Flushing in Queens in Queens County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Bowne House
37-01 Bowne St.
About the House
The original Anglo-Dutch farmhouse was built before 1661 by John Bowne, an English settler in Flushing. Bowne is remembered for his successful defense of religious liberty in the face of persecution by Dutch Director General Peter Stuyvesant. During Bowne's lifetime, the Bowne House hosted the Quaker Meeting while also serving as the family home. It was subsequently occupied by eight generations of descendants, who carried on their forebears' commitments to religious and civil liberties. The site is significant for its associations with the principles of religious freedom enshrined in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The house has served as a working farm, a house of worship, headquarters of a philanthropic society, a stop on the Underground Railroad, and a sanctuary for single women and youth. Bowne House has been a museum open to the public since 1945; Mayor Fiorello La Guardia made the dedication of the Bowne House in its parlor.
National Register of Historic Places (1977)
New York State Register of Historic Places (1980)
New York City Landmark (1966)
For operating hours and more information, call (718) 359-0528 or visit bownehouse.org.
Erected by NYC Parks.
Topics and series. This historical marker
this page online
Location. 40° 45.768′ N, 73° 49.506′ W. Marker is in Queens, New York, in Queens County. It is in Flushing. Marker is on Bowne Street just south of 37th Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 37-01 Bowne Street, Flushing NY 11354, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Bowne House (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Bowne House (here, next to this marker); John Bowne House (a few steps from this marker); Margaret Carman Green (within shouting distance of this marker); Fox Oaks (within shouting distance of this marker); George Fox Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); Kingsland Homestead
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 158 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 10, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
