George and Rebecca Barnes Home

Overview

George and Rebecca Barnes represent European American business and reform families, many of them identified with the Syracuse and Utica Railroad and the Unitarian Church, who were committed abolitionist organizers and Underground Railroad supporters and who used their resources to exert public pressure and to raise money for the cause. The Barnes' were dedicated abolitionists and often placed themselves in danger to help a slave flee to safety. The mansion played a key role in the abolitionist movement in Syracuse, and has been recognized as one of the stops along the Underground Railroad, Freedom Trail. George and Rebecca held many meetings in the house and oral history supports that they hid slaves during their long journey north, often having them hide in the basement and carriage house until safe passage could be found. Visiting this facility is by appointment only or by attending any of their wonderful public events listed on their website at www.grbarnes.org.

To Rent:

The Mansion on James Street is available to members of the George and Rebecca Barnes Foundation and their guests, for private events of 85 guests or less. Our historical and architectural backdrop is not your average typical banquet hall or boardroom.  We are one of the last historic mansions in Central New York and we offer a series of rooms that can be customized for indoor events.  Our back and front yards offer more space for outdoor events and our backyard has an original gazebo from the late 1800s.

The site offers flexibility in space both inside and outside, allowing you to create the perfect event.

Our Mansion is centrally located in Syracuse, NY close to all the major highways and is located minutes from downtown Syracuse.  We are located close to major hotels, shopping centers, and restaurants.