Why it is Important to Save this Home
It is an irreplaceable piece of Central New York history! Women of the University enjoyed an afternoon tour at the mansion.
This historic mansion was built by George and Rebecca Barnes in 1853. Their home was a center of civic-minded activity in our community. In honor of their leadership and commitment to the people of Central New York, the Foundation has been established in their names.
This house was a gathering place for such notables as Rev. Samuel Joseph May (who actually presided over the marriage of George and Rebecca); Garrett Smith; Elizabeth Cady Stanton and her husband, Henry.
George and Rebecca Barnes were dedicated abolitionists and often placed themselves in danger to help a slave flee to safety. The mansion played a key role in the abolitionist movement in Syracuse, and has been recognized as one of the stops along the Underground Railroad, Freedom Trail. George and Rebecca held many meetings in the house and oral history supports that they hid slaves during their long journey north, often having them hide in the basement and carriage house until safe passage could be found.
Source: http://www.grbarnes.org/about/
