News Release

Independence National Historical Park to commemorate 400 years of the landing of the first enslaved Africans in British colonial North America

Date: August 23, 2019
Contact: Michael Slobodian, 215-597-0060

This Sunday, August 25, join Independence National Historical Park and national parks across the United States commemorating a significant moment in American history: the landing of the first enslaved Africans in British colonial North America in August 1619. This landing took place 400 years ago at a location in Hampton, Virginia, now commemorated as part of Fort Monroe National Monument, a unit of the National Park Service.

The story of African Americans in North America spans four centuries - and beyond. Independence National Historical Park protects and preserves numerous places and stories significant in the African American experience. This includes the President’s House site, where President George Washington held nine enslaved African’s during his time in Philadelphia.

We know how important the President’s House is because it tells the story of those enslaved.

 

It tells the story that for many years was not told.

 

It tells the story that can be hard to tell.

 

It tells the story that must be told.

At 2:30 pm, next to the President’s House site, join the program and conversation with the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition (ATAC) as they highlight the struggles and victories of the last four-hundred years. This program will also include 400 children whom created posters representing each of the last 400 years of African American history. Each poster will include events specific to the year each poster represents, with certain posters highlighted.

At 3:00 pm, in solidarity with the Nationwide Bell Ringing Ceremony, the Centennial Bell in Independence Hall Tower will toll nine times, once for each of the nine enslaved African’s held at this exact location.

Why a Bell Ringing? Bells are rung for joy, sorrow, alarm, and celebration...universal concepts in each of our lives. This symbolic gesture will enable Americans from all walks of life to participate in this historic moment from wherever they are--to capture the spirit of healing and reconciliation while honoring the significance of 400 years of African American history and culture. Learn more about 400 years of African American history or join the conversation with #400Years, #AfricanAmericanHeritage or #RingToRemember.

Event to commemorate 400 years of the landing of the first enslaved Africans in British colonial North America

 

Who: Independence National Historical Park and the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition

When: Sunday, August 25 2:30 pm

Where: Next to the President's House site (corner of 6th and Market Sts.)

www.nps.gov/inde

A unit of the National Park Service, Independence National Historical Park was created by an Act of Congress on June 28, 1948. Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Independence NHP covers almost 54 acres in Philadelphia’s Old City, and includes Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, Franklin Court, and other historic buildings associated with the founding of the United States. The park is open from 9:00 am daily with the exception of Christmas day. A visit to Independence National Historical Park should start at the Independence Visitor Center, located at 6^th and Market Streets. Here, visitors can pick up a park brochure, park map, and the free, timed tickets required for Independence Hall. For more information visit the park’s website or follow us on social media by searchin @IndependenceNHP.