Dear Members and Friends,
I am delighted to bring you exciting news about important research on Rufus King and the world in which he lived. A former member of our staff, David J. Gary, is currently a Ph.D. student whose proposed dissertation is an intellectual biography of Mr. King with a focus on his tenure as American minister to Great Britain from 1796 to 1803. He is tracing the European influences on King and exploring how they changed his thinking and politics once he returned to the United States. In previous research, Dave discovered a link between scientific agriculture methods that King witnessed and read about as a diplomat in Great Britain and the farming techniques he subsequently practiced here on his Jamaica property.
In January, Dave and I contacted over 60 far-flung descendants of Rufus King’s to enlist their help in locating primary source materials that may still exist outside of public archives and libraries. Their response has been gracious and generous. Many King family members may not appear on our mailing list, so we are repeating the request through this newsletter: if you have or know of any letters, books, printed materials, images or objects that will help shed light on King’s life, please call me at 718-206-0545, email kingmanor1@earthlink.net or simply write to me at King Manor Museum, 90-04 161 Street, Suite 704, Jamaica, NY 11432.
We are very enthusiastic to see what will be uncovered as Dave begins the work we have always hoped a scholar would pursue. King Manor Museum’s interpretive programs – and the public we serve – will benefit immensely from a fuller understanding of Rufus King as a Founding Father and anti-slavery Senator. Thank you for your help!
S Mary Anne Mrozinski, Executive Director
It’s Time for Your Return Visit!
In 1993, our first newsletter proudly announced that the long process of restoration and reinstallation was finally completed and that King Manor was coming back into the life of the community. Our favorite photo in that issue was of a smiling eight-year old Phillip Hammond peering into our front window, eager to glimpse inside.
Since then, we have welcomed several thousands youngsters just as eager and excited to see and learn from the past as Phillip! These school children return again quickly with their parents and siblings in tow, taking advantage of free admission vouchers that are given to all visiting classes. Others return years later with their own children, as Phillip did in February, to revisit a place with fond childhood memories. Accompanied by Margarita and their son Anthony, Phillip told us that although there had been many changes in 16 years, King Manor still evoked the “calm and yet energizing” feeling he remembers.
Haven’t been here in a while? Spring is a fine time to return to learn about exciting new scholarship and see recent archaeological finds. And bring your special King Manor memories to share!
Travel Through Time, Simplified
The Historic House Trust on NYC has published a new Touring Map & Guide, making it easier for residents and visitors alike to plan trips to the City’s historic house museums. This concise, informative guide highlights the individual stories of 22 historic houses in NYC parks (King Manor included) as well as their roles in the larger history of NYC and the United States. Classroom teachers, in particular, find that the Timeline of Events feature is a useful study tool for their students. Hang one of these poster-sized guides in your classroom! Cost: a mere $1 at our Museum Shop.
A Slave No More
In April 1862, a slave named John Washington crossed Confederate lines at the Rappahannock River in Fredericksburg, Virginia and was warmly welcomed in the Union Army camp. Within a month, he held a key post in the kitchen of General Rufus King, namesake and grandson of Rufus King of Jamaica, New York.
One of two recently discovered slave narratives, John Washington’s vivid account of his life as a slave and his bold bid for freedom is recollected in David W. Blight’s recent book, A Slave No More: Two Men Who Escaped to Freedom, Including their Own Narratives of Emancipation. This adds yet another dimension to the multi-generational, anti-slavery efforts of the King family.
Volunteers Needed
Do you have data-entry expertise? Call Shannon Oram at 718-206-0545 if you are willing to help update and maintain our mailing list database.
