Calendar

Holiday Closings 2025

Memorial Day, May 26th Juneteenth, June 19th - June 21st Independence Day, July 4th
Labor Day, September 1st
Indigenous People’s Day, October 13th Veterans Day, November 11th
Thanksgiving, November 27th - November 30th
Holiday Season, December 22nd - January 6th


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JAMAICA | JAMAICA
Aug
16
to Dec 20

JAMAICA | JAMAICA

Taking inspiration from the Jamaican national motto, “Out of Many, One People,” the exhibition highlights the country’s rich and diverse heritage—mirrored in the vibrant culture of Southeast Queens. Jamaica | Jamaica explores the history of Jamaican immigration to New York City and the lasting impact of Jamaican culture on the local community.

From the deep roots of reggae and dancehall echoing through local sound systems, to the unmistakable aroma of jerk chicken wafting from food carts and restaurants, Jamaican culture has become an essential part of the neighborhood’s identity.

King Manor is open to the public on:

Tues-Sat: 12pm - 4pm (reservation encouraged but not required).

Admission is free to all and all are welcome!

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Touch Jamaica
Sep
6
to Oct 31

Touch Jamaica

Rejin Leys is a mixed media artist and paper maker based in New York, whose work has been exhibited at such venues as Centro Cultural de España, Santo Domingo, DR; Kentler International Drawing Space, NY; Queens Museum, NY; and Les Ateliers J.R. Jerome, PaP, Haiti. Her work is in the collections of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Yale University, and Rutgers University Caribbean Studies Department, and she is a recipient of a fellowship from the New York Foundation for the Arts.

By casting such things as our oldest tree, public art, and architectural details, Touch Jamaica creates a tactile timeline that explores local history through infrastructure to tell the story of the neighborhood.

Artist’s Statement:

“I have a dual art practice: within the studio, my mixed media drawings and (more recently) cast paper sculptures suggest a narrative of displacement: due to climate change, political instability, the long tail of colonialism.”

Learn more
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CSIFF Community Screening at King Manor Museum
Oct
17

CSIFF Community Screening at King Manor Museum

Presented by Conch Shell Productions in partnership with King Manor MuseumJoin us for an unforgettable evening of film, history, and community!Friday, October 17, 20254:00 PM Museum Exhibit Access |5:00–7:00 PM Film Screening + Q&AKing Manor Museum, Jamaica, Queens, NYExperience bold, thought-provoking short films by Caribbean heritage filmmakers exploring themes of identity, resilience, and heritage.About Featured Films:

I Married a Black Republican 

Written by Magaly Colimon-Christopher (Haitian heritage) directed by Pat Golden It's November 3rd, 2020: As the nation waits to find out who will be the next president of the United States, Grace, a staunch Bajan American Democrat seeks her brother’s guidance as she struggles with the realization that her new groom is secretly - a Republican! 

Loko

Written & directed by Angelina Villapiano (Puerto Rican) - A modern Latina city girl goes to extreme lengths to connect to her Indigenous island heritage.

Sweet Rind

Written by JR Roache (Jamaican) - A tactically elite pastor’s daughter struggles with forgiving her sister’s killer while she delivers her brand of justice in her father’s unfinished church basement in Kingston, Jamaica.

Sins of the Father

Written & directed by Azriel Bahahoor (Trinidadian) - A priest has his devotion put to the test as he listens to the confession of an ex-convict, one that was incarcerated at a prison he visited years ago.

Stay after the screening for a live audience Q&A with artists and community leaders, and join the conversation about Caribbean voices in film.

Learn more about the films: www.conchshelliff.com

King Manor is pleased to provide after-hours access to our temporary exhibition Jamaica|Jamaica to screening attendees prior to the event. Taking inspiration from the Jamaican national motto, “Out of Many, One People,” the exhibition highlights the country’s rich and diverse heritage—mirrored in the vibrant culture of Southeast Queens. Jamaica | Jamaica explores the history of Jamaican immigration to New York City and the lasting impact of Jamaican culture on the local community. Access is self-guided and will be closed before the start of the first film.

About Conch Shell International Film Fest (CSIFF)

Presented by New York City-Based 501(c)(3), Conch Shell Productions, Inc, CSIFF's goal is to infuse unique Caribbean Diaspora and Caribbean filmmaker voices into the American film industry. CSIFF is a festival that empowers Caribbean and Caribbean Diaspora artists and spotlights television and film content created by and for people of diverse Caribbean descent. Our festival brings together fans of Caribbean culture with industry experts and creatives from around the world for four days of screenings, enlightening talks, gatherings and valuable networking opportunities.

