Brooklyn community celebrates 1-year anniversary of saved building tied to Underground Railroad

As we celebrate Black History Month, a local organization that fought to save the home is also celebrating the anniversary of the historic win.

News 12 Staff

Feb 2, 2022, 12:25 PM

Updated 1,035 days ago

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Today marks one year since a Brooklyn home with ties to the Underground Railroad won landmark status saving it from demolition. As we celebrate Black History Month, a local organization that fought to save the home is also celebrating the anniversary of the historic win.
The home at 227 Duffield St. is a historic piece of Brooklyn dating back to the 1800s. The home, which is known as abolitionist place, was once a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Shawne Lee's mother, Mama Joy Chatel, once lived there.
"It was my mom's home and during that time she discovered that it was a hub of abolitionist activity. She went to do further research and discovered it was the home of abolitionists Thomas and Harriet Lee Truesdale," said Lee.
The home has been the site of much controversy after developers who previously owned the home planned to demolish it, tearing down its historic legacy.
"There was word sent out through public information that it was going to be demolished, and from there activists got together and just protested and demanded that the house be reviewed for landmark status," added Lee.
Their fighting paid off, and the home eventually won landmark status one year ago today.
Lee called it not only a win for the community but also a win for her mother, who fought so hard to save it.
As they look to the future, she says the organization is hoping to work with the city to turn the home into a heritage center.