NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

King Manor was the country home of Rufus King (1755-1827), 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 who was noted for his antislavery stance. King purchased the manor house in 1805 and eventually added several rooms to the structure. After his death his son, John, one of only two New York State governors to come from Queens County, lived in the house and added Greek-Revival exterior details such as the portico and entranceway. The house remained with King's heirs until 1896, when it was purchased by the Village of Jamaica; two years later it was transferred to the city.

Today, King Manor is the centerpiece of an 11-acre historic park in downtown Jamaica, not far from the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (see separate entry). Students of American architecture will appreciate its 18th- and 19th-century construction, while history buffs will be enchanted by the museum inside, which offers visitors of all ages an introduction to the King family and the history of Jamaica through period rooms, interactive exhibits, guided tours and educational programs.

Special Hands-on History programs for kids takes place one Saturday each month.  Kids enjoy free crafts, stories and more relating to the history of King Manor.  

• Landmark Status: National Register of Historic Places, NYC Landmark
• Directions: Subway: E, J, Z to Jamaica Center - Parsons/Archer

• Disability Access: Partially accessible. First floor, including exhibitions and bathrooms, accessible via a wheelchair ramp
• Gift Shops
• On-Site Parking: On streets or in commercial lots nearby
• Special Education
• Tours

Get involved with King Manor Museum at King Park

• Donations through NYCharities.org
• Donations through King Manor Museum at King Park's Web site: Please visit our website to make a donation
• Volunteer Opportunities: Visit our website for more information