Admission: FREE | Seating is limited — RSVP strongly encouraged.

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Hands-on History: Corn Husk Dolls
Oct
18

Hands-on History: Corn Husk Dolls

Learn about the tradition of corn husk doll making with King Manor! Make your own dolly to decorate and take home.

Hands-on History is a FREE, family-friendly program series for all ages, held on the first and third Saturday of each month.

Tickets help King Manor staff prepare for your arrival!

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Hands-on History
Nov
15

Hands-on History

Each Hands on History focuses on a new topic and sometimes features a guest educator. Check back soon for more details!

Tickets help us prepare for the event but are not required and admission is free!

Hands-on History is a FREE, family-friendly program series for all ages, held on the first and third Saturday of each month.

Learn more
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Hands-on History
Dec
6

Hands-on History

Each Hands on History focuses on a new topic and sometimes features a guest educator. Check back soon for more details!

Tickets help us prepare for the event but are not required and admission is free!

Hands-on History is a FREE, family-friendly program series for all ages, held on the first and third Saturday of each month.

Learn more
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Hands-on History: Children's Magic Lantern Show
Dec
13

Hands-on History: Children's Magic Lantern Show

Join King Manor for a Children's Magic Lantern Show and access to Victorian toys and games!

Experience a unique afternoon of play with Victorian replica and original toys and children’s magic lantern show performances. This will be an opportunity to learn about the pastimes of a bygone era, with activities that still remain compelling to children of today.

The magic lantern was a popular form of entertainment in the 19th century, using painted glass slides accompanied by narration, music, and sound effects. Our children’s show will include magic lantern stories and skits such as the Educated Cats, Santa and his Visits, and an abundance of comic effects slides producing moving animations on the screen.

There will be two opportunities to watch the magic lantern show in the afternoon and plenty of time to play with toys and games of old! Performances last approximately 30 - 45 minutes.

Admission is FREE! Reserving tickets helps the staff best prepare for your arrival.

Hands-on History is a FREE, family-friendly program series for all ages, held on the first and third Saturday of each month.

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Hands-on History: City of Forests Day
Oct
4

Hands-on History: City of Forests Day

We’re joining @ForestForAllNYC and organizations across NYC for #CityofForestDay2025 on October 4!

Join us as we branch into crafts and a nature walk to celebrate City of Forest Day. Trees play a significant role in cleaning the air, providing shade and adapting to climate change.

Young attendees will be able to participate in tree looming crafts. All ages welcome for a paper casting workshop and tree walk with artist Reijin Lyes in celebration of her Touch Jamaica exhibit at King Manor.

King Manor Museum is also launching the Dark Laboratory Reading Circle! Stop by to sign up and grab a free copy of Dark Laboratory: On Columbus, and the Origins of the Climate Crisis by author and professor Tao Leigh Goffe. We’ll read the book bit by bit and celebrate later this year with a book talk. Limited copies available so stop by early!

Tickets help us prepare for the event but are not required and admission is FREE!

(Tree walk will be re-scheduled in the event of rain)

Learn more
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EXCLUSIVE UNVEILING
Sep
18
to Sep 21

EXCLUSIVE UNVEILING

Stop by King Manor for a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see an early draft of one of our country’s founding documents, in the home of the man who helped write it!

No Tour or reservation required!

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Cocktails at the Museum
Sep
17

Cocktails at the Museum

Join us at King Manor Museum’s Annual Cocktail Party Fundraiser, an evening of history, celebration, and community spirit!

Raise a glass in the historic home of Rufus King (1755–1827),framer of the Constitution and antislavery Senator. Enjoy over two hours of open bar, live music, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, games with prizes, museum tours, and a once-in-a-lifetime Constitution Day surprise!

Want to get more involved? Event sponsorships begin at just $250, a great opportunity to showcase your business to thousands of visitors from Queens and beyond.

Your support helps us welcome over 7,000 schoolchildren each year, and with upcoming renovations in 2027, you'll help bring the museum into schools and senior centers across the city.

Let’s toast to the past—and the future!

This year's honorees:

Whitney Barrat, President, Downtown Jamaica Partnership BID

Regina Bain , Executive Director, Louis Armstrong House Museum

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JAMAICA | JAMAICA Opening Party
Aug
16

JAMAICA | JAMAICA Opening Party

King Manor's newest exhibition Jamaica | Jamaica explores the history of Jamaican immigration to New York City and the lasting impact of Jamaican culture on the local community.

