African Burial Ground Project
During the course of a 1991 construction project at the corner of Broadway and Duane Street, archaeologists uncovered unmarked graves that were ultimately determined to be part of an 18th-century burial site for Africans living in New York City. Since the initial discovery, more than 400 remains have been excavated from the area and subsequently reinterred. The African Burial Ground Project was created to conduct research into the history of enslavement and the African community in colonial New York.
On-site programs: Guided tours of the site examine commemorative artwork located in the 290 Broadway building as well as photographs of the excavation. Slide presentations provide an overview of the excavation, its findings, and an overview of the African presence in colonial and early New York. Previsit materials are available. (Grades K–3; free)
In-school programs: The African Burial Ground Project offers in-school film screenings. (Grades K–3; free)
Classroom materials: Teachers can request fact sheets, educational packets, and classroom and study guides. (Grades K–3; free)
Professional development: The African Burial Ground Project will help individual schools incorporate Project materials into their own teacher training programs. (Grades K–3; free)
Student/teacher events: The African Burial Ground Project sponsors a writing contest for elementary, junior high, high school, and college students. Entries must concentrate on the subject of the African Burial Ground or the African presence in early New York City. One winner and a runner-up are selected from each educational level and are published in the newsletter of the African Burial Ground Project.
Additional resources: An archival reading room holds material on the African Burial Ground and the history of Africans in New York. Access to the reading room is by appointment only.
General information: Address: 201 Varick Street, Room 1021, New York, NY 10014; Phone: (212) 337-2001; Web: www.africanburialground.com.
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