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Brooklyn Historical Society

The Brooklyn Historical Society's (BHS) collections include significant original archival materials that are essential to the story of abolition and underground railroad in Brooklyn. These include the papers of Henry Ward Beecher, a huge collection of slave papers: sermons (pro and con), lectures, and newspaper clippings from the 1840s through the 1860s, artifacts such as Henry Ward Beecher's pulpit chair, and extensive collection of early photographs, including early daguerreotypes and stereo cards. BHS' archives contains materials on related sites in Brooklyn such as Weeksville, Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, and Plymouth Church/Church of the Pilgrims records from the 1850s - 1950s. BHS also has had land conveyances from the 19th century and earlier that would list property transactions, especially for private residences that may have been part of the Underground Railroad. Additionally, the BHS collection of maps and street atlases will also provide excellent images for use in the mapping of local historic sites and in the interpretive exhibitions.

Visitor Information: Currently open to public.

Location: 128 Pierrepont St, Brooklyn, 11201

National Park Unit: No

Ownership: Deborah Schwartz

Location Type: Facility