Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio News Director. Published March 24, 2023

(New Brighton, PA) For years, New Brighton residents have long talked about a tunnel below the Merrick Art Gallery. The tunnel was said to help runaways to safehouses during the Underground Railroad and was believed to be situated between the Merrick Art Gallery and the Edgar House across the street and was said to be sealed off at some point in time. As reported by Scott Tady of the Beaver County Times, a new discovery was just made.  A tunnel was unearthed below the Merrick during sewage repair work.  An opening was dug out and revealed a 5 foot tall, and around 150 feet long tunnel.  Michelle Long, Director of the Merrick Art Gallery, told the Beaver County Times that they aren’t positive just yet that this tunnel had involvement in the Underground Railroad, but they suspect it did and are working to get to the bottom of it. The tunnel may be another route that was unknown until now.

New Brighton has had a rich history in the Underground Railroad.  Many homes still standing in the town have been identified as safe houses for runaways. The homes contain secret rooms and false walls. Abolitionist Frederick Douglas was known to speak at the First Presbyterian Church of New Brighton. The New Brighton Historical society has a list of significant properties in New Brighton involved in the Underground Railroad, and they offer walking tours on occasion.

It would be quite the discovery to find out what purpose the tunnel served and hopefully answers will be available soon.  Who knows what else may be hiding underground New Brighton just waiting to be uncovered.