50 Years of Growth – October ’25

Left, Queens County Farm Museum caretaker Steve Eftimiades from Record-Journal in its 1981 June edition. Right, Steve in front of our antique tractor exhibit.

Forty-nine years ago, Steve Eftimiades began his work at the Queens County Farm Museum, becoming one of the earliest farmers as the museum itself was just taking root. His dedication has been a constant thread in our story ever since.

In the early days, Steve was a familiar sight at historical reenactments, bringing the past to life with his patient donkey and a peddler’s cart full of colonial wares. While the traveling peddler has hung up his hat, his foundational work endures as our steadfast caretaker, residing in our historic Adriance Farmhouse.

For over a quarter-century, the dedication of our staff has been the bedrock of the Farm. We are profoundly grateful for the combined service of Senior Educators Marty Jackel (34 years) and Renee Tone (30 years), and Operations staff member John Otero (27 years), whose nearly 100 collective years have shaped the very heart of our institution.

As we celebrate 50 years, we are reminded that their work is a living testament to Queens Farm’s mission. They have preserved not just the land, but the spirit of this historic location.