At 290 Broadway in Lower Manhattan, the African Burial Ground National Monument honors free and enslaved Africans buried here in the 17th and 18th centuries. The burial ground was rediscovered during construction in 1991, bringing attention to the lives and labor of Africans in colonial New York. Visit the indoor exhibition for historical context, then walk through the outdoor memorial’s circular design and symbolic features. It is a quiet place for learning and reflection amid the city, and a meaningful stop near City Hall.
A burial ground rediscovered
The burial ground in Lower Manhattan was used by free and enslaved Africans during the 17th and 18th centuries. It lay beneath a growing city until construction work uncovered human remains in 1991. Archaeologists and historians then investigated the site, and more than 400 sets of remains were found. The burial ground had once covered several city blocks; the monument now marks part of this historic place at 290 Broadway.
The discovery brought renewed attention to the lives of African people in colonial New York and to the role slavery played in building the city. The site is understood to hold the remains of an estimated 15,000 people. The monument honors those buried here and gives visitors a place to learn about their history.
The visitor center and exhibition
The visitor center is on the first floor of the Ted Weiss Federal Building. Its exhibition explores African and African American history in early New York, including the experiences of free and enslaved people. A film and displays provide context for the burial ground and the people whose remains were uncovered. See the indoor exhibition before going to the memorial outside; the background helps explain the significance of the site.
The monument is managed as a National Park Service site. Staff and volunteers can provide additional context through tours, including information about the memorial’s architecture and history. The visitor center and outdoor memorial are both part of a visit to the monument.
The outdoor memorial
The outdoor memorial uses a circular plan and symbolic forms to honor the people buried in the area. Its design invites visitors to pause and reflect. At the center of the circle, speaking aloud creates an echo effect. Move slowly through the space and give time to its details; this is a place of remembrance, as well as a historic site.
The monument stands among Lower Manhattan’s civic buildings, so it can be easy to pass without noticing it. Its address is 290 Broadway. The site offers a quiet moment in a busy part of the city, while the exhibition connects the memorial to the history of African communities in colonial New York.
Häufige Fragen
Is the African Burial Ground National Monument free to visit?
Yes. The memorial and visitor center are free to visit.
Where is the visitor center?
It is on the first floor of the Ted Weiss Federal Building at 290 Broadway in Lower Manhattan.
What can I see at the monument?
The visitor center has a film and exhibits about African history in colonial New York. Outside, the memorial marks the burial ground and has a circular design.
When is a quieter time to visit?
Weekdays are suggested for a more peaceful visit.
