African Burial Ground National Monument

Pictures courtesy of the -RedKen: African Burial Ground National Monument.

Located in Lower Manhattan, New York City, the African Burial Ground National Monument is a historic site honoring the contributions and memory of free and enslaved Africans in colonial America. Discovered in 1991, this burial ground dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries and holds the remains of over 15,000 individuals. It stands as a testament to the African diaspora’s resilience and enduring legacy, providing visitors a profound connection to an often-overlooked history of early New York.

Website:	African Burial Ground National Monument
Map:	Park Map
Visitor Centers:	African Burial Ground Visitor Center: Located within the Ted Weiss Federal Building, this center provides exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays detailing the history of the burial site, the excavation process, and the lives of Africans in early New York.
How to get There:	From the North: Take the I-95 South toward New York City, exit onto the FDR Drive South, and take Exit 2 to Civic Center. Walk to the intersection of Duane Street and Elk Street. From the South: Follow I-95 North, take the I-78 E exit towards New York City, then follow directions to Civic Center and walk to the monument on Duane Street.

The African Burial Ground National Monument preserves a powerful narrative of resilience and remembrance for African people in early New York. This burial site, the oldest and largest known excavated burial ground for free and enslaved Africans in America, dates back to the 1600s. It was unearthed during construction in 1991, igniting widespread interest in its cultural and historical significance and leading to its designation as a national monument in 2006. Visitors to the African Burial Ground can learn about the burial practices, daily lives, and resilience of the African community through various interpretive exhibits and programs. The memorial’s distinct outdoor space, featuring a Libation Chamber and a Circle of the Diaspora, serves as a place of reflection and respect, dedicated to those interred at the site. The indoor exhibits also provide a comprehensive history of the early African presence in colonial New York. As a significant historical and cultural landmark, African Burial Ground National Monument offers visitors an opportunity to connect with the African American experience through commemorative ceremonies, educational exhibits, and events. It serves as a reminder of the contributions and sacrifices of Africans in shaping New York and the nation. This hallowed ground remains an essential place for education, healing, and honor.

Points of Interest:

African Burial Grounds Libation Chamber: This sacred chamber allows visitors to honor those interred at the African Burial Ground, drawing on African cultural traditions in its symbolic design. The space encourages reflection and the offering of libations, fostering a deep connection to the ancestors who are commemorated within the monument.

African Burial Grounds Circle of the Diaspora: This outdoor area honors the African diaspora, featuring symbols from various African cultures that evoke strength, resilience, and heritage. Visitors are invited to reflect on the rich legacy of African traditions and the enduring cultural contributions of those brought to the Americas.

African Burial Grounds Memorial Wall: Engraved with the names of African societies, this memorial wall honors the heritage and identities of those laid to rest at the African Burial Ground. It serves as a tribute to the lives, cultures, and resilience of the ancestors interred here, connecting visitors to their enduring legacy.