Canarsie Hall of Fame to honor five bold community builders in 2026 induction ceremony * Brooklyn Paper

The 2026 Canarsie Hall of Fame will honor five individuals whose leadership, volunteerism, and dedication helped shape the neighborhood across generations. The inductees will be celebrated during the Canarsie History Walk on June 6 from noon to 2 p.m. The annual event recognizes residents whose work strengthened civic life, transportation, education, and community identity in Canarsie long before recognition became common. A history preservation group accepts submissions each year so community members can nominate local history-makers. Ramon Martinez has served as Canarsie community historian since 2001 and emphasizes that people who contributed time endlessly should not be forgotten. The inductees include Henry C. Quaritius, Henry H. Adams, Eleanor Vivona, Jacob T. Worth, and William H. Thomas.

"People who contributed their time endlessly should never be forgotten. In this age of social media, where people try to get followers and likes, these Hall of Famers only cared about improving the community, whether others knew about it or not. And so their nature of giving through kindness should always be remembered."

"The annual event highlighted residents whose work strengthened civic life, transportation, education and community identity in Canarsie long before recognition or publicity became common motives. The history preservation group opens submissions annually, allowing community members to nominate local history-makers for consideration."

"The 2026 Canarsie Hall of Fame will recognize five individuals whose leadership, volunteerism and dedication helped shape the neighborhood across generations. The inductees - Henry C. Quaritius, Henry H. Adams, Eleanor Vivona, Jacob T. Worth and William H. Thomas - will be celebrated during the upcoming Canarsie History Walk on June 6 from noon to 2 p.m."

"A lifelong Canarsie resident and businessman, Quaritius played a central role in the neighborhood's commercial growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He "ran and operated" the Roadside House Hotel along with a yacht excursion business and a saloon on 90h Street and Schenck Avenue. He also served as recording secretary for the Canarsie Business Men's League and advised entrepreneurs through his work with the Canarsie Board of Trade."

Read at Brooklyn Paper