African Burial Ground National Monument

African Burial Ground National Monument
Image credit: picture by ajay_suresh licenced under Attribution License.

The African Burial Ground National Monument is located in Lower Manhattan, New York City. It covers an area of 0.35 acres and serves as a solemn reminder of the historic and often overlooked contributions of African people in the development of early New York.

The site was discovered during an excavation in 1991, when construction work was underway for a federal office building. The remains of approximately 15,000 enslaved and free Africans were found, making it the largest African burial site discovered in America. The graveyard was active from the late 17th century until 1794, with people of African descent, both enslaved and free, being laid to rest there.

Established as a national monument in 2006, the African Burial Ground plays an important role in preserving and interpreting the historical significance of African American history in New York City. Visitors to the site can explore the memorial and museum, gaining insights into the lives and tribulations of African people during the time of slavery. The museum offers educational exhibits, multimedia presentations, and interactive displays, highlighting the experiences and contributions of African Americans.

Apart from the African Burial Ground National Monument, there are several other attractions nearby that visitors may wish to explore. One such place is the National Museum of the American Indian, located adjacent to the burial site. This museum showcases the rich cultural heritage and history of Native Americans, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Native American culture.

Additionally, visitors can take a stroll to nearby Foley Square, where they can find various government buildings, such as courthouses and City Hall. Moreover, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and Battery Park, both popular tourist destinations, are within walking distance, providing serene views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

The African Burial Ground National Monument in New York stands as a powerful tribute to African Americans, honoring their struggles, resilience, and contributions to the history of the United States.

Location

The African Burial Ground National Monument is situated in the heart of New York City, New York. Nestled within the vibrant Lower Manhattan district, this sacred site sits on the eastern side of Broadway, near City Hall. Located next to the Ted Weiss Federal Building, the monument occupies a small yet significant space encompassing a half-acre square. Surrounded by bustling streets, towering buildings, and the rhythmic pulse of the city, this location serves as a poignant reminder of the African diaspora's enduring legacy and cultural significance in the United States.

Address & Contact

African Burial Ground National Monument
290 Broadway
African Burial Ground National Monument
New York, NY 10007
Driving Directions
Phone: 2122384367
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit African Burial Ground National Monument is from May to September. During this period, the average maximum temperatures range from 72°F to 85°F, with average minimum temperatures ranging from 55°F to 71°F. Monthly precipitation levels are generally between 4.0 to 5.3 inches during this timeframe. These months provide pleasant weather for outdoor activities, making it an ideal time for a visit.

Things to do and learn in African Burial Ground National Monument

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in African Burial Ground National Monument are: Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture

Topics

Learn about these topics at African Burial Ground National Monument: Archeology Colonization and Settlement African American Heritage Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Women's History Monuments and Memorials Social Movements Enslavement Urban America

Amenities

Visitor Centers

African Burial Ground National Monument Visitor Center

Visitor center is located at 290 Broadway, in lower Manhattan. The visitor center is located mid-block on Broadway between Duane and Reade Streets.

Campsites within or near African Burial Ground National Monument

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near African Burial Ground National Monument

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The Frederick Hotel

With a stay at The Frederick Hotel in New York (Manhattan), you'll be within a 10-minute walk of One World Trade Center and Pace University. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, express check-in, and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Address: 95 West Broadway (at Chambers), New York, New York 10007
Web: Link

Roxy Hotel New York

With a stay at Roxy Hotel New York in New York (Manhattan), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of HERE and New York University. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby.
Address: 2 Avenue Of The Americas, New York, New York 10013
Web: Link

Soho Garden Hotel

A stay at Soho Garden Hotel places you in the heart of New York, within a 15-minute walk of HERE and New York University. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-in.
Address: 276 Canal Street, New York, New York 10013
Web: Link

Aloft Manhattan Downtown - Financial District

With a stay at Aloft Manhattan Downtown - Financial District, you'll be centrally located in New York, just a 3-minute walk from Pace University and 7 minutes by foot from National September 11 Memorial. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in New York? This hotel has facilities measuring 221 square feet (21 square meters), including a meeting room.
Address: 49-53 Ann Street, New York, New York 10038
Web: Link

The Baxter House

A stay at The Baxter House places you in the heart of New York, within a 15-minute walk of Pace University and HERE.
Address: 216 Canal Street, New York, New York 10013
Web: Link

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

Located in New York (Manhattan), Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is a 4-minute walk from The Oculus and 5 minutes by foot from National September 11 Memorial. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 27 Barclay St, New York, New York 10007
Web: Link

The Madison House

Located in New York (Manhattan), this apartment is minutes from Pace University and Brooklyn Bridge.
Address: Madison Street & James Street, New York, New York 10038
Web: Link

Moxy NYC Downtown

Located in New York (Manhattan), Moxy NYC Downtown is within a 15-minute drive of One World Trade Center and 5th Avenue. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in New York? This hotel has 660 square feet (61 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room.
Address: 26 Ann Street, New York, New York 10038
Web: Link

2 rooms apartment

With a stay at this apartment in New York (Manhattan), you'll be a 3-minute walk from Pace University and 6 minutes by foot from Wall Street. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 98 Fulton St, New York, New York 10038
Web: Link

Harrison Terrace by Onefinestay

Located in New York (Manhattan), this apartment is within a 15-minute walk of HERE and One World Trade Center. Guests will find features like Internet access.
Address: 1 Harrison Street, New York, New York NY 10013
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2024-11-07Monument Winter Season Operations
The African Burial Ground National Monument Outdoor Memorial has been winterized, with the water turned off for the winter season. The outdoor memorial will still be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am until 4:00pm, weather permitting.
2023-01-19Black History Month - 2023
Celebrate Black History Month by visiting The African Burial Ground National Monument! Join us for a special event every Saturday in February. More
2022-08-12Ancestral Chamber temporarily closed
Several features within the Monument’s outdoor memorial are temporarily closed due to safety concerns. The Ancestral Chamber is showing signs of stress and must be assessed prior to reopening. See https://www.nps.gov/afbg/learn/news/temp-closure-ac.htm