With the start of the holiday season, staff at the Barnes-Hiscock Mansion in Syracuse has spent the past few days decorating for the many events planned for December. And while one of the goals is to raise money to renovate the 163-year-old mansion, foundation director Mary Therese Zorbo says they’re also trying to raise awareness of the mansion and its rich history.
“This home was a location for secret meetings to discuss the Underground Railroad, most especially the safest routes from Syracuse into Canada," Zorbo said. "They were large supporters of the abolition movement in many ways, including George Barnes’ participation in the Jerry Rescue of 1851 and most especially giving bail money to those arrested.”
Zorbo says the mansion’s role during abolition movement helped land it on the National Register of Historic Places and on the New York State Freedom Trail.
“Here in Syracuse there’s not many places like the Barnes-Hiscock Mansion left," Zorbo said. "We went through a time when we didn’t really consider our history and so we’ve lost a lot of it. And we are here to make it known that this history is not lost, it is important.”
Zorbo says thanks to fundraisers like the ones planned this month, the Barnes-Hiscock Mansion continues plans for upgrades. Projects include a $300,000 roof renovation for this upcoming spring, and upgrading the building’s interior lighting. But Zorbo says there is also talk of adding historical programming.
“At some point we would like to really grow to be a living museum where we have actors walking around in period dress and you can meet Barnes and you can meet his wife Rebecca and really have that full historical experience.”
The mansion’s first event comes up Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and includes a luncheon and fashion show. Saturday’s event is geared more towards children, with breakfast with Santa from 10:30 to 11:30, followed by story time with Santa from 1 to 2 p.m. On December 11th, it's coctails, dinner and a performance of The Santaland Diaries. More information and reservations is at 422-2445 or info@grbarnes.org.
