtdtcreator
URL:https://astorialic.org/event/hallets-cove-in-the-american-revolution-a-walking-tour-6/
LOCATION:Socrates Sculpture Park
CATEGORIES:Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://astorialic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/walking-tour.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260826T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260826T210000
DTSTAMP:20260730T131838Z
CREATED:20260730T131838Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T131838Z
UID:28603-1787770800-1787778000@astorialic.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Forgotten NY Tour Revolutionary War Sites in NYC
DESCRIPTION:RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forgotten-revolutionary-sites-in-new-york-city-tickets-1995335399894?aff=oddtdtcreator \n\n\n\nDiscover hidden spots in NYC where the revolution quietly changed history—Forgotten NY will uncover the stories! \n\n\n\n\nForgotten Revolutionary War Sites Around New York City \nThe American Revolution shaped New York City more than almost any other place in the colonies\, yet much of that history has disappeared beneath streets\, skyscrapers\, and neighborhoods that millions pass every day. Join Forgotten NY creator Kevin Walsh for an illustrated journey to the city’s overlooked Revolutionary War sites\, where traces of battles\, encampments\, prisons\, fortifications\, and military roads still survive—often hidden in plain sight. \nPerfect for history enthusiasts\, preservationists\, and curious New Yorkers alike\, this engaging presentation reveals a side of the city’s past that is both fascinating and surprisingly easy to overlook. You’ll never see New York’s streets the same way again.
URL:https://astorialic.org/event/virtual-forgotten-ny-tour-revolutionary-war-sites-in-nyc/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://astorialic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/old-house.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260830T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260830T150000
DTSTAMP:20260821T102125Z
CREATED:20260730T201351Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260821T102125Z
UID:28625-1788098400-1788102000@astorialic.org
SUMMARY:Hallet’s Cove in the American Revolution: A Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Travel back to the turbulent years of the American Revolution and discover a side of Astoria that few people know. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet at the entrance of Socrates Sculpture Park at Broadway and Vernon Boulevard. The tour will focus on the American Revolution in Astoria and the families who’ve lived in the area of Hallets Cove. \nLasting about one hour\, the tour will end at the Advance Masonic Temple\, where you will have the opportunity to see the Blackwell Door\, an artifact from the American Revolution. \nDate: Sunday\, August 30th (repeating on Sundays)\nTime: 2:00–3:00 PM\nRegistration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hallets-cove-in-the-american-revolution-a-walking-tour-tickets-1992790660510?aff=oddtdtcreator
URL:https://astorialic.org/event/hallets-cove-in-the-american-revolution-a-walking-tour-7/
CATEGORIES:Walking Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://astorialic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/walking-tour.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260830T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260830T170000
DTSTAMP:20260730T132426Z
CREATED:20260730T132250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T132426Z
UID:28607-1788103800-1788109200@astorialic.org
SUMMARY:The Summer of 1776
DESCRIPTION:Join local historian\, former board member of GAHS\, and Long Island City in 1776 author Richard Melnick for a fascinating exploration of the dramatic weeks that transformed a colonial rebellion into a fight for independence. \nBeginning with the mounting tensions that led to the Declaration of Independence\, Richard will examine the debates that culminated in its adoption on July 4 and the historic signing by members of the Continental Congress on August 2\, 1776. He will then turn to the events unfolding closer to home as British forces prepared to invade New York\, setting the stage for the pivotal Battle of Long Island on August 27\, 1776—the largest battle of the Revolutionary War. \nDiscover how these defining moments shaped the communities along the East River\, including what is now Long Island City\, and why New York became the strategic center of the Revolution. Richly illustrated with maps\, documents\, and period images\, this lecture brings to life one of the most consequential months in American history and reveals the local stories behind our nation’s founding. \nThe historic Blackwell House door will be on display\, and copies of Richard Melnick’s Long Island City in 1776 will be available for purchase following the lecture. \nAdmission: $5; Free for GAHS Members \nDate:\nSunday August 30 at 3:30 PM \nLocation:\nAdvance Masonic Temple\n21-14 30 Avenue\nAstoria NY 11102
URL:https://astorialic.org/event/the-summer-of-1776/
LOCATION:Advance Masonic Temple\, 21-14 30th Ave\, Astoria\, 11102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://astorialic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/17762.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260831T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260831T180000
DTSTAMP:20260821T100550Z
CREATED:20260821T100550Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260821T100550Z
UID:28644-1788174000-1788199200@astorialic.org
SUMMARY:“THE ARROW OF CONFISCATION” LAST CHANCE TO VISIT REVOLUTIONARY DOOR!
