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African Burial Ground National Monument

A sacred space in Lower Manhattan honoring the oldest and largest known excavated burial ground in North America for free and enslaved Africans.

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African Burial Ground National Monument
Dmadeo, CC BY-SA 3.0

What is the African Burial Ground National Monument known for?

It is the oldest and largest known excavated burial site in North America for both free and enslaved Africans. The site serves as a testament to the labor, resilience, and cultural contributions of African communities in the development of New York.

How much does it cost to visit?

There is no admission fee.

What are the hours?

The indoor visitor center/museum and outdoor memorial are open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with listed days ranging from Tuesday through Saturday or Wednesday through Sunday.

Where is it located?

The visitor center and outdoor memorial are located at 290 Broadway in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10007. The visitor center is situated inside the Ted Weiss Federal Building.

Is it accessible?

Yes, both the visitor center and the outdoor memorial are fully accessible.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The African Burial Ground National Monument is a profound testament to the resilience and contributions of African communities in the early development of New York City. From the late 17th through the early 18th centuries, a 6.6-acre cemetery was used to bury free and enslaved Africans who had been barred from white parishioners' cemeteries following a 1697 law in the Province of New York. This sacred site remained forgotten for centuries due to urban development and landfill, until it was rediscovered in 1991 during the excavation for a federal office building at Broadway and Duane Streets. Following the discovery, two years of protest by Black community members who viewed the ground as sacred, federal intervention occurred. This led to the site being designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993 and eventually a National Monument in 2006. A traditional African burial ceremony took place in 2003, where 419 human remains were exhumed and reinterred on the site to honor their memory. Today, the monument consists of an indoor visitor center and museum located inside the Ted Weiss Federal Building at 290 Broadway. Visitors can explore the history of the African Burial Ground and recognize the enduring legacy of those buried there. The site is fully accessible, ensuring that all guests can experience this solemn memorial.

Visitor tips

  • The indoor visitor center and museum are open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Ranger-led tour reservations can be made three months in advance at 10:00 AM EST via Recreation.gov.
  • Admission is free, making it a poignant and accessible stop on a walking tour.
  • Allow at least 90 minutes to fully appreciate the solemnity of the outdoor memorial and the museum exhibits.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of Lower Manhattan, the African Burial Ground National Monument sits amidst the towering skyscrapers of the financial district, creating a stark contrast between the modern financial capital of the world and the sacred, forgotten history of the early city.

Sources

Evidence and links