Bowne House is closed for an extensive restoration. Group visits to our grounds and gardens may be arranged with advance notice. If you would like to discuss a tour of the gardens, please email office@bownehouse.org or call 718-359-0528.
A microcosm of 300 years of social, cultural and political history, Bowne House (ca. 1661) is the oldest house in Queens and among the oldest in New York City.
It was built by John Bowne, who emigrated from England to Boston in 1649 and settled in Flushing, Queens, when New York was under Dutch Rule. His family prospered in America: the nine generations born and raised in the house produced businessmen, horticulturists, educators and politicians. Over the course of 300 years, the family left its mark on American culture, participating in events of both regional and national significance -starting with John Bowne's courageous defense of religious freedom in 1662, an act which established the principles later codified in the Bill of Rights.
Bowne House has been a museum since 1947. Chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, the Bowne House Historical Society's mission includes the preservation of the house, its contents and grounds for its historical and educational interest, for its significance to the history of New York and for its importance in the establishment in this country of the fundamental principles of freedom of conscience and religious liberty.
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About Us
Flushing Remonstrance
Benefits include:
Notification of special events. Discounts on purchase of publications from our museum store.
