King Manor Museum
Throughout the establishment and early years of the American Republic, Rufus King participated in public life as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, a representative in the Confederation Congress, a framer and signer of the United States Constitution and a senator from New York, for a total of 19 years. During the debates on the Missouri Compromise toward the end of his career, King was a vocal opponent of the spread of slavery. King purchased the manor house in 1805 and eventually added several rooms to the structure. King Manor was also home to Rufus King's eldest son, John Alsop King, one of only two New York state governors to come from Queens County, and, like his father, an outspoken opponent of slavery. Today, the King Manor Museum interprets the life of the King family and the history of Jamaica through interactive exhibits and period room settings.
On-site programs: School groups can tour King Manor, handle artifacts, learn about Rufus King and John Alsop King's antislavery activities, explore how archaeology is used to learn about the past, experience early 19th-century holiday traditions, and play games from the 18th and 19th centuries. Pre- and postvisit materials are included in all programs. (Grades 1–12; call for grade-specific information; $)
In-school programs: Assembly and other in-school programs are available and are tailored to each request. (Grades K–12; $)
General information: Site Address: King Park, Jamaica Avenue at 153rd Street; Mailing Address: 90-04 161st Street, Suite 704, Jamaica, NY 11432; Phone: (718) 206-0545; Web: www.kingmanor.org.
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