Cocktails for a cause! King Manor Museum’s Constitution & Cocktails gala

Raise a glass to the 236th anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution and support accessible educational programs that foster critical thinking and civic engagement in Queens and beyond.

This year’s honorees:

Mr. Kevin Livingston, Founder of 100 Suits, a Jamaica-based program to address the needs of underprivileged men and women in need of business attire in the New York City area.

Unions New York City District Council of Carpenters and DC9 for their amazing job restoring the exterior of King Manor Museum

Plus –Special guest speaker — Hope Knight, President and & CEO, Empire State Development

The evening will include an open bar, signature cocktail, games with prizes to win, generous hors d’oeuvres, and live music! Enjoy presentations from community members and plenty of time to enjoy our 19th-century period rooms and contemporary art exhibits. Tours and artist talks will also take place.

All proceeds will benefit King Manor’s financially accessible educational and public programming, including remodeling our learning center to make it more welcoming, responsive to our community, and truly ADA accessible. Thank you for your generous support, and we look forward to seeing you there!

About King Manor

Rufus King (1755-1827) bought King Manor in 1805, intending to retire from politics after a distinguished career: American Revolution veteran, framer and signer of the Constitution, U.S. Senator, Ambassador to England, and vocal anti-slavery advocate. In 1819, the slavery issue would compel Rufus to return to the Senate, where he continued to passionately support the anti-slavery movement for the rest of his life.

Rufus’ eldest son John Alsop King (1788-1867) also made his career in politics, serving in Congress, the NYS Legislature, and as Governor of New York from 1857-59. John carried on his father’s legacy of anti-slavery advocacy, strongly opposing the Fugitive Slave Act and other pro-slavery legislation. He and his family resided at King Manor until his own death, after which his daughter Cornelia lived at the house until she passed in 1896.

Open to the public since 1900, today King Manor interprets Rufus King’s political legacy and antislavery history to teach critical thinking for a healthier democracy. We serve over 5,000 NYC schoolchildren every year, offer free community festivals, historic craft days, concerts, walking tours, adult learning programs, and much more!