Who We Are

The Bowne House Historical Society

OUR MISSION:

To educate the public about American history through the legacy of Bowne family members, who participated in events of both regional and national significance spanning over 300 years. The museum is best known for its association with the principles of freedom of conscience and religious liberty in America, due to the activism of the nine generations of family who lived there. Bowne House is a New York City landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places, as well a member of the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program.

WHAT WE DO:

The Bowne House Historical Society offers tours and special events throughout the year for the general public as well as customized tours for students of all ages. Most of the approximately 5,000 objects in the Museum’s collection are original to the House; a rarity found in few cultural institutions open to the public. On view are fine examples of English and American furniture and decorative art. The Bowne House Archives, an extensive collection available to readers by appointment, document the history and civic activities of the Bowne and Parsons’ families – occupants of the house from the 17th through the 20th centuries.

OUR TEAM

Elise Helmers

Executive Director, bownehouseeducation@gmail.com

Charlotte Jackson

Archivist, bownehousearchives@gmail.com

Emily Vieyra-Haley

Museum Educator

Ellen M. Spindler

Collection Volunteer

Brandon Loo

Archival Assistant

Kate Lynch

Research Volunteer

Michael Alan Haley

Technology Consultant

BOARD OF TRUSTEES