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Historic Houses
Queens has historical houses from the 17th, 18th, and
19th centuries that reflect the borough’s Dutch, German,
and English heritages. Some venues offer insights into the
borough’s past as a center for religious liberty, a final stop
on the Underground Railroad, and a magnet for immigrants.
Others inform on architecture, farming, science, and even
incarceration.
BOWNE HOUSE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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 allegedly a stop on the Underground Railroad as
well. Nine generations of Bownes lived in the wooden-frame
English Colonial saltbox until 1945, when they donated the
property to the Bowne Historical Society. It is the oldest domicile
in Queens. 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
offers insight into the civil and political activities that surrounded
the family.
Inside scoop: Though he didn’t sign it, John Bowne was a
leading force behind the Flushing Remonstrance, a 1657 petition
to the New Netherland’s government requesting freedom to
practice Quaker worship. The document is considered the
precursor of the freedom of religion provision in the Bill of
Rights.
Address: 37-01 Bowne St., Flushing, and www.bownehouse.org.
FLUSHING QUAKER MEETING HOUSE
The Friends Meeting House was built in 1694. It is the first
house of worship in Flushing and New York City’s oldest
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