Rev. Theodore Wright House

Theodore Wright, born free, was an active abolitionist and minister in New York City church on Prince Street. In 1833, he became one of the founders of the American Anti-Slavery Society as well as the Vigilance Committee. Wright’s Tribeca home became a stop on the Underground Railroad, at a time when slave catchers roamed the streets of the city and kidnapped runaways to return them south. While there are few documents preserved, it is believed that Wright helped 28 men, women, and children by bringing them food and a way to get to Albany. From there, all 28 fled to Canada, where they could live free. Wright helped many slaves to freedom, but there are few documents that tell about his work, since it was illegal. His original Dutch-style house located at 2 White Street still exists, preserved as a New York City landmark.He was a founding member of the American Anti-Slavery Society and president of the New York Committee of Vigilance. During the riots of 1834, white toughs attacked the offices and homes of abolitionists, breaking and burning everything they could lay their hands on.