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African Burial Ground National Monument2003 Broadway Processional
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A Sacred Space in Manhattan

From the 1690s until the 1790s, both free and enslaved Africans were buried in a 6.6 acre burial ground in Lower Manhattan, outside the boundaries of the settlement of New Amsterdam, later known as New York. Lost to history due to landfill and development, the grounds were rediscovered in 1991 as a consequence of the planned construction of a Federal office building.
 
memorial rendering

The Memorial

A memorial at the African Burial Ground National Monument honors the memories of the estimated 15,000 Africans buried at the approximately seven-acre site in the 17th and 18th centuries. The memorial opens daily at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.  However, during the winter, the memorial closes at 4:00 p.m.

 
Attendees at the African Burial Ground Visitor Center Education Program

The Visitor Center

The Visitor Center contains exhibits and replica artifacts, and provides educational programs and interpretation of commemorative art commissioned for the African Burial Ground.

Because the Visitor Center is in a Federal office building, visitors must go through airport-style screening before entering.

The Visitor Center is open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday, except for Federal holidays. Ranger-led tours that describe the unique artifacts and artwork at the African Burial Ground NM are scheduled weekdays at 10 am and 2 pm.

Groups are urged to make reservations for tours, to ensure adequate preparation and staff availability.

Off-site presentations can be scheduled by calling 212-637-2019.

 

A Broader View

Vistors may also take a 90-minute walking tour entitled "Exploring the African Presence in Early New York." To learn more about the tour which begins at Federal Hall National Memorial at 26 Wall Street and ends at African Burial Ground National Monument, please click here.

 
 

Write to

African Burial Ground National Monument
290 Broadway, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10007

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(212) 637-2019

Media Relations
(212) 668-2251

Fax

(212) 227-2026

Climate

New York City experiences four distinct seasons, and the weather can be highly variable from day-to-day. Please check the forecast before your visit.
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The Sankofa has strong associations with the African Burial Ground  

Did You Know?
New York's African Burial Ground is the final resting place of approximately 15,000 free and enslaved Africans. Dating from the late 17th century. It has been called one of the most important archaeological finds of our time.
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Last Updated: January 07, 2009 at 10:24 EST