The Merchant’s House is OPEN during restoration! Enter the Museum via Manuel Plaza, 35 East 4th Street.

 

At left, the hidden passageway at the Merchant's House is the earliest intact site on the Underground Railroad in Manhattan. At left, a bold graphic reading "save the landmark Merchant's House!"

The secret passageway at the Merchant’s House is the only intact site of the Underground Railroad in Manhattan – and the only one open to the public. Photo by Max Touhey.

The Merchant’s House, Abolition, and the Underground Railroad

Three years of research has revealed a previously unknown, fully intact site of the Underground Railroad
at the landmark 1832 Merchant’s House Museum.

Learn More about the UGRR Site 

The hidden passageway is located along the west wall, just a few 1832 bricks
away from the proposed construction.
It will be destroyed if development is allowed to move forward. 

Save the Merchant’s House and the Underground Railroad!

Please sign our petition!

Learn More & Donate.

  • Upcoming Events

    Wednesday, September 30, 6:00 p.m.
    Death Matters: From Your Parlor to Ours – The Growth of the Neighborhood Funeral Home

    Saturday, October 3, 7 p.m.
    East Village Ghosts Walking Tour

    Friday, October 16 – Friday, October 30
    Candlelight Ghost Tours

    See the full Calendar of Events.

  • Visit the Merchant’s House

    Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
    Take a Guided Tour, 12 p.m.
    Visit five floors of period rooms, as well as the rear garden, with one of our knowledgeable guides. 60-75 minutes. $20, FREE for MHM Members.

    Visit at Your Own Pace, 1 to 5 p.m., last entry 4:30.
    Our self-guided tour booklet will lead you through five floors of period rooms, as well as the rear garden. Docents are available to answer questions. $15, FREE for MHM Members.

    Tickets & Information