Story perspectives

Historic Find: Secret Safe House Discovered in NYC Museum

2/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Archaeologists uncovered a concealed space and ladder inside the Merchant's House Museum in Manhattan used as a safe house for escaping enslaved people.
Camille Czerkowicz, the museum's curator, said the find's significance was not realized until now.
Councilman Christopher Marte highlighted the abolitionist ties and relevance to current persecution issues.
The building, constructed in 1832, is a National Historic Landmark.
Preservation attorney Michael Hiller called it a "generational find."

History

Historical Context

Constructed in 1832, the Merchant's House Museum in Manhattan served as a residence for the Tredwell family and later became a significant site for the Underground Railroad. Recent discoveries, including a concealed safe house, highlight its abolitionist history. This underscores the museum's relevance in addressing contemporary social justice issues, as emphasized by Councilman Christopher Marte.

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Story summary

Archaeologists uncovered a concealed space and ladder inside the Merchant's House Museum in Manhattan used as a safe house for escaping enslaved people.
Camille Czerkowicz, the museum's curator, said the find's significance was not realized until now.
Councilman Christopher Marte highlighted the abolitionist ties and relevance to current persecution issues.
The building, constructed in 1832, is a National Historic Landmark.
Preservation attorney Michael Hiller called it a "generational find."

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