King Manor is partnering with VP Records for a festive launch party on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in honor of Jamaican Independence Day. It will run from 12:00-5:00pm.

The event will be held in front of the museum and will feature:

  • DJ Killa Boo

  • Authentic Caribbean cuisine from local food vendors

  • Live performances

  • Guest speakers

  • A chance to see the new Exhibition Jamaica | Jamaica

Getting Here:

King Manor Museum is located in King Park at 150-03 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, New York near the E train terminus at Jamaica Center, the LIRR to Jamaica, the F train to Parsons, and many bus lines.

Our History:

The museum was the home and farm of founding father Rufus King from 1805 to 1827. Rufus King was a framer of the U.S. Constitution, and an early, outspoken opponent of slavery. King Manor later became the estate of King’s son, John Alsop King, who served as New York’s Governor (1857-1858) where he fought against unfair fugitive slave laws. King Manor uses this history to teach critical thinking to over 14,000 visitors a year. Detailed information about King Manor’s events, history, and other programs is available at www.kingmanor.org.

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Museum Closed
Jun
29
to Jul 7

Museum Closed

King Manor will be closed from June 29th to July 7th for summer break. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you soon

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Hands-on History: Pride is a Revolution
Jun
28

Hands-on History: Pride is a Revolution

Join us this Pride Month on June 28th from 1-4 PM for a Revolutionary Activity! Printing posters was essential for mobilizing patriots during the Revolution. Now, almost 250 years later, we will be block printing to create posters that can be used at Pride Marches and beyond!

This program is a Slice of History event, part of Civic Season, FREE and open to the public!

Please note this event will use dyes that can permanently stain clothing.

Register
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Jun
14

Hands-on History: Recycled Transit Toys!

All aboard Saturday, June 14 for a fun toy train/subway making day with recycled materials! Let's reduce, reuse, and roll!

Most suitable for ages 4-8 but all ages are welcome, including the young at heart.

See something? Create something!

Plus! Get a free NYC Subway Map themed lens cloth, while supplies last!

Be sure to leave time to explore our exhibit Transfer at Jamaica --in its last month! (Stand clear of the closing doors please!) Find out history of how our neighborhood became the transit hub we know today and enjoy vintage transit images and lots of fun memorabila!

Hands on History is a FREE family program series held each first Saturday of the month at King Manor from 1-4pm.

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Celebrate and Dance: Tinikling!
May
10

Celebrate and Dance: Tinikling!

Celebrate this AAPIA Heritage month at King Manor with Queensboro Dance Festival by learning the National Dance of the Philippines, Tinikling! Participants will have the opportunity to eat delicious snacks, learn some new moves, and craft from 2-4 PM on Saturday, May 10th.

This program is free and suitable for participants of all ages.


Learn more
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Edwardian Mother's Day Tea
May
3

Edwardian Mother's Day Tea

We cordially invite you to King Manor’s Edwardian Mother’s Day tea set to take place from 1:00-4:00 PM. Guests are welcome to enjoy a spot of tea and light refreshments as well as the opportunity to learn some more about 20th Century teas and participate in some of games enjoyed at tea time.

Register
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90s Prom
Apr
26

90s Prom

Dance the afternoon away on April 26th at King Manor’s 90s theme prom! Stop by to browse a selection of free prom outfits, design your own beaded accessories and keychains, dance while singing some lively karaoke, and enjoy the best snacks the 90s had to offer.

This event is free and open to students!

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Hands-on History: Gardening Day!
Apr
19

Hands-on History: Gardening Day!

Can you dig it? Join us as we plant our first round of crops and flowers in King Manor’s raised bed gardens to welcome in the spring! We invite you to learn about the plants historically grown on Rufus King’s farm and even create your own illustrated map! 

Please note that the planting portion is weather dependent. In the case of inclement weather the program will be indoors! This event is FREE and open to the public!


Register
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Celebrate and Learn: Eid al-Fitr
Apr
5

Celebrate and Learn: Eid al-Fitr

Celebrate and Learn more with us about Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, on Saturday, April 5th between 1 and 4 PM. Join us as we make Eid decorations, try snacks, and learn more about Eid al-Fitr right here at King Manor Museum.

This is a FREE program that is open to the public!

