37-01 Bowne Street
Flushing, NY 11354
(718) 359-0528
http://www.bownehouse.org/
Note: at the time of this writing (August 2006), the Bowne House Museum is closed for restoration. Check back for updates.
Built by John Bowne in 1661, Bowne House is considered to be one of the finest examples of vernacular Dutch-English architecture in the country. Throughout the following century a few changes and additions were made, but since 1830 only plumbing and electrification have changed the structure.
The house stands much today as it had in those early times, with an impressive collection of indigenous furniture and pewterware.
This structure is one of the oldest in the United States and is also the site of Bowne's defense of liberty of conscience (freedom of religion) in defiance of Governor Peter Stuyvesant's ban on the Quaker sect.
An educational tour of Bowne House will be enjoyed by families and groups, and a 90-minute School Program is available for most grade levels. The program first orients students to the 17th century, exploring concepts of commerce, social interaction, and colonial life. Students then tour the 17th century portion of the house.
Bowne House is just one of several historic places of interest along the Flushing Freedom Trail. Call for info about other places and tours.
Hours: Tuesday, Saturday & Sunday, 2:30pm
- 4:30pm.
School Groups Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm.
Admission: Adults $2.00, Seniors & Children $1.00.
Reservations: At least 4 weeks in advance.
Lunch: Adjacent park in good weather.
Handicapped: Accessible.
Directions: Grand Central Pkwy to Northern Blvd. 2 blocks to Bowne House.
Or, LIE to Main St. exit. North on Main St. to Northern Blvd. Turn right and go 2 blocks.
Time: 35 minutes southeast of the George Washington Bridge.
Nearby: Queens County Farm Museum , Green Meadows Farm , New York Hall of Science , Queens Wildlife Center , Queens Museum of Art .