King Manor Museum
----- Last Updated on September 30, 2003 -----
Newsflash: R.I.P.: Carlos M. Pomares as King Manor's Director of Education & Public Programs, 1995 - 2002.
See below for the juicy details...
This was my career until 2002! I worked for King Manor Museum as
the Director of Education & Public Programs for 7 years. This beautiful
landmark was once the home of Founding Father, Rufus King. Rufus was
a writer of the Constitution, Senator, Ambassador, vice-presidential and presidential
candidate. He was also noted for his strong views against slavery. The house
dates back to the 1750s, with additions ca. 1770 and ca. 1810. Over 15,000 people
visit us yearly. Its was a long commute from New Jersey but well worth it. Below
are a few pictures, but they do the house no justice! She's gorgeous and large
- 29 rooms! KMM offers tours March-December and many special events. You can
visit King Manor on weekends: tours every 1/2 hour starting at 12 noon, last
tour at 3:30. Call (718) 206-0545 for a calendar of events or to visit!
This is the front of King Manor from the west side.
This is the winter wonderland.
Below left: The Dining Room is my favorite. Below right: A statue of Rufus King in the Library.
Below: One of the two kitchens of King Manor.
Constitution Day 2003
Although I am no longer an employee of KMM, I am still a great supporter. That's why I am thrilled to report that a longtime dream finally came true. On September 17, 2003, KMM finally hosted a swearing-in ceremony for new US citizens on the grounds where our favorite Founding Father once lived. This ceremony was an idea that goes back 8-10 years, inspired by Roy Fox. The dream was shared by Director Mary Anne & myself. It was great to return to see this happen - it was a sort of homecoming for me...and 75 new citizens! Here are some pics of the day:
The one and only Fox was the MC for the day's events and also shared a Rufus minute (which was more like 5 minutes...). Board President, Anne J. looks on just left of the podium.
Local dignitaries, museum staff and government officials presided over the day's events.
Welcome aboard! Seventy five people, representing many countries, were sworn-in as US citizens on the grounds just in front of King Manor. Afterward, all were invited indoors to sign a giant copy of the US Constitution, have some food & refreshments and enjoy some live jazz music. It's days like today that make years of hard work in this museum field feel very worthwhile! Congrats to Fox, Mary Anne, the KMM staff and Board for a great day. I hope this will be an annual event! Rufus would be proud!
Run For Rufus 2000
Below: Our annual 5KRun/3KWalk for Rufus
Carlos & David run for gold! Carlos won 3rd place in 25-29 age group. David also placed 3rd in his age group!
The rest of the crew who helped raise over $3,200 in 2000 for King Manor Museum. These are the best volunteers!
Run For Rufus 2001
The annual 5K Run/3K Walk was held on Saturday May 19, 2001 in Jamaica, NY. Carlos Pomares and David Miranda ran the 5K course while volunteers Carmen, Dee Dee, Tina, Marilyn, Cheryl and John walked the 3K course. Everybody got sponsors and as of today, we have raised about $ 2,000 for the Museum's education expenses.
Left To Right: The beautiful Dee Dee, the young and cute Tina, the studly John, the ageless Carmen, the main stud and mac-daddy Carlos, the stud-in-training David, the loud one Marilyn and tons of energy Cheryl!
At the starting line! Of 75 runners, Carlos placed 29th with an average time of 8min. 29 sec. per mile. David placed 34th with an average time of 9 min. per mile.As usual, I beat David, again. C'mon kid - the old man keeps beating you! We had a great time despite a VERY late start and allergies! We were hurting but we finished and raised about $ 2K King Manor runners and walkers always show their pride with a US flag!
For less than the price of a new car, you too can help Rufus (and help Carlos maintain his job).Call Carlos at (718) 206-0545 or e-mail him to make a contribution or join as a King Manor Museum member!
Rufus' Egg Hunt 2001: Featuring Binky The Bunny
Every year, Binky The Bunny visits King Manor and, with the help of dedicated volunteers, he distributes a couple of thousands of jelly bean-filled eggs. Oh what a treat to see the kids run all over the lawn, hunting for those plastic goodies. Every year King Manor hosts about 300 family members who, not only hunt for the eggs, but also get to meet Binky!
