African Burial Ground National Monument

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.

The Memorial

A memorial at the African Burial Ground National Monument honors the memories of the estimated 15,000 enslaved and free Africans who were interred in the burial ground during 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.

The Visitor Center

The visitor center contains exhibits and replica artifacts, and visitors may view a 25-minute documentary film about the history of the African Burial Ground. Park rangers present educational programs and provide interpretation of the commemorative art commissioned for the African Burial Ground National Monument. A resource library is available; please, schedule an appointment in advance.

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 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for Federal holidays. Ranger-led tours that describe the unique artifacts and artwork at the African Burial Ground National Monument are scheduled weekdays at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.