The colored Orphan Asylum in Washington Heights

1836 - 1946

The Colored Asylum in Washington Heights provided hope to children in New York. This asylum was create as a place of salvation and protection for orphaned children of color for generations. This was created by three women, Anna Shotwell, Mary Murray, and Hannah Shotwell. These three women had to work pretty hard to obtain support to open the asylum because there was a lot of racial opposition. The presence carried a profound sense of dignity an history, supporting resilience of its founders and the community it serves. Here, there was caring staff who provided shelter, education, and nurture to children. The asylum attempted to provide compassion and unity, by supporting the community and the enduring resilience of the children. The asylum closed in 1946.The asylum marked its end of its era because there was a shift toward foster care and adoption.

The Colored Orphan Asylum in 1850
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Details

Categories
Asylum, Orphanage, Youth group
Audience
Children, Teenagers
Founder(s)
Anna Shotwell, Mary Murray, and Hannah Shotwell
Tags
Historical Landmark, Educational Advocacy, Civil Rights Era, Orphanage History

Location

  • 43rd street and 5th avenue
    ? - present
  • 143rd street and Amsterdam
    ? - ?

References

  1. Colored Orphan Asylum - Encyclopedia of New York City, virtualny.ashp.cuny.edu/EncyNYC/colored_orphan_asylum.html. Accessed 05 May 2024.
  2. Seraile, W. (2023, July 24). Virtual parlor chat: History of the New York “colored” orphan asylum. YouTube. https://youtu.be/9Vhf5Hn6_XA?si=M6AkKT8fxf7R3e32
  3. Deal for colored orphan asylum block practically closed- quick resale of sixty lots on the heights- speculation of enormous volume- day’s business by brokers. (1905, February 21). New York Time.
  4. Butler, M. (2012). “There” is home: A case study of the Colored Orphan Asylum in New York City (Order No. 3499266). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (936208164). https://tc.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/i-there-is-home-case-study-colored-orphan-asylum/docview/936208164/se-2
  5. Dixon, E. A. (2020, June 2). The Colored Orphans Asylum of New York (1836-1946) •. Black Past. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/colored-orphans-asylum-new-york-1836-1946/
  6. (2023, August 8). New York’s colored orphan asylum. UPPER WEST SIDE HISTORY. (n.d.). https://www.upperwestsidehistory.org/blogs/new-yorks-colored-orphan-asylum
  7. Seraile, W. (2011). Angels of mercy white women and the history of New York’s Colored Orphan Asylum. Empire State Editions.
  8. Seraile, W. (2023, July 24). Virtual parlor chat: History of the New York “colored” orphan asylum. YouTube. https://youtu.be/9Vhf5Hn6_XA?si=M6AkKT8fxf7R3e32