Hart Cluett Museum

In honor of Black History Month: this photo of the Pliny Moore Grain Building played an important role in the early abolitionist movement in Troy.
Once slavery was abolished in New York State in 1827, Troy became a central location for freedom seekers escaping from southern slave holding states in the years before the Civil War. Local assistance from members of the Eastern New York Anti- Slavery Society created safe passage for the freedom seekers by using the Hudson River and the Erie and Champlain Canals as a conduit to move them on their journey to Canada and freedom.

A grain elevator, located on the banks of the Hudson River near Liberty Street, became one of the primary locations for freedom seekers arriving in Troy. Owner Pliny Moore, a secretary for the Society, would connect the freedom seekers with Rev. Fayette Shipherd of the Bethel Free Congregation, located on the corner of 5th and Fulton Street, and Peter Baltimore, whose barber shop was located next door to the Troy House. Their assistance as well as help from members of the Troy Female African Benevolent Society and the Mental and Moral Improvement Society located in the Athenaeum building next door to the Troy House, enabled the freedom seekers to receive food, clothing, shelter and jobs for those wishing to remain in Troy. For freedom seekers wishing to continue their journey to Canada, letters and instructions to connect to other abolitionists in the county and points north were provided for their safe passage.

🎉 Join us at the 2026 Gala as we honor Justice Edward O. Spain and Rensselaer County Clerk Frank J. Merola with the presentation of the 2026 Hart-Cluett Award for ensuring our shared history is preserved for generations to come! We also want to recognize the Mainella family of Bella Napoli Bakery for their support of our organization and service to our region. 🎉

🗓️ Thursday, March 26th at the Franklin Plaza Ballroom in downtown Troy.

Sponsorships and honorary committee deadline for printed material is 1/16/26 (please inquire after).

🔗click the link in our bio for more info, or visit www.hartcluett.org/2026gala

Have questions? Contact Amanda at 518-272-7232

2026 Hart Cluett Gala | Hart Cluett Museum Join us this year as we honor Justice Edward O. Spain and Rensselaer County Clerk Frank J. Merola with the presentation of the 2026 Hart-Cluett Award for ensuring our shared history is preserved for generations to come! We also want to recognize the Mainella family of Bella Napoli Bakery, for their....