Cocktails, Constitution, and Community at King Manor
Gerald Caliendo, Susan Shiroma, Peter Klarnet, Christine Davis, Scott Davis
In Jamaica, Queens, the King Manor Museum held its annual Constitution and Cocktails fundraiser, bringing together community leaders, history enthusiasts, and supporters for a lively evening of celebration on Constitution Day, September 17. Hosted at the historic home of Founding Father Rufus King, the evening seamlessly combined hospitality, history, and civic spirit.
Guests enjoyed an open bar of handcrafted cocktails, curated hors d’oeuvres, and live music while exploring the landmark estate that preserves the legacy of Rufus King—an early U.S. Senator, signer of the Constitution, and outspoken opponent of slavery. On display in the parlor room was a rare treasure: an original copy of the U.S. Constitution with annotations by Rufus King himself. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz reflected after viewing the document: “We are the United States of America, we do welcome changes, differences of opinion, and we welcome debate.” King Manor’s Executive Director, Kelsey Brow, echoed the theme of civic learning, adding, “We lead with a spirit of learning from the world around us and challenging perceived notions. At King Manor, we make our visitors feel like empowered learners, interested in thinking about why things are the way they are and what they can do to make things better.”
Christie’s Senior Specialist Peter Klarnet, who helped arrange the loan of the Constitution, emphasized the importance of sharing such artifacts with the public: “We here at Christie’s are very glad and pleased to share documents like this with everybody. We’re not just here to sell expensive things to wealthy people… What keeps all of us coming back to work are opportunities like this, where we can share these special objects with everybody. I think they do belong to everyone.”
Regina Bain
DA Melinda Katz
Kelsey Brow, Whitney Barat, Walter Sanchez
This year’s fundraiser also recognized two outstanding community leaders for their civic contributions: Regina Bain, Executive Director of the Louis Armstrong House Museum, celebrated for her inspiring leadership in arts and cultural preservation, and Whitney Barrat, President of the Downtown Jamaica Partnership BID, honored for her commitment to equity and urban sustainability. The evening culminated in a surprise announcement from King Manor board member Amir Sobhraj, who presented a proclamation from the NYC Mayor’s office declaring September 17, 2025, as King Manor Museum Day.
The night’s distinguished guests included King Manor Board Members Daphne Jay Bell, Gerald Caliendo, Peter Florey, Olivier Labossiere, Tunisia Morrison, Peter Philips, Walter Sanchez, Susan Shiroma, Zenith Taylor, Anna-Marie Vallone, and Leslie Wickham; New York State Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman; Historic House Trust Executive Director Giulietta Fiore; Loycent Gordon, owner of Neir’s Tavern; Old Stone House Director Kim Maier; and Michelle Stoddart, Senior Vice President of Resorts World.
Funds raised from Constitution and Cocktails ensure the continuation of King Manor’s interactive programs and exhibitions, which connect past and present to foster civic engagement and critical thinking. Each year, over 14,000 visitors—students, families, and lifelong learners—are welcomed into this historic space to better understand the foundations of American democracy.
King Manor Museum is located in King Park at 150-03 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, New York, accessible via the E train to Jamaica Center, the LIRR to Jamaica, the F train to Parsons, and several major bus lines. The museum was home and farm to Rufus King from 1805 to 1827. Later inherited by his son, John Alsop King—who served as Governor of New York and fought against unjust fugitive slave laws—the site continues to use this history to inspire civic dialogue and community resilience.
📍 King Manor Museum
150-03 Jamaica Ave, Queens, NY
