What was initially a gift from benefactor Conrad Poppenhusen in 1868 to help the residents of College Point improve their leisure time has become a designated New York City landmark and neighborhood cultural hub. The Poppenhusen Institute served as the town hall of College Point and has been home to several municipal adjuncts, including the sheriff’s office and the country’s first free kindergarten, established in 1870.
According to Susan K. Brustmann, executive director, the Institute has faced hardships in funding and maintenance since the very beginning. But, she attributes its perseverance and success to their dedicated staff, board members, volunteers and constructive programming. Brustmann says she feels “honored and grateful to have such a conscientious, pleasant, honest and devoted staff, and appreciates the commitment of the Board of Directors and the many wonderful volunteers, who undertake projects that are not funded.” One such group is the Verizon Pioneers, who have a permanent workshop at the Institute and take on weekly restoration and maintenance projects.
Today, the Institute is home to programs such as group guitar, piano, karate, hip-hop, jazz, and dance classes for children and teens and Cozy Caf/ Nights with jazz and music of the 1950s and 1960s. The resident theatre company, the Phoenix Players, presents at least two performances per year, and various concerts are held at the Institute, MacNeil Park and in local nursing homes. Walking and trolley tours of College Point and guided tours of the Institute are offered to school groups as well as the general public, and rental space is available for special occasions.
Upcoming free concerts sponsored by the Institute at MacNeil Park include “The Magic of the King” with Elvis hits by David Lee on July 20, “Risky Business” with music of the 1950s and 1960s on July 27, and “The Something Special Band” with big band hits on August 3, all beginning at 6 p.m. Children’s show’s include “Frannie the Clown” on July 21 and “Tales of New York” on July 28, both beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Brustmann says, “The Institute is not just a shrine to the past, but rather a living museum serving the public today.” Visit the Poppenhusen Institute at 114-04 14th Road in College Point. For further information, call 718-358-0067 or go to www.poppenhuseninstitute.org for a complete list of upcoming events.
