Bleeker Hall

Bleeker Hall is named for three members of the prominent Albany Dutch Bleeker family. The first, Jan Jansen Bleeker, was a Dutch settler first in New Amsterdam in 1658 who later relocated to Albany. Jan Bleeker began his career as a blacksmith, but later became a successful trader. He was a partner in the Saratoga Patent, a militia officer, and mayor of Albany in 1700. Johannes Bleeker also served as mayor of Albany from 1702-1703. He was a brewer, captain of the militia, Native American interpreter, and member of the colonial General Assembly. Harmanus Bleeker, 1779-1849, was an American diplomat and well-known supporter of education in Albany.