Once New York State officially abolished slavery in 1827, the Black population in Troy saw a need to establish organizations, often called “benevolent societies” to assist not only the Black residents in Troy as the transition was made but also the freedom seekers who were passing through on their way north to freedom.
Read MoreWhen a child is named after two abolitionist giants of the 19th century, it is no wonder that Garnet Douglass Baltimore was destined for greatness.
Read MorePeter Baltimore was a barber and his barbershop, located on First Street, was a documented part of the Underground Railroad.
Read MoreIn recognition of Black History Month, the Hart Cluett Museum has gathered some resources to provide greater access to the Black voices that have defined the city of Troy, Rensselaer County, and the nation.
Read MoreThe City of Troy had several religious congregations organized for the benefit of the growing Black population in Troy and Rensselaer County in the 19th century.
Read MoreRev. Henry Highland Garnet was an important figure in the Abolitionist Movement and in the Black community of Troy, NY.
Read MoreJohn Dunn (1896-1963) was born in South Troy and educated at St. John’s Parochial School…
Read MoreThis wonderful portrait of a lion was discovered a number of years ago by Hughes and Eva Gemmill, during demolition of a summer kitchen in a house in Poestenkill.
Read MoreThis watercolor, pen and ink portrait of Peter Baltimore was done in the late 1840s.
Read More“In Our Communities” is a section within The Way We Work(ed) that helps us to explore more broadly the impact of where we work.
Read MoreInterested in learning more about Woman’s Suffrage, the 72-years it took to ratify the 19th amendment, and the narratives of those who fought for Women’s right to vote?
Read MoreCould you imagine Congress Street NOW? With two-way traffic?!
Read MoreWilliam Wallace Robertson served in the 11th NY Light Artillery from summer 1862 through the end of the Civil War. He wrote daily in his diary, now part of the collection of the Hart Cluett Museum.
Read MoreRCHS has a large photographic collection. A recent addition is a dramatic view of a 1903 fire in the heart of downtown Troy.
Read MoreStanton P. Lee was the prominent residential and commercial architect of Troy and Rensselaer County in the first half of the 20th century.
Read MoreJob Mattison, of Berlin, Rensselaer County, migrated by canal and steam boat to Wisconsin in 1845. He wrote letters home to his dad, which are now in the collection of RCHS.
Read MoreIn 1901 Dr. and Mrs. Ferguson of Troy went on a grand tour of Europe and the Middle East. Dr. Ferguson took hundreds of photos en route and wrote letters to his students at the nursing school at the local hospital in Troy.
Read MoreThe medals of William Mackey of Troy illustrate his service and sacrifice as a bomber pilot in WWII.
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