The son of slaves, Latimer settled in Flushing, where he helped found the New York Unitarian Church and lived in what is now the Lewis H. Latimer House. The wood frame, two-story residence, which features Queen Anne style architecture, remained in Latimer’s family until 1963. Under threat of demolition in 1988, it was moved to its current location, converted into a museum, and granted city landmark status. Today, the museum’s public programs call attention to the many contributions to science and technology that Latimer and other African-Americans have made over the centuries. Inside scoop: The nearby Latimer Gardens, a set of four, 10-story, city-run apartment buildings bordered by 34th and 35th avenues, Linden Place and Leavitt Street in Flushing, are also named after the inventor. Address: 34-41 137th Street, Flushing, and www. historichousetrust.org. John Bowne House John Bowne (1657–1695) was an English immigrant who came to New York when it was under Dutch control and called “New Netherlands.” He became a pioneer in the fights for religious liberty and abolitionism. In 1661, he moved to a small, English-speaking community in Flushing. His house was a meeting spot for Quakers, who practiced their faith despite threats from the government. His residence was also a stop on the Underground Railroad. Nine generations of Bownes lived in the wooden-frame English Colonial saltbox until 1945, when they donated the property to the Bowne Historical Society. With a pitched roof and three dormers, the museum combines common architectural features from English and Dutch styles. It displays roughly 5,000 objects (furniture, clothes, textiles) that the family acquired over more than three centuries. There is also a collection of rare books and correspondence that offer insight into the civil and political activities that surrounded the family. Inside scoop: John Bowne allowed Quakers to meet in his house at a time when practicing certain religions was against the law. Though he didn’t sign it, he was a leading force behind the Flushing Remonstrance, a 1657 petition to the New Netherland’s government requesting freedom to practice Quaker worship. This document is considered the precursor of the freedom of religion provision in the Bill of Rights. 56 QUEENS IN YOUR POCKET • www.itsinqueens.com
QIP2015
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