Jamaica

Understanding Jamaica

Rufus King bought the house and estate in 1805 and developed a working farm. After the last King family resident died, the City bought the property. The King Manor Association formed in 1900 to preserve it.

JCAL began in 1972, reusing the former Queens Register of Titles and Deeds building as an arts center. It later expanded into a former church nearby. The two buildings connect civic and religious architecture with contemporary arts.

Places to explore

• King Manor Museum

  150-03 Jamaica Avenue

  Join a guided tour to learn about Rufus King's political career and antislavery history. Reservations are encouraged; groups of eight or more should call ahead. Check the current tour schedule.

  Read the NYFE place guide

• Jamaica Arts Center / JCAL

  161-04 Jamaica Avenue

  Choose a gallery exhibition, arts class or other program from JCAL. Check the specific program for booking and use the Arts Center address.

  Read the NYFE place guide

• Jamaica Performing Arts Center / JPAC

  153-10 Jamaica Avenue

  Attend a booked performance or screening in the converted former Dutch Reformed Church. This is a separate building from the Arts Center. Use the venue named on the event ticket.

Planning a visit

King Manor lists the E/J at Jamaica Center–Parsons/Archer, the F at Parsons Boulevard and LIRR Jamaica as arrival options. Plan the street approach to the house and check current service.

King Manor has a rear entrance ramp and first-floor restrooms. Upper-floor access requires steps, and some doorways have raised thresholds. Contact the museum about your access needs; the whole house is not step-free.