DESCRIPTION:As the events of our nation’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations’ wind down\, it’s time to reflect on both our past as well as our future.  The American Revelation was not that far in the past as there are people today who recall grandparents who certainly knew\, as youngsters\, those who remembered firsthand stories of the struggle which created our nation. \nOur story begins when a New Jersey merchant\, Robert Blackwell\, married Mary Manning and purchased two properties – Roosevelt (then Blackwell) Island and the Queens shoreline which faced the island.  The Roosevelt Island property was a simple two-story clapboard farmhouse with a kitchen wing and a lovely back porch. Sold to the city for institutional use in 1820\, it was restored in 1974 and remains a popular tourist destination on the island. \nA son\, Jacob Blackwell (1692 – 1744)\, probably built the stone house in Queens at the foot of 37th Avenue on the East River – which was torn down in 1901. A grandson\, Jacob\, expanded the property to 140 acres and extended it from Sunswick Creek at Broadway down to 38th Avenue. \nJacob\, joined the Newtown Militia\, participated in the French & Indian War (1754-1763) and during the Revolution (1776) rose to the rank of Colonel. He played an important role in helping raise the local militia. When the British advanced through Astoria in September 1776 he was forced to flee. \nThe British seized the house and prepared a report on members of the local resistance. Colonel Blackwell’s name was undoubtedly near the top of the list. As custom\, they carved an arrow mark on his door on his house. Dubbed the Arrow of Confiscation\, it was an infamous symbol throughout the colonies as it represented an item seized by the Crown. \nFor example\, if team representing the Crown went through a forest looking for trees which would make strong masts for sailing vessels\, they would find good candidates and hack an Arrow of Confiscation on their trunks. By doing so\, the tree ownership automatically went to the Crown. There is no instance that an owner was compensated under this system. \nColonel Blackwell\, as member of the Provincial Convention\, was both a person of respect and a member of the upper tiers of society. He decided to trust the proclamation of Lord Howe\, a Royal Navy Officer who was Admiral of the Fleet\, and was also given the task of Peace Commissioner with the American rebels. Blackwell believed he would be respected and would be able to return to his home and family. \nHe arrived too late. The Arrow of Confiscation was carved on his door which not only branded him a known rebel sympathizer\, but all his house and estate were now confiscated by the Crown and was already  handed over to loyalists. \nBritish officers\, who already occupied the stone house\, despoiled its furnishings. Blackwell and his family were likely forced into a small basement room – perhaps the coal cellar. The abusive treatment broke his spirit\, and the strain must have been too much for him for Colonel Blackwell died on October 23\, 1780\, three years before the treaty which ended hostilities and could have restored his property. He was not alone. Peace came too late for many Patriots. The Arrow of Confiscation\, carved into the door remains to this day. \nWith no source of income or restoration of stolen property\, before the end of the decade\, on April 25\, 1787\, his widow and heirs sold the Blackwell farm to a relative\, Joseph Hallett\, who in 1791 conveyed it to his son-in-law Major John Delafield. The once beautiful estate of 20 riverfront acres along either side of 41st Drive became a shorefront used for industrial purposes. \nThe former house was used as a school until it was sold at auction in 1885 to Edward Cooper of Cooper’s glue factory. In December 1905\, a fire destroyed the old two-story homestead. It is thought that either purposefully or accidentally set the house on fire by “a refuge to homeless wanderers and rough characters.” \nA reporter painted a sad picture “Although the house is well gutted\, the walls stand intact as they are made of rock and are nearly two feet thick.  It still bears evidence of being very well built and it was undoubtedly once a splendid home\, delightfully located on a high\, sloping grassy bank that leads right down to the water’s edge. \nIt is not known just how old the house really was\, but it was described at the time that it was one of the several old homesteads which ‘once made Ravenswood one of the prettiest spots on all Long Island.’  A writer from the time wrote ‘the place had been allowed to fall into decay lately\, owing to encroachments of factories that are steadily crowding out all the old landmarks in that section.’ The house was unceremoniously torn down about 1900. However\, one piece – and its story – remained! \nSeveral local lumber merchants\, whose families had lived in the community since the earliest era of European settlement\, preserved the Door and occasionally displayed it for special events. Concerned about its uncertain future\, Queens Parks Commissioner Walter Graeme Eliot removed the knocker\, which was ultimately donated to its current home\, the F.D.R. Presidential Library. \nAs to the door\, it quietly sat in storage at the Brooklyn Museum\, its very presence mutely telling of a narrative which spanned centuries. After discovering the door’s story\, the Greater Astoria Historical Society asked if we could borrow it for display. The Museum suggested we could keep it! We did! \nIt was soon on display\, in a place of honor\, at the historical society’s gallery in the Quinn Building. It was by far the most popular display we have hosted. Over the course of a decade\, a steady stream of members\, visitors\, and students made it our most admired exhibit  … until the Quinn Building closed\, \nAt eight feet tall and five feet wide\, weighing at least 400 pounds and hewn from pine\, the door is undeniably imposing. Yet\, it is not its impressive size that makes it remarkable\, but the crude arrow carved into its wood and the story behind it. \nThe door has been on display for the 250th anniversary of American Independence\, beginning in July\, at the Advance Service Mizpah Masonic Lodge. Still bearing scars after 250 years\, it serves as a testament to what a person – or object – would go through to narrate stories of sacrifice. \n Visitors can view the door on Sundays from 11 – 6 at the Advance Mizpah Temple at 21-14 30th Avenue in Astoria. The exhibit closes on August 31\, 2026.
URL:https://astorialic.org/event/the-arrow-of-confiscation-last-chance-to-visit-revolutionary-door/
LOCATION:Advance Masonic Temple\, 21-14 30th Ave\, Astoria\, 11102\, United States
CATEGORIES:Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://astorialic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/blackwell-door-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
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