A recently uncovered secret passage behind a piece of furniture in a historic home in Manhattan has been confirmed to be part of the Underground Railroad, a network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. The Merchant’s House Museum had long suspected the existence of the passage but was unaware of its original purpose until recent investigations linked it to the abolicionist movement. The house, built in the 1830s by Joseph Brewster, an outspoken abolitionist, served as a ‘safe house’ for escaping slaves from the southern United States.

The house in which the passage was found is located on East 4th Street, constructed by Brewster who sold the property to the Treadwell family in 1835, who lived there until 1933. Research has shed light on the vital role this location played during a crucial time in American history, emphasizing the local commitment to the abolitionist cause and the courage of those who risked their lives to aid in the escape of enslaved individuals.

This discovery draws attention to the importance of local history in understanding broader national issues such as slavery and human rights. It not only highlights the historical significance of the Underground Railroad but also serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by those seeking freedom. Museums and historians are now encouraged to delve deeper into similar local narratives to uncover hidden histories that contribute to our understanding of the past.