Philomathean Literary Society

Description

Opened, 1826

Established in 1826 as a social and literary club and a place to discuss the arts for young African American men. Speakers and officers included many African Free School alumni.

Established, 1832

School No. 5, an African School for Black children, was established by the New York Manumission Society at 161 Duane Street. By 1836, it had 116 students and changed its name to "Colored" School No. 5 in 1838. The school also hosted the Philomathean Society, which advocated for abolition and civil rights, with notable support from figures like Peter Augustus Jay.

Demolished, 1843

The building was later demolished and rebuilt as a 24-foot wide, four-story brick-clad boarding house with the school on the upper floor, listed as Colored School No. 5.

Closed, 1849

The building was later demolished in 1843 but housed Colored School No. 5 until 1849, with different commercial tenants by 1858.

Related People & Organizations

New York Manumission Society

Related Sites

The 1st African Free School in NY

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37-24, 24th St, Suite 102, Long Island City, NY 11101