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AFTER ALMOST a century as a historic site in Jamaica, Queens, Rufus King Manor is attempting something new. When the museum holds its grand reopening, set for February, it will, for the first time in its history, have regular hours, a permanent schedule of community activities, and maybe even a full-time staff.
By January, the museum should have most of its estimated 900 pieces of 18thand 19th-Century furniture, decorative arts and memorabilia displayed throughout the manor. An audio-visual program, a permanent fence to surround the manor, and a museum reception desk should also be installed by the end of the year.
King Manor, the 29-room home of three generations of Kings, is currently one of 16 historic houses owned by the City of New York, and administered by the Department of Parks and Recreation. The manor is maintained as a public museum by the King Manor Association of Long Island (KMA), a private, not-for-profit organization consisting of 27 members - including representatives from civic groups, local businesses, residents and the historic preservation field.
Roy Fox, caretaker of the manor for the past four years, and also a resident of a third-floor room, said he thinks the museum will be an invaluable link to the Jamaica community.
"As soon as we open the gates on a weekend, people just drift to the house. They're just drawn to it," Fox said. "It will enable the community to get a better picture of not only Rufus King, but the history...