Celebrate Black History Month with African Burial Ground National Monument
Join African Burial Ground National Monument throughout February as it celebrates Black History Month with an array of activities exploring the African Burial Ground’s connection to its African roots and how those roots have and continue to influence life in New York City and beyond.
“This year we are honored to offer a lecture by Councilwoman Debi Rose, the first African-American elected official in Staten Island, as well as to introduce new walking tours that explore the lives of two African-American women who likewise influenced life in New York City – abolitionist Maritcha Lyons and Catherine Ferguson, who set up the city’s first orphanage and daycare center” said Shirley McKinney, superintendent of African Burial Ground National Monument.
“We also invite everyone to come down and take part in the gallery talks or the African Textile Program. In addition, our very popular film series is back this year. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy,” she added.
All events are free; however, reservations are required and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations may be made by calling (212) 637-2019. A detailed schedule appears below. For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/afbg/
What: Black History Month Observance by African Burial Ground National Monument
When:
o Feb. 2, Noon: Gallery Talk - “Burial Practices and Pinkster”
o Feb. 4, 10:00AM-4:00 PM: Public Libation and Drum Circle: Members of the public are invited to drum and pay tribute
o Feb. 4, 1:00 PM: Walking Tour tracing the life of abolitionist and teacher Maritcha Lyons
o Feb. 7, 1:00 PM: African Textile Program by Pat Leonard
o Feb. 9, Noon: Gallery Talk - “Doctor’s Mob Riot and Community Activists”
o Feb. 14: Day-long Film Series - visit www.nps.gov/afbg for complete line-up
o Feb. 16, Noon: Gallery Talk - “Female Leadership in Slavery and Freedom”
o Feb. 21, 1:00 PM: Lecture by Councilwoman Debi Rose, the first African-American elected official in Staten Island
o Feb. 24, Noon: Tour of African Burial Ground art work
o Feb. 25, 1:00 PM: Walking Tour tracing the life of Catherine Ferguson, a woman born into slavery in the 1780s who started New York City’s first orphanage and daycare center.
o Feb. 28, Noon: Gallery Talk - “Roots of Inspiration: The Origins of African Music in the West ”
For detailed information about the different activities, please visit www.nps.gov/afbg.
Additional activities may be added as they become available, so please check the website for updates throughout the month.
Online: www.nps.gov/afbg
Twitter: @AFBurialGrndNPS
ABOUT AFRICAN BURIAL GROUND NATIONAL MONUMENT
One of the most significant archaeological finds in U.S. History, the African Burial Ground is a 17th- and 18th-century cemetery that was rediscovered in 1991 when construction began on a federal office building in lower Manhattan. In 1993, the site was preserved as a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior and was later designated as a National Monument by Presidential Proclamation on Feb. 27, 2006. The National Monument is part of an original 6.6-acre site containing the remains of approximately 15,000 people, making it the largest African cemetery excavated in North America.
How to Get There: The African Burial Ground National Monument is located at 290 Broadway, 1st Floor. The 4, 5, 6,R, W, J, M and Z trains (Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall) are one block from the site, the A train is three blocks away (Chambers Street) and the 1 train is 4 blocks away (Chambers Street) and the 2 and 3 trains are 2 blocks away (Park Place). The A, C and E are 3 blocks away (Chambers/World Trade Center).
