The Voelker Orth Museum

Stepping back in time, imagine yourselves in 1891. A local businessman, James Bouton, constructed a charming two-story house in the burgeoning Murray Hill neighborhood of Flushing, Queens. This house, now known as The Voelker Orth Museum, stands before you as a testament to the rich history of this area. The Voelker Orth Museum isn’t just a house. It’s a portal into the lives of a German immigrant family and their impact on this community. The story begins with Conrad Voelcker, a German immigrant who, in 1899, purchased this very house. He moved in with his wife, Elizabeth, and their infant daughter, Theresa. The Voelker family made this house their home, and it remained in the family for generations. Conrad Voelcker, originally from Edenkoben, Germany, arrived in the United States in 1881 at the age of nineteen. A man of enterprise, he established a printing business and a German language newspaper, Der Pfälzer in Amerika, in 1884. The family lived in Manhattan, New Jersey, and Brooklyn before settling in the then-suburban oasis of Murray Hill. This allowed Conrad a relatively short commute to his printing business while raising his family in a tranquil setting. The Voelker Orth Museum chronicles the family’s life through their preserved furnishings and personal photographs, offering a glimpse into their daily lives. After Conrad’s death in 1930, his daughter, Theresa Voelker Orth, and her husband, Dr. Rudolph Orth, became the custodians of the house. Their daughter, Elisabetha “Betty” Orth, grew up within these walls and ultimately ensured its preservation by establishing the museum in her will. The Voelker Orth Museum opened to the public in 2003, showcasing not only the family’s history but also the cultural and horticultural heritage of Flushing. Behind the museum lies a remarkable Victorian garden, a sanctuary for both birds and history enthusiasts. Maintained using traditional 18th-century gardening techniques, this garden is a living testament to the past. The garden’s variety of berry bushes and trees attracts a symphony of birdsong from sparrows, mockingbirds, robins, cardinals, and blue jays. Even a bee hive thrives within this urban oasis, its honey harvested for educational programs and sold in the museum’s gift shop. The Voelker Orth Museum has been recognized for its historical and cultural significance. It was designated a New York City Landmark in 2007 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. As you stand before The Voelker Orth Museum, remember that you’re not just looking at a house. You’re looking at a legacy, a testament to the immigrant experience, and a beautifully preserved piece of Flushing’s history.