Queens Borough Welcomes New Historian
Jason Antos has been appointed as the new historian for Queens, making headlines this week. At age 44, he might just be the youngest to hold this role, though it’s uncertain if there were younger predecessors.
Living in Whitestone all his life, Antos is excited about diving into the borough’s history, a passion he calls his “dream realization.”
“I’m really honored to have been chosen,” Antos shared in a recent post.
He emphasized the importance of shared history, stating, “Everyone has a background from somewhere else; we all share Queens history. It’s something we should all engage with and enjoy. Queens history belongs to everyone.”
Antos took over nearly six months after his predecessor, 80-year-old Jack Ischenbaum, but it’s still unclear if he officially holds the record as the youngest historian. Since 2021, he has served as the executive director of the Queens Historical Society, authoring seven books over two decades that delve into the borough’s lesser-known narratives, including works titled “Jackson Heights,” and “Queens: At the Time.”
The position had been vacant for 21 months following the death of Antos’ predecessor. Borough historians are volunteers who not only oversee governmental historical records but also encourage New Yorkers to explore the hidden aspects of their neighborhoods.
Antos remarked, “I tell people that significant historical events could have happened right here, and often, there’s no evidence other than what we research. We uncover these stories and share documents and photographs with the community.”
He recalled one of his favorite lesser-known histories, which involves the Newtown community (now part of Elmhurst) playing a crucial role in the British takeover from the Dutch. “It was known as a bloodless revolution,” he explained, noting that colonists from Connecticut and Massachusetts gradually moved into Newtown, weakening Dutch territory.
When the British arrived, there was no conflict; the land was essentially handed over. “The people of Newtown have this enduring revolutionary spirit that persisted well after the Revolutionary War,” Antos noted.
Antos aims to ignite a passion for local history among the Queens public. He observed, “Kids are fascinated by looking at old photos and maps, realizing there was a world before them. We’ve discovered different infrastructure and jobs that shaped how we see the borough today.”
He hopes to carry on Ischenbaum’s legacy. They had collaborated at Kingsland Homestead, an 18th-century farm functioning as theQueens Historical Society’s headquarters.
Antos stated, “It was a privilege to serve alongside someone I admire. Jack was a giant in this field, and it was an honor to know and learn from him.”
The borough president’s office took 21 months to fill this role after Ischenbaum’s passing in December 2023.
Candidates for the position were asked to submit their work for review by various academic and institutional stakeholders in the city. Chris Barca, the borough president’s communications director, remarked, “During the selection process, Jason articulated a compelling vision for this role, showcasing his institutional connections and receiving high recommendations from respected individuals in the community.”
