Central Harlem in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Zora Neale Hurston

January 7, 1891 - January 28, 1960

— 108 West 131st Street, Manhattan —

Zora Neale Hurston Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 5, 2022

1. Zora Neale Hurston Marker

Inscription. Born in Alabama and raised in Eatonville, Florida, (one of the first self-governing all-Black municipalities in the United States), Zora Neale Hurston was a prolific novelist, playwright, educator, and ethnographer who earned unprecedented acclaim during the Harlem Renaissance for her pioneering contributions to anthropology, Black folklore and women's literature. Arriving in New York City in January 1925, to study at Barnard College, she took up residence at this address, becoming a celebrated member of the "New Negro" movement, as well as a student of anthropology and the college's first Black graduate. Over a career that spanned more than 30 years, Hurston authored numerous essays, plays, short stories, two books of folklore, an autobiography, articles and four novels, including her most famous work of fiction, Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937), deemed a classic of American literature.

Erected by Historic Landmarks Preservation Center; medallion program created by Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Anthropology & Archaeology

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• Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Women. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1925.

Location. 40° 48.708′ N, 73° 56.609′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Central Harlem. It is on West 131st Street just west of Malcolm X Boulevard/Lenox Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 108 W 131st St, New York NY 10027, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Romare H. Bearden (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Scott Joplin (about 500 feet away); Langston Hughes Playground (about 800 feet away); The First Vest-Pocket Park (approx. 0.2 miles away);

Zora Neale Hurston House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 5, 2022

2. Zora Neale Hurston House

Harlem YMCA (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dr. Godfrey Nurse (approx. ¼ mile away); Howard Bennett Playground (approx. ¼ mile away); Lewis Michaux (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 933 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 10, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.