The Bowne House (ca. 1661) is the oldest house in Queens and is among the oldest in New York City and New York State. 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 inspired the principles later codified in the Bill of Rights -and continuing with subsequent generations’ abolitionist activities and participation in the Underground Railroad.

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Translated by the Asian/American Center of Queens College

The Hon. Jose A. Cabranes remarks from our Liberty 2020 Virtual Celebration

We are ringing out 2020 with remarks by Judge Jose A. Cabranes, native to Flushing, given at our Virtual Liberty 2020 celebration on November 18, 2020. This celebration was in honor of the 375th Anniversary of the 1645 Flushing (Vlissengen) Town Charter.

Our Annual Newsletter (Coming Soon)

Our forthcoming Annual 2020 Newsletter will describe our staff's ongoing research into Bowne and Parsons’ women’s history with new information about Elizabeth (Fones-Winthrop-Feake) Hallett, John Bowne’s mother-in-law. She was a unique woman due to her spirited lifestyle and especially her 17th century purchases and ownership of land highly uncommon for women.

We will also explore Eliza (Southgate) Bowne, Mayor Walter Bowne’s wife, whose personal letters were first published in the 19th century. And we will provide more information about Mary Elizabeth (Mitchell) Parsons who purchased the Bowne House in the late 1800’s.

We hope you will enjoy this upcoming issue!