From about the 1690s until 1794, 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.
A Sacred Space in Manhattan
The Rites of Ancestral Return...Join us.
The National Park Service presents special programming to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the Rites of Ancestral Return.
Rediscovery & reinterment commemoration.
Join us for three days of special programming commemorating the rediscovery and reinterment of the African Burial Ground!
Celebrating 100 Years of Service
On Aug. 25, 2016, the National Park Service turns 100! The Centennial will begin a second century of stewardship of America's national parks
Book a tour at African Burial Ground!
Groups of all ages enjoy our ranger-led tours. Reserve a tour, at no charge, of our site today! (PDF - 74KB)