VOELKER ORTH MUSEUM
Bird Sanctuary and Victorian Garde


 

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  •  The Voelker Orth Family
  •  House and Garden
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    Who We Are

    The Voelker Orth Museum, Bird Sanctuary and Victorian Garden occupies a home that was purchased by a German immigrant named Conrad Voelcker who emigrated from Germany in 1881. After his death in 1930, the house became the home of his daughter, Theresa Voelker and her husband, Dr. Rudolph Orth. Their daughter, Elisabetha Orth, who lived in the house most of her life, in her will established the organization which now runs the museum. The immediate goal of the organization was the restoration of the Voelker Orth homestead. More than a century old, this house has been the home of a single family for nearly its entire history and has changed little since the days of Conrad Voelcker.

    A distinguishing feature of the museum is the garden, containing plants that were once regular favorites in the Victorian era. The garden is maintained using eighteenth century propagation methods and gardening techniques, such as hand pruning and the use of natural fertilizers and pesticides. Serving as a sanctuary, the garden’s many varieties of berry bushes and trees attract migrating birds, such as orioles, mockingbirds, and hummingbirds, as well as local species like cardinals and blue jays. In June and July, our butterfly bush attracts monarchs, swallowtails, and other species, and our bee hive is home to a thriving colony of honey bees which produce a modest amount of honey for our educational programs.

     

     

    Mission Statement

    The Voelker Orth Museum, Bird Sanctuary and Victorian Garden has as its purpose to perpetuate Elisabeth Orth's interest in preserving the historical and cultural heritage of Queens and Long Island, and to disseminate knowledge in these areas for the benefit of the ever-changing population of these communities.

     


    Our Award-Winning House and Garden
    The Voelker Orth Museum, Bird Sanctuary and Victorian Garden is the proud recipient of two awards.

    Environmental Enhancement Award
    The Long Island Nursery and Landscape Association has given the 2005 Gold Award in the commercial category to Ireland Gannon for the creation of our Victorian Garden.

    First Prize Award
    The Chamber of Commerce, Borough of Queens, New York, has awarded first prize to the Voelker Orth Museum for excellence in design, 2002.