Black History Month: Saving History in Brooklyn

NEW YORK (1010 WINS)  -- The good news is that Joy Chatel has saved her home at 227 Duffield Street in Downtown Brooklyn from eminent domain.

A bricked-up tunnel in the building's basement is believed to be an escape route used in the Underground Railroad.

1010 WINS AUDIO: Terry Sheridan Reports

Chatel now hopes to turn it into a cultural center and museum. People have already showed up on her doorstep.

"I believe in that saying that was in the movie, Kevin Costner movie, 'if you build it, they will come'," Chatel said. "People have come from all over the world already."

But in order to turn it into a proper museum, she needs help and a fundraiser is being held on February 29th.

"You don't have to wait for the fundraiser to donate," Chatel said with a laugh, "we're ready and willing to show you your place."

You can hear Terry Sheridan's 'Black History Month' Series on 1010 WINS every Monday in February.

National Park Service: The Underground Railroad Historic Sites

Photos from Sharon Barnes.

There will be a fundraiser for 227 Duffield St. on Feb 29.


Our Vision for the Future
We have a chance to turn 227 Duffield into an important attraction for Downtown Brooklyn, which can help develop a vibrant economy for everyone. More importantly, we can share the history of the brave people who believed in freedom at the time when our country went astray. This is not only good for Brooklyn— this is good for the United States. We want to create an independent museum not reliant on the whims of politicians/developers.

Downtown Brooklyn is quickly becoming a generic land of high-rise luxury condos and high-rise hotels. It is more than that— it remains a community of people who believe that humans cannot be bought and sold.

We can do better. With your help.