Free Academy (Baruch College)
New York, New York, New York
Marker Inscription
Bernard M. Baruch College/CUNY A center of commerce by the 1840's, NYC attracted a growing immigrant population. Townsend Harris, President of the Board of Education, saw the need for publicly-supported higher education. In 1849, his vision was fulfilled when The Free Academy opened here, "for the poor man's children," with a class of 149 men. In 1866, it became the College of the City of New York. It is now Baruch College, known globally for excellence in business education.
Erected by Historic Landmarks Preservation Center
The Story
By the 1840s New York was a booming commercial city drawing waves of immigrants, and reformer Townsend Harris believed their children deserved a shot at higher learning. In 1849 his campaign bore fruit here with the opening of the Free Academy—a tuition-free public college "for the poor man's children"—which began with a class of 149. Renamed the College of the City of New York in 1866, it grew into today's Baruch College, a global name in business education.
Why it matters
The Free Academy pioneered the American ideal of free public higher education, opening the door of opportunity to immigrants and working families.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- 81 Leonard Gallery1.8 mi away
- Gerben Fine Art1.9 mi away
- Bureau2.0 mi away · 112 Duane Street
- Hall des Lumières2.1 mi away · 49 Chambers Street, New York, NY
- Cloud Gallery2.1 mi away
- MĒRCER LABS2.4 mi away · 21 Dey Street
Attractions
- The River Project Wetlab1.7 mi away
- Cortlandt Alley1.7 mi away
- FDNY Ladder 81.8 mi away · 14 North Moore Street, New York
- Dream house1.8 mi away
- Chinatown1.8 mi away
- Bloody Angle1.9 mi away
Food & drink
- Maman3.1 mi away
- Sweetgreen3.1 mi away
- Semicolon Cafe3.1 mi away
- Bluestone Lane3.1 mi away
- Greene Hook Bar & Kitchen3.2 mi away
- Yaso3.2 mi away · 30 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ
Places to stay
- Conrad2.3 mi away · 102 North End Avenue, New York
- M Social Hotel New York Downtown2.4 mi away · 55 Church Street, New York, NY
- Residence Inn New York Downtown Manhattan/World Trade Center Area2.4 mi away · 170 Broadway, New York, NY
- Holiday Inn2.4 mi away · 51 Nassau Street
- The Cloud One New York-Downtown2.5 mi away · 133 Greenwich Street, New York, NY
- World Center Hotel2.5 mi away · 144 Washington Street, New York, NY
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Townsend Harris
- · Bernard M. Baruch
Themes & tags
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