George and Rebecca Barnes Home

The George and Rebecca Barnes Home is a historic mansion in Syracuse tied to the abolitionist movement. George and Rebecca Barnes came from business and reform families connected to the Syracuse and Utica Railroad and the Unitarian Church, and they used their resources to raise money and public pressure against slavery.

The house is recognized as a stop on the Underground Railroad Freedom Trail. The Barneses held many meetings here, and oral history says people fleeing slavery hid in the basement and carriage house until safe passage north could be arranged.

What to Know

• Visits are by appointment or at one of the public events held through the year.
• The mansion is one of the last historic mansions in Central New York.
• It can be rented for private events of 85 guests or fewer, for foundation members and their guests.
• The backyard has an original gazebo from the late 1800s, a nice backdrop for outdoor events.
• It works as a wedding venue and a historic site at the same time.