We hope that everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. Although there has been an abundance of trials that people faced this past year- there are also many things for which we can still be thankful.
Looking ahead to 2021, the year that the Institute will be celebrating its 153 anniversary . The restoration continues as we strive to return this 19th century structure to its original state of grandeur .
Upcoming Capital projects-
Windows and Surrounds– The design phase which began in 2019 was shut down due to Covid-19. However, meetings via Zoom will finally begin sometime before the end of the year. If things go smoothly , then we expect the actual construction to begin sometime in early summer of 2021. That will complete Phase 1 of the exterior restoration
New capital funds will be applied for in February for the completion of the restoration of the exterior.
By 2024 the landmark Poppenhusen Institute should once agon be the historic and architectural gem that its benefactor, Conrad Poppenhusen intended it to be.
Interior smaller projects- Volunteers are needed to plaster and paint small sections of the Institute. If you have that skill and want to make a difference, please contact us.
Tree Lighting at Poppenhusen Monument- Took place on Sunday , December 6. Due to Covid-19 no special ceremony was held. And this year’s tree was smaller than in previous years. However, we wanted to be sure that there were still some twinkling lights for those passing by to see – sharing with them a hope for a better and brighter tomorrow.
In 2021 we plan on having a large tree, along with our traditional ceremony and hot chocolate and cookies for those in attendance. And if funding permits, we will rent a vintage trolley to transport a small band and carolers throughout the community.
The tree and greenery at Poppenhusen Institute and Monument have been donated by Gregtrees.com for nearly two decades. In fact, CBS news recently did a segment on Greg who also donates to other places around the borough and city as well.
Saturday, December 12 at 1:00 PM – The Holiday Troubadour show- with Richard Stillman
A one man show with Richard Stillman, including Christmas Carols, Hannukah Songs and Kwanza music with Step Dancing and Storytelling.
Special Guest – A no contact Santa Claus who will be on the stage and the children will be below him.
Tickets- $5.00- and must be reserved since space is limited to allow for proper social distancing. To be held in the second floor Grand Hall ( our elevator will be accessible)
Planned Programs for Next Year–
–Walking and Trolley Tours of the community will be scheduled for May. Stay tuned for the dates.
– Irish Café Afternoon is on hold until have more information about vaccine distribution
– Family Painting in the Garden- instructed by Linda Rufo- This program was a big hit throughout the pandemic. We were able to hold these sessions in a very safe manner while offering some culture and much needed respite to the members of the community.
To begin on Saturday April 3 at 11:00 AM Fee- $8.00 a session
– Clay Sculpting for Youth- Instructor, Steve Palermo – to begin Saturday April 10 at 10:00 AM.
Scheduling Small Group Private Tours– If you have never participated in a guided tour of this historic building, home of the First Free Kindergarten in the US, you can do that now. That includes a stop in the old village jail cells. Small private groups can be scheduled by contacting us at either our email address or by phone. For groups with children ,a visit to the newly upgraded and expanded Native American exhibit is a must see.
Suggested Donation- $5.00
A 2020 Time Capsule Project
We invite everyone , both youth and adults to send us , or compose and hold until the Spring, your experiences regarding the challenges you encountered during the past year. Some may consider contributing a remembrance of loved ones who passed away or were ill . Personal items related to those individuals such as religious mementos, obituaries and photographs might bring a personal level to the capsule when it is opened a century from now.
You can also include small items that best represent your personal experiences during this year of the “unknowns”. Items such as , a take-out menu from your favorite restaurant, an unusual unused handmade face mask, a piece or name of a game that helped distract you from the stresses that were daily assaulting you.
You might consider making this a family or organization project.
Written statements will be copied onto acid free paper for longevity.
The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2021. But you can also bring them to the Time Capsule event listed below. However, we would like to receive as many ahead of time as possible.
On April 17 at 11:00 Am the “burial” of the time capsule will take place. At that time individuals will have the opportunity to share the reasons why they chose certain items for the capsule and how 2020 affected them.
The capsule will then be sealed and will be opened in 100 years. The letters and items inside the capsule will assist anthropologists, archaeologists, historians, and the general population in having a better understanding of the experiences of the members of the community.
Be a part of history- submit your statement and one day a descendant of yours might have the opportunity to read it when the time capsule is opened on 2121.
The First Reformed Church of College Point
In January 2021, after 18 years as pastor of the First Reformed church , which began at Poppenhusen Institute, Pastor Linda Gold will be relocating with her family to upstate New York. For almost two decades , Pastor Linda has been a wonderful community partner of the Poppenhusen Institute . Each year without hesitation she agreed to participate in both our 9/11 and Veterans Remembrances programs, offering up the invocations . And several years ago, she worked diligently with the Institute when we tried to create a College Point Coalition for the Homeless of the area. Additionally, she included our events and programs in the church’s weekly bulletin.
Pastor will be missed , but we wish her and her family the absolute best in this next chapter of their lives.
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Our goal is that the Institute remains relevant to the people of the community.
What programs and events would you like to see here in the future?
Contact us at [email protected] or 718-358-0067 for more information
Our programs and operations are funded in part with public finds from the NYC Dept. of Cultural Affairs, Councilman Paul Vallone New York State Office of Parks , Recreation and Historic Preservation and One Point of Light Foundation
Stay Safe- Healthy and Hope-Filled and Count Each and Every Day as Precious