Bowne House — Attraction in New York

This place is absolutely beautiful and well-maintained, but sadly, it’s rarely accessible to the general public unless you’re part of a scheduled school visit or a private event. And that’s incredibly frustrating—especially considering how much we all pay in taxes to fund spaces like this.

It’s ridiculous that a space this peaceful and full of potential is kept behind locked gates. Why not open it in the mornings for young families—parents could volunteer to read books, organize baby playgroups, or host simple, free community classes on the grass. It could easily become a space for real community connection and childhood development.

And what about our seniors? There are retirement homes just across the street. Why not let them enjoy this green space in the afternoons? After paying taxes their entire lives, they deserve more than locked gates.

Places like this should be used for free educational and recreational programs—for kids, adults, and elders alike. But instead, it feels like a select few benefit while the rest of us just fund it. Truly disappointing how the city operates—too often, not...

I took my students here today for a field trip, and it was an absolutely wonderful experience! The educator and staff greeted us with such kindness, and they were so welcoming. Our educator, Emily, was full of knowledge and it was so engaging to watch and listen to her. My students enjoyed interacting with Emily, answering questions, and making connections to movies they have seen. This place is such a gem and there is so much to gain from your visit. The Bowne House is so rich with history, and I can't wait to learn even more on my next tour. I am definitely bringing my family and friends when they come to NYC. I'd give the Bowne House 10 stars if I could! It's well...

One of the few remaining bastions of historical Flushing, the Bowne House is a fascinating place to visit, if nothing else just to be able to say that you stepped foot in a building that was constructed ~400 years ago, the oldest still standing in Queens. The house holds great historical significance, first towards establishing religious freedom in the new world, but also later on in securing freedoms for those escaping slavery as a stop along the Underground Railroad. Emily was a wonderful tour guide and seemed genuinely passionate about keeping the history of both the house itself and the Bowne family alive. Definitely worth...