King Manor takes its name from Rufus King, a member of the Continental Congress, a framer and signer of the Constitution, one of the first senators from New York State, the ambassador to Great Britain under four presidents, and an outspoken opponent of slavery.
In 1820, he delivered two of the most radical speeches heard in the Senate before the Civil War. His opposition to the admission of Missouri as a slave state marked the apogee of his long antislavery career.
In 1805, Rufus King and his wife purchased 90 acres of land and this 18th-century farmhouse. They immediately expanded the house; the landscaped estate and working farm grew to 122 acres. After King’s death in 1827, his eldest son, John Alsop King, continued to operate the farm and made further improvements to the house. John followed his father’s footsteps into politics, serving as a congressman and governor of the State of New York. The house remained in the King family until 1896, and opened as a museum in 1900.
King Manor Museum interprets founding father Rufus King’s political legacy and antislavery history to teach critical thinking for a healthier democracy through interactive, sensory tours and community programming.
King Manor Museum is owned by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, operated by the King Manor Association of L.I., Inc., and is a member of the Historic House Trust.
If you would like to donate to King Manor directly, please click here.
Queens
Rufus King Park
Tours every half hour. Reservations encouraged, but not required.
Admission is by suggestion only.
General: $5
Seniors and Students: $3
