Hidden Underground Railroad Connection Discovered in Manhattan Museum

Historians uncover secret passageway in 19th century home linked to the anti-slavery movement.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:23pm

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Historians at the Merchant's House Museum in Manhattan recently discovered a hidden passageway in the 19th century home that they believe was connected to the Underground Railroad, the organized network that helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom. The discovery has reignited the museum's efforts to protect its landmark status and serves as a testament to the impact everyday New Yorkers can have.

Why it matters

The discovery of this hidden Underground Railroad connection sheds new light on New York City's role in the anti-slavery movement during a dangerous time when speaking out against slavery was extremely risky. It also highlights the importance of preserving historic sites that can provide a window into the past and inspire change in the present.

The details

In a built-in closet on the second floor of the Merchant's House Museum, archivists found a hidden space with a ladder going down, which they believe could have been used as a secret passageway or hiding spot connected to the Underground Railroad. The home was originally built by Joseph Brewster, an abolitionist who was active in the anti-slavery movement, and he only lived there for three years before selling it to the Tredwell family in 1835.

  • The discovery was made by historians at the Merchant's House Museum last month.
  • The Merchant's House Museum was built in 1832 by Joseph Brewster.
  • Brewster sold the home to the Tredwell family in 1835.

The players

Merchant's House Museum

A historic house museum in Manhattan that recently discovered a hidden passageway in the 19th century home that they believe was connected to the Underground Railroad.

Joseph Brewster

The original owner of the Merchant's House Museum, who was an abolitionist and active in the anti-slavery movement.

Seabury Tredwell

The man who purchased the Merchant's House Museum from Joseph Brewster in 1835 and whose family would go on to live there for almost 100 years.

Camille Czerkowicz

The curator and collections manager at the Merchant's House Museum who helped discover the hidden passageway.

Emily Hill-Wright

The Director of Operations at the Merchant's House Museum who discussed the discovery and its significance.

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What they’re saying

“We have an access point here, and it extends one floor below, but we're not sure whether there was a door below that or whether it was just a place someone might hide. There's lots of open questions still.”

— Camille Czerkowicz, Curator and Collections Manager, Merchant's House Museum

“What makes this so astounding is that you can see the intention in the way the lid was constructed.”

— Camille Czerkowicz, Curator and Collections Manager, Merchant's House Museum

“Even though enslavement was not legal in New York, New York was a pro-slavery place, and it was very dangerous for Black people and for any white person who spoke out against slavery.”

— Camille Czerkowicz, Curator and Collections Manager, Merchant's House Museum

“The other piece of evidence that I think is really compelling, is that we know that when Joseph Brewster left this house in 1835, he moved downtown, where he was called to be a leader at a new church. And we know that as a leader in this church, he approved another secret space in that church.”

— Emily Hill-Wright, Director of Operations, Merchant's House Museum

What’s next

The museum plans to continue investigating the hidden passageway and its potential connection to the Underground Railroad, as well as reigniting efforts to protect the Merchant's House Museum's landmark status.

The takeaway

This discovery at the Merchant's House Museum sheds new light on New York City's role in the anti-slavery movement and serves as a powerful reminder of the impact everyday people can have in making positive change, even in the face of great danger and adversity.