Meng Bill Seeking to Make Queens Historic Sites Part of National Park Service Signed into Law by President Obama

Legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) that seeks to make Queens historic sites part of the National Park Service has been signed into law by President Obama.

The measure, which the President signed as part of a broader authorization bill, requires the Secretary of the Interior – whose agency administers federal parks – to study the viability of the National Park Service supporting spots associated with the Flushing Remonstrance, the document signed in 1657 that is recognized as the precursor of religious freedom in America. Properties that will be examined are the John Bowne House and the Old Quaker Meetinghouse, both of which are located in Flushing.

"The Flushing Remonstrance is a vital part of American history but few Americans – and few New Yorkers – know much about it," said Meng. "It's time for that to change, and this study could finally allow Queens to claim its rightful place in U.S. history. I ask National Park Service officials to begin their study as soon as possible and I eagerly await the results."

Although the National Park Service has not yet set a timetable for the study, the agency plans to use internal standards to determine whether the Bowne and Quaker meetinghouse meet the criteria to be included in the nation's park system. The criteria will be based on the sites meeting national significance, suitability, and feasibility, as well as the need for National Park Service management. The study, which could lead to the two locations becoming a National Historic Park or a National Historic Site, will also consider other alternatives for preservation and protection. The study is estimated to cost $200,000 to $300,000.

Meng introduced the Flushing Remonstrance Study Act in September 2013, and the measure recently passed the House and Senate. During a Congressional hearing on the bill earlier this year, National Park Service Associate Director Victor Knox said that the Interior Department supports the study.

The Flushing Remonstrance was signed by 30 citizens of Flushing on December 27, 1657 to protest the policy that banned Quakers from practicing their religion in the colony of New Netherland, a move that was vigorously opposed by the local government. After area resident John Bowne was jailed – and later banished to the Netherlands – for allowing Quakers to hold religious services in his house, he continued to fight the policy, and as a result, the Quakers were eventually allowed to practice freely.

The John Bowne House, owned by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, includes the section built in 1661 that hosted the meetings held by the Quakers, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located at 37-01 Bowne Street.

The Old Quaker Meetinghouse, owned by the Flushing Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, was built in 1694 by John Bowne and other Quakers, and is a National Historic Landmark for architecture and religion. It is located at 137-16 Northern Boulevard.

Meng expressed her appreciation to all who supported her legislation, in particular, Adam Sackowitz, a local history buff who first suggested the Remonstrance bill to her.