Civic Center in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Sacred Tradition, Sacred Ground
The rediscovery of the burial ground revealed that Africans and their descendants buried loved ones with dignity and respect in the 17th and 18th centuries. More than 90 percent of the 419 human skeletal remains were rapped in shrouds (cloths) and most of the bodies were buried in the full-sized coffins. Africans continued other traditional practices such as placing pennies over the eyes to keep them closed. Small artifacts like beads, cowry shells and cuff links sometimes accompanied the burials.
Community activists, politicians, and many others fought vehemently to preserve the burial ground and to honor this history and culture. Their efforts led to the designation of the 0.34 acre of the African Burial Ground as a national monument.
Erected by National Park Service/U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Colonial Era.
Location. 40° 42.876′ N, 74° 0.247′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Civic Center. Marker is on Duane Street near Elk Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New York NY 10007, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. African Burial Ground (a few steps from this marker); Africans in Early New York (a few steps from this marker); African Burial Ground National Monument (a few steps from this marker); Changing Landscape Obscures the Past (within shouting distance of this marker); "Sankofa" (within shouting distance of this marker); Foley Square c. 1730 (within shouting distance of this marker); Judge Walter R. Mansfield Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Foley Square c. 1800 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
More about this marker. Elk Street and this stretch of Duane Street have been closed to automobile through traffic since 9/11.
Regarding Sacred Tradition, Sacred Ground. The monument is listed in the "AIA (American Institute of Architects) Guide to New York City, Fifth Edition".
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 218 times since then and 14 times this year. Last updated on February 15, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 14, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 7. submitted on February 15, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.