Register
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Tea and Transit
Mar
29

Tea and Transit

Stop on by for a special Women's History Month lecture on tea rooms and motorism. This is an inclusive talk, that will cover the general interconnected history between women, tea, and driving, then delve into some of the intersectional challenges specifically faced by Black female motorists and/or tea room operators and celebrate their resillience and resourcefulness!

Register
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Hands-on History: Join or Dice
Mar
15

Hands-on History: Join or Dice

After the British passed the Stamp Act on March 22, 1765 the colonists knew life was not all fun and games… because their playing cards and dice were being taxed! Join us as we play the anniversary of the Stamp Act away by making folded paper dice and enjoying games in King Manor’s classroom. This event is free and open to the public!

Register
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Hands-on History: Elizabeth Cisco
Mar
1

Hands-on History: Elizabeth Cisco

Celebrate Women’s History Month at King Manor as we follow in the footsteps of activist Elizabeth Cisco, a Jamaica local whose activism lead to integrated schools! Participants will have the opportunity to make pins that draw attention to causes they support and write letters to elected officials to make their voices heard. This event is free and open to the public!

Register
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Freezin' Season Snow Globes
Feb
21

Freezin' Season Snow Globes

Put your own spin on a beloved Victorian decorative item- the snow globe this Freezin’ Season. Create your own snow globe with recycled sparkles, sequins, and beads in King Manor’s classroom space. This event is free and open to the public!

Register
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Freezin' Season Puzzles
Feb
20

Freezin' Season Puzzles

Join us this Freezin’ Season for a relaxing afternoon of puzzling in King Manor’s classroom. Enjoy solving puzzles that celebrate Black history or design and solve your own. This event is free and open to the public!

Register
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Freezin' Season Propellers!
Feb
19

Freezin' Season Propellers!

Join us in celebrating Jamaica’s Transit history with a propeller building challenge and the opportunity to see King Manor’s exhibit, Transfer at Jamaica! Participants will have the chance to build and decorate a propeller while learning more about transit history! This event is free and open to the public!

Register
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Freezin' Season Inventor Grab Bags
Feb
18

Freezin' Season Inventor Grab Bags

Continue your Black History month by celebrating the legacies of Black inventors that lived and worked in Queens! Participants are invited to build something new with mystery supplies left in a grab bag and learn more about famous Black inventors including Lewis Latimer! This event is free and open to the public.

Register
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Craft your own Victorian Parlor Dome
Feb
15

Craft your own Victorian Parlor Dome

Let's craft like it's 1900 and make Victorian parlor domes! Join us at the first of King Manor’s 125th anniversary celebrations documenting each decade the museum has been open. Our Victorian parlor domes will be filled with preserved flowers and other natural decorative elements. This program will take place from 1:00-4:00 PM on Saturday, February 15th.

Register
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Hands-on Black History: Oysters!
Feb
1

Hands-on Black History: Oysters!

Join us as we dive into the history of Black oystermen and the legacy of Thomas Downing, the oyster King of NY! Participants will have the opportunity to create crowns that befit a free Black business owner and stop on the underground railroad, practice oyster filtration, and even investigate the habitats of oysters!

Want to learn how we’re restoring 1 billion oysters to New York Harbor by 2035? Discover the oysters’ rich history, their ecological importance in revitalizing the harbor, and how you can be part of this exciting effort with Billion Oyster Project.

This event is FREE and open to the public and we hope to see you there on February 1st between 1-4 PM.

Register
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Celebrate and Learn Lunar New Year
Jan
25

Celebrate and Learn Lunar New Year

Celebrate and Learn more with us about Lunar New Year on Saturday, January 25th between 1 and 4 PM at this free family program! Join us for art, snacks, and the chance to learn and celebrate the Lunar New Year right here at King Manor! Participants will also have the chance to see the zodiacs of the King family.


Register
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Kwanzaa with Ms. Cheyney
Dec
12

Kwanzaa with Ms. Cheyney

Come join Artist and Historical Interpreter Cheyney McKnight at her AfroVictorian themed Kwanzaa Celebration. She will share how she practices Kwanzaa with her family, and how she hopes the holiday will evolve.  Cheyney will also share the principles of Kwanzaa and ponder how these principles can aid Black communities going into the next 20 years. Those who are able and willing are encouraged to bring a book by a Black author to participate in a book exchange (if you are buying a book we strongly encourage you to buy from a Black owned business).  

Register
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 Past Events