Binky with his team of bunny helpers from King Manor. Back Row, left - right: Jolina, Cheryl, Binky, Tina, Dee Dee, Marilyn, Sharon and Rosali. Front row, left - right: Jason, Lex, John and Nadya.
Even Founding Father, Rufus King, receives a basket of goodies!
Occasionally, the camera gets Binky in one of his "not so fine" moments.
We all enjoy the Egg Hunt...but after a long day's work (preceded by a few weeks of prep time), we are glad to see Binky go back home until next year! Thanks to all of the great volunteers who made this year's event GREAT! (Don't worry, Binky's head will be re-attached for next year's Egg Hunt.)
Volunteers Awarded Every Year!
Above: Volunteers receive their recognition awards in March 2000. Who are they? Left - to right: John O'Brien, Roy Fox, Cheryl O'Brien, Nadya Williams, Carmen Pomares, David Miranda, Tanis Zavala, Mindy Deo, Marilyn Juda and Sharon McCrea. Marilyn and Sharon were also the recipients of the Spirit of Rufus King Award for 2000. Who will receive this prestigious award in 2001? Stay tuned!
King Manor Gets Creepy Every Halloween
Every year since 1997, King Manor's staff and volunteers put on a great haunted house tour. The tour focuses on the Mad Scientist (Roy Fox) and his strange brain experiments. Joining the Mad Scientists are his motley crue (as you can see, they're almost as bad as the band). Nearly 1,000 people participate yearly (we sell out every year). Tickets on sale after Labor Day (718) 206-0545.
Above: The Creeps at King Manor.
The Mad Scientist played by Roy Fox. When he's not portraying a sicko scientist, he pretends to be the Caretaker - he gets to live at King Manor courtesy of the New York taxpayers (don't worry, he's well worth it - but don't tell him I said so). Fox has the distinction of being the first recipient of the Spirit of Rufus King Award in 1999 for his outstanding volunteer services and dedication to King Manor since 1989. Congrats old man!
Santa and Mrs. Claus: Personal Friends of King Manor
Every year since 1997, Santa (Fox) and Mrs. Claus (Cheryl O'Brien) have been greeting thousands of people at King Manor or at schools, senior homes, hospitals and/or nurseries. Here are just a few snap shots of their many visits:
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Santa gets a hug from a PS 182 student in Queens.
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Santa & Mrs. Claus visit students from St. Gerard's
School.
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A small group picture in the class room...more fun than
work!
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Santa gets a hug from Ms. Bonini, a PS 182 teacher and
King Manor volunteer: a real cutie!
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Let Them Eat Cake...and other goodies.
The Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for Staff & Volunteers. Watching them eat - you would think we starve 'em.
Their first day on the job! Tina (left) and Tiffany (right), 2000 -2001 King Manor Interns.
Hard at work...or at least pretending when I am around: Tina, Mindy and Tanis.
Devoted King Manor trustee, Anne J. signs her "John Hancock" (or as we say at KMM -"Rufus King") to the Constitution. You too can sign every September during our Constitution Weekend event.
IT'S A WRAP!
King Manor Finally gets rid of Carlos...or was it the other way??? hmm!
After a nearly 7 year marriage between myself & King Manor Museum, I called it a career in December of 2001 (officially left January 11, 2002). I had a great time at KMM! I have met some very nice people (staff, volunteers, visitors, teachers, students, community people and local colleges), but I needed to move on to tackle bigger challenges. My next challenge is Waterloo Village in Stanhope, NJ (I'll add a new page for it on this site soon). IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO THANK EVERYBODY - so here are just a few who made my stay at KMM fantastic:
THANK YOU:
Rufus King: Had it not been for the vision and determination of this Founding Father, I would have been unemployed and Fox without a home.
Tara: She just listened to me complain for the first couple of years at KMM and then traveled out there to help me! Those early days were rough - she helped me through 'em.
Linda: I met you at Grover's, we worked together at Rufus'...and I'll probably see you at Waterloo in about a year!
Sammy & Jack of Chicken Perfect - they fed me and my people well!
Great Teachers and staff from PS 182: Kim "Sweet Chocolate", Diane "Upside-Down Pineapple Mama", Dee Dee "Bling-Bling White Wonder Little Thing", "Laid Back" Lois and Anita "Carlos Never Gave Me No Nick-Name."
My wonderful volunteers: Sharon, Marilyn, and The O'Brien Family (John, Cheryl & Lex).
