Hello once again from the historic, Poppenhusen Institute. It has been a long and challenging 4 1/2 half months since the Institute had to temporarily close down it’s in – person programs. But we assure you that it may take time, but this 152-year-old NYC Landmark is here to stay. We still have much to offer to the members of the community.
What is still going on?
–The Virtual Piano Lessons that were held this Spring for 15 students, went extremely well. These young participants progressed very nicely . The students will continue with their lessons throughout the summer. We will reevaluate the situation in mid- September to determine if we can resume in-person sessions.
If you are interested in having your child participate in the virtual lessons, which are $150.00 for ten half -hour private session, contact us at [email protected]
. We hope to hold an in-person recital in late Fall in the Grand hall which has Carnegie Hall like acoustics Everyone will be welcome to attend ..
Saturday June 27th – A Traveling Trolley Musical Performance – What a Smash!
This turned out to be a big hit and we were fortunate to have a sun-blessed day.
In the morning, a six – piece Mariachi band hopped on -board and performed from the rear balcony of the trolley. We travelled up and down the streets of College Point entertaining those shopping on the boulevard or working in their gardens. We also made stops at the municipal parking lot and MacNeil park where the band disembarked performed a longer concert.
In the afternoon Ko-Art Korean Drummers, were transported throughout the community making numerous stops along the way. It was evident that many of the spectators had never heard of Poppenhusen Institute or knew about the high-quality performance we offer. Now they do , and we look forward to increased visitation in the new year when everything opens up again
Back Here at the Poppenhusen Institute
Sunday September 6th – 1:00 Pm 9/11 Remembrance Concert with the angelic voice of Mary Courtney . This program will be held in the garden of the Institute- where we will ensure that social distancing will be maintained. Masks will be required, and temperatures will be taken prior to our guests being given access onto the property.
Saturday, September 12th – Fall Festival and Celebration of Life event (formerly Oktoberfest)- Most of this event has been cancelled . However, “Twin Gold”, the 50s &60s group , that was scheduled to perform at the latter part of this event will still perform from 3:00-5:00 PM.
To maintain safe conditions for our guests, the following rules have been implemented :
1.Reservations must be made
2.Masks are required
3.Temperatures will be taken
4.Guests will be required to answer basic questions about recent travel or any symptoms that that might be experiencing at that time.
5. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs.
6. No food or beverages will be available. You are welcome to bring your own.
No one enjoys all the rules we presently need to adhere to. However, we want to find ways to share the wonderful music of Jane and Louise, who have become favorites in our garden concert series, with you our members and friends. We miss you and want to see you back here real soon. Hope you can join us for the concert.
Ticket Price- Suggested Donation- $5.00
A Bit of College Point History –
Did You Know:
–The first woman director of the Institute was Sarah Mottram Borneman. That was in 1960, 92 years after its founding.
-During WWl the Institute was the headquarters of the Liberty Loans, Red Cross, Knitting Club, Boy Scouts and Home Defense . Besides contributing time, money, and free use of the building for all war work, the Institute was instrumental in erecting the Town Honor Roll.
– The Institute was the original home of the Masons. Knights of Columbus, the First Reformed Church, and the Poppenhusen Library.
Our goal is that the Institute remain relevant to the people of the community. What programs and events would you like to see here in the future? Answer by using this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NLHDKDV .
Visit poppenhuseninstitute.org to enjoy a recent video ,“Immigration Then & Now”
Restoration Update
Accessibility Project- Our elevator, which was 16 years in the planning and waiting phase, has now been up and running without any issues for four months. We believe that it will still be working properly when the facility reopens to the public.
Exterior Restoration- Because the Accessibility project took so long to complete the original projected cost tripled . Therefore, there is not enough funding to complete the exterior restoration . Therefore, the project will be done in phases.
Phase ! will include the windows and surrounds- that phase is funded. We expect the project to be begin in the Spring of 2021.
Phase ll- The Remainder of the Exterior- is not funded at this time. We will be requesting city capital funding for that phase in February 2021. However, the funding is indefinite
Contact us at [email protected] or 718-358-0067 for more information
Stay Safe- Healthy and Hope-Filled and Count Each and Every Day as Precious