The Rockaway Park Shuttle rolling into Broad Channel Station

Spring is in the air

This also marks the 65th year that the BCAC has been organizing and offering sports programs for the children of Broad Channel and surrounding communities. Founded in 1961 by many of the players of the Johnston Jets Softball Team, pictured here, the BCAC, with its past and present members, has always been there for our children. Fun Fact: Mr. John Wagner was the first president and today his grandson, Joe Traegler, is the present president. Video clip by Dennis Macrae of Mr Wagner on our facebook page.

A Brief History

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.