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The 1868 Poppenhusen Institute

Home of the First Free Kindergarten in the United States. Offering the public today Cultural, Historic and Educational Programs - Free or at nominal prices.

The 1868 Poppenhusen Institute

Home of the First Free Kindergarten in the United States. Offering the public today Cultural, Historic and Educational Programs - Free or at nominal prices.

Help us provide free and affordable cultural programs in College Point and to preserve the history of the community.

Your support is vital to our continued success.  Consider becoming a member of The Poppenhusen Institute or making a donation today.

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Our Services & Programs

Adhering to the original charter of The Institute, it is our goal to continue to offer the people of the Metropolitan area, life enhancing cultural, recreational, and educational programs, either free or at a nominal fee. It is also our goal to provide a warm, welcoming and encouraging environment to all who enter through "The Doorway of Opportunity."

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News & Events

Stay up to date with all of our latest news and events.

Veterans Day Celebration

Sunday was a beautiful day to honor our veterans. We did it safely with the Tarumi Violinists aboard a vintage trolley. Poppenhusen Institute will never forget the selfless service of […]

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Today, November 11th is Veterans Day – a day set aside to remember and honor those who bravely served their country- many getting severely wounded during that service. 
On Saturday, November 8th the Poppenhusen Institute rented a vintage trolley to transport the Tarumi Violinists throughout the community performing patriotic music. Stops were made at the homes of several veterans, VFW post 885 , the municipal parking lot and MacNeil park. This event was held instead of our annual in-person veterans event at Poppenhusen due to safety concerns related to Covid-19. We hope to be able to hold our in-person event here at Poppenhusen in 2021 No matter how the program will be held-we here at the Cultural Center and Museum at Poppenhusen Institute will never forget our veterans. In recognition of the 70th Anniversary of the Korean War, James E. Haas has written an informative article on the war and the men from College Point who served. Please see attached.

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Another Virtual Trip to the Tenement Museum

Join this 6-p minute interactive virtual visit to the Tenement Museum conducted by a Tenement Museum Educator. You’ll “go inside” 97 Orchard Street to visit with the Moore Family, an […]

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Landmark News October 2020

              Landmark News- October 2020 Hello once again from the Cultural Center and Museum at the Poppenhusen Institute . Although recent times have been challenging- things are finally opening up around […]

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The Poppenhusen Institute Historical Image

The Poppenhusen Institute

The Poppenhusen Institute was built in 1868 with funds donated by Conrad Poppenhusen, the benefactor of College Point. The original charter specified that it be open to all, irrespective of race, creed or religion, giving people the opportunity to improve their lives either by preparing them for better job or improving their leisure time. The institute housed the Justice of the Peace, the first home of the College Point Savings Bank, German Singing Societies, the first library in the area, a court room, the Sheriff’s Office (2 jail cells remain today), as well as the first free kindergarten in the United States which began here on July 1st,1870.

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