My interns: Zavi, Judy, Tanis, G, David, Mindy, Tina, & Tiffany.
Randi - If everybody had a teacher as great as her, the world would simply be a better place.
Terri - Ms. Queens Arts all the way...
Mabel: Another great teacher and pillar of support.
Staff members: Mary Anne for giving me the opportunity to work for Rufus & Nadya for taking over.
KMM Board of Directors: these people actually put money in the Pimp Daddy Rufus hat at board meetings - they earned their spot here just for that alone!
Special Board member: Anne J. - who's love & support was always there...not to mention she's the one who got me the raises! (Thank You)
My mama, Carmen: she made countless craft items, donations of things (from pads & pens to fixing the Santa & Bunny costumes). On her own, the quiet little wonder with the Cuban accent raised thousands of dollars with her crafts, raffles and Walk for Rufus sponsorships (our oldest participant at 71 years!).
AND THE ONE & ONLY (THANKFULLY), ROY THE FOX. While it may be true that he is, indeed, a legend in his own mind, the old man always encouraged me to push the envelope (much to Mary Anne's dislike, I am sure). The old man taught me that enthusiasm, humor, dedication, accuracy, honor, and patriotism can be achieved - and, if done right, can be contagious...yes, even in Jamaica...and if it can happen there, it can happen anywhere! Do your patriotic duty - listen to one of his lectures on Rufus King!
Thanks in brief - (I'm getting tired of typing...): Cate, Vincent, Amy F at the QC Farm, Mary F (Little Disappearing Wonder), Diane D., Tom & Co. at the Constitution Works, the beautiful ladies of GJDC, Maria Z, Leroy T, the guy who sells gum at the corner of 150th Street & Jamaica Avenue, Richard "I'm the real Shhaaaantaa" Washington, the King Park Mariachis, and the many other freaks of Jamaica, New York who provided countless hours of entertainment for me, the staff and the local residents - free of charge!
Pictures of my last day...
On may last day, the crew at KMM, led by MC Roy Fox Roasted me till I was burnt to a crisp. It was a fitting display of raunchiness, comedy, crudeness which is considered affection. It was one of the best days of my KMM career...not because of the Roast, but because it was my last day!
For years I have stood on the other side of the counter at Chicken Perfect - not on my last day. Here I am with my buddy Jack.
L-R: Mustafa (manager of the Farmers Market & really nice guy), me & Jack.
My last official act as the Director of Education & Programs was a visit to Ms. Bonini's class at PS 182.
ONGOING EVENTS AT KING MANOR
Walking Tour of Jamaica Available by appointment for groups (10 people minimum).
Take a trip around town and see history in the making. Learn about Jamaica's agricultural roots and its transformation into a modern city. Your guide will also lead you to landmarked buildings and sites - all within walking distance of historic King Manor, Jamaica's oldest house! Call (718) 206-0545 for appointment.
The Fox Lectures Available by appointment for groups (25 people minimum).
Roy Fox, Caretaker Plenipotentiary of King Manor, talks about Rufus King's life and accomplishments. These lectures are available for groups at King Manor or at your location by appointment. Call (718) 206-0545.
1. The Power of the Unknown Citizen. Learn about Rufus King's life and accomplishments. Hear what men like President John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster and other notables had to say about King.
2. Second Time Around: The Writing of the United States Constitution. With the failure of the Articles of Confederation, the founding fathers gathered in Philadelphia for a second attempt at constitution writing. Rufus King was present throughout this Constitutional Convention and took copious notes of the proceedings. Learn about the role he played in shaping this document and see a facsimile of King's personal copy of a draft of the Constitution, recently rediscovered.
3. Seized With Cramps. King spoke out against slavery his entire life. Hear about the influences his anti-slavery views had and learn why slave owners were "seized with cramps" at the mention of Rufus King's name.
School Tours of King Manor Available by appointment on site.
Visit the home of an important Founding Father, Rufus King. Enjoy a PRIVATE tour of King Manor with your own personal tour guide! Tours consist of a video, guided tour of 19th century period rooms, hands-on exhibits, and handling collections. Tours range from 1st grade - graduate levels (call for specific types of tours for appropriate levels). Tours are available all year long by appointment and last from 1 - 2 hours. Teacher workshops offered regularly. Call (718) 206-0545.