African Burial Ground National Monument

Corner of Duane and Elk Streets
The African Burial Ground National Monument is located at the corner of Duane and Elk Streets in Lower Manhattan, adjacent to the Ted Weiss Federal Building at 290 Broadway. In 1991, the remains of more than four hundred 17th and 18th century African... more

The African Burial Ground National Monument is located at the corner of Duane and Elk Streets in Lower Manhattan, adjacent to the Ted Weiss Federal Building at 290 Broadway.

In 1991, the remains of more than four hundred 17th and 18th century Africans were discovered during pre-construction work for a federal building in New York City. One of the most significant archeological finds in U.S. history, the burial ground stretched more than five city blocks during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is estimated that nearly 15,000 free and enslaved Africans are buried in the cemetery. The first Africans arrived in New Amsterdam about 1625. Along with European merchants, traders, sailors and farmers, these enslaved workers helped to establish the early colony. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries Africans were an important part of the city’s population, reaching a peak of over twenty percent.

The finding of the burial ground deeply impacted the descendant and broader community and, at the same time renewed awareness in cultural significance and historic preservation. Former President George W. Bush designated the African Burial Ground a National Monument in February 2006.


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Info

Corner of Duane and Elk Streets
New York, NY 10013
212-637-2019
Website

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Admission And Tickets

Admission is free.

Please be aware: to reach the Visitor Center, which is located in a Federal Building, all visitors must pass through airport-style security.

This Week's Hours

The memorial is open Monday through Sunday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

The African Burial Ground Visitor Center is located in the adjacent Ted Weiss Federal Building at 290 Broadway. The hours of operation are Monday thorough Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for federal holidays.

Nearby Subway

  • to Park Place
  • to Broadway-Nassau Street
  • to Fulton Street
  • to City Hall
  • train to the Brooklyn Bridge station or Fulton Street station

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