Part of Underground Railroad found in NYC museum closet

Key Concepts

• Underground Railroad: A network of secret routes and safe houses established in the United States during the early to mid-19th century to aid enslaved African Americans in escaping to freedom.
• Abolitionist: A person who advocated for the end of slavery.
• Merchant House Museum: A historic house museum in the East Village, New York City, which has recently revealed a hidden passage believed to be part of the Underground Railroad.
• Freedom Seekers: Individuals escaping enslavement.
• Pocket Doors: Doors that slide into a wall cavity, often used to save space.

Discovery of a Hidden Passage at the Merchant House Museum

A significant discovery has been made at the Merchant House Museum in New York City’s East Village: a hidden passage believed to be part of the Underground Railroad. This concealed space, located within a closet wall, remained undetected for decades, only coming to light when painters removed built-in drawers during renovations. The passage dates back to 1832 and was constructed by Joseph Brewster, the home’s original owner and a known abolitionist.

Physical Description and Access

The hiding place is accessed through a concealed opening behind built-in drawers within a closet located between bedrooms. The drawers themselves are original to the house, dating back to 1832. Access involves entering “legs first” and climbing down a ladder. The passage is described as being “extremely hidden,” with no apparent domestic purpose for its construction. Notably, the space built around a pocket door was unusually large, intentionally creating room for the secret passage. Pocket doors, typically installed for space-saving purposes, were utilized here to camouflage the hiding spot.

Historical Context and Brewster’s Role

Joseph Brewster’s involvement as an abolitionist is central to understanding the passage’s purpose. As the builder of the house, he would have been intimately involved in its design and construction, deliberately incorporating the hiding place. The discovery confirms the long-held institutional archive story of the passage’s initial discovery during painting work. The existence of this passage highlights the risks taken by individuals assisting freedom seekers. In New York at that time, aiding escaping slaves was dangerous, potentially jeopardizing livelihoods and lives.

Significance of the Find

The passage is considered exceptionally important because of its intact condition. According to researchers, “There are no other spaces that really still exist intact like this.” This makes the Merchant House Museum’s discovery a unique and valuable piece of Underground Railroad history. The location of the passage “in plain sight” underscores the courage of Brewster, who risked everything by building it into his new home.

Research and Future Investigations

Current research is focused on identifying other similar spaces that may have been used as part of the Underground Railroad. The museum’s investigation aims to understand the full extent of Brewster’s involvement and the passage’s role in assisting freedom seekers.

Notable Quote

“This homeowner had everything to lose. Yet, he built this into his brand new home,” emphasizes the personal risk undertaken by Brewster in supporting the Underground Railroad. – Michelle Charlessworth, Channel 7 Eyewitness News.

Synthesis

The discovery at the Merchant House Museum provides a tangible connection to the Underground Railroad and the bravery of those who risked their safety to help others achieve freedom. The remarkably preserved passage offers a rare glimpse into the clandestine network that aided enslaved people escaping to freedom, and highlights the dedication of abolitionists like Joseph Brewster. This find serves as a powerful reminder of a critical period in American history and the ongoing importance of remembering and learning from the past.