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
Rosemary S. Vietor
Wellington Z. Chen
Annette L. Geddes
James A. Trent
Roland G. Wade
Kathleen A. Sciortino
Margaret Polino
Charlotte Jackson
Janet Caraisco-Alloggiamento
Jeremy Woodoff
MUSEUM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Donald R. Friary
Chairman, Director Emeritus, Historic Deerfield
Lauren Brincat
Curator, Preservation Long Island
Peter M. Kenny
President emeritus, Classical American Homes Preservation Trust
Anthony C. Wood
Executive Director, Ittleson Foundation
Dr. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel
Chair, NYC Landmarks50 Alliance; Chair, Historic Landmarks Preservation Center
Alex Herrera
NY Landmarks Conservancy
Morris (Marty) Hylton III
University of Florida, Gainesville
James Dixon
James Dixon Architects P.C.
Steve Whitesell
NYC Department of Parks and Recreation