What Is African Burial Ground National Monument?
African Burial Ground National Monument is a 6.6-acre plot of land where African people, enslaved by the Dutch and British alike, were allowed to bury their dead according to the customs of their home!
What Makes It Historical?
“For all those who were lost / For all those who were stolen / For all those who were left behind / For all those who were not forgotten.” This is the first national monument dedicated to the Africans of New York and Americans of African descent! It is a quiet corner in a bustling city, simple but meaningful in its design.
It incorporates local symbols from Nigeria and Ghana into its design, since this was one of few places in the colonies where folks of African descent were allowed to practice the customs of their homeland. The symbol on the side of the main memorial block is called a Sankofa, and it means “look to the past to inform the future,” an idea that I sure relate to!
Finally, I think it’s strangely beautiful that this burial ground was actually saved by the people who thought they were erasing it! Located in a ravine, it was covered by landfill, which helped it survive centuries of urban development, finally to be rediscovered in the 90s and given the proper honor it deserves!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer at African Burial Ground National Monument!
- Donate to the New York Harbor Parks Conservancy!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
290 Broadway
New York, NY 10007
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
The visitor center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM!
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