Author Talk at the BHS Castle with Carl Ballenas

Bayside Historical Society welcomes local author Carl Ballenas for a presentation about his book, Jacob’s Gift. Born in Brooklyn, Carl Ballenas was raised in Richmond Hill, NY, and resided there for many years.

Jacob’s Gift is a Christmas tale based on historical events and uses actual people and places from the town of Richmond Hill, NY. Journalist and social reformer Jacob Riis and his family resided in Richmond Hill for nearly thirty years, and he loved the town dearly and took an active role in the community. The first Christmas caroling started by Jacob took place in the year 1911 on Christmas Eve. The following year, in 1912, an anonymously written letter appeared in the local newspaper suggesting that the caroling become an annual event.

Join us at the Castle as Carl Ballenas takes us through the fascinating and heart-warming history behind his book. Signed copies of Jacob’s Gift will be available for purchase. Admission is $10.00 for BHS members and $20.00 for non-members; purchase tickets at https://www.baysidehistorical.org/events-1/author-talk-with-carl-ballenas-2