Stephen and Harriet Myers House, Albany

The Stephen and Harriet Myers House is located on Livingston Avenue in Albany, New York, United States. It is a Greek Revival townhouse built in the mid-19th century. In 2004 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence. It is also listed on the New York State Underground Railroad Heritage Trail and is a site on the National Park Service's National Network to Freedom.
Stephen Myers, himself freed from slavery in his youth, served for a time as chairman of the Vigilance Committee of Albany, which met here in a house built and owned by an African American boat captain who was possibly his brother-in-law. He and his wife Harriet actively assisted others escaping from slavery for nearly 30 years; he also edited some abolitionist newspapers and spoke with Frederick Douglass at anti-slavery events. He was also active in efforts to improve the Albany African American community, helping to found one of the first schools specifically for it in the city.
The house was later saved from demolition during urban renewal in the 1970s. It has been neglected but is being restored by the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, a community-based historical society, with public and private funds. Find out how to plan Albany trip without stress by asking Inspirock to help create an itinerary.