Colored Sailors Home

William Powell, an abolitionist, founded the Colored Sailors’ Home at Gold and John Streets in Manhattan. The home provided Black sailors with shelter and employment support, while also serving as a meeting place for anti-slavery activists. It became a refuge for fugitive slaves, offering them food, shelter, and disguises. After Powell left for Europe, Albro and Mary Lyons took over, and together they helped approximately 1,000 escaped slaves. This key institution played a significant role in New York City's Underground Railroad efforts.