African Burial Ground National Monument
Park Historic burial site honoring African Americans enslaved and free
The African Burial Ground National Monument in Lower Manhattan marks a 17th-18th century burial site of Africans and African Americans; visitors come for the memorial, museum exhibits on early New York and the site’s historical significance.
The African Burial Ground National Monument in Lower Manhattan commemorates an 18th-century burial ground used by free and enslaved Africans in New York City. It recognises the lives and contributions of African-descended people during the colonial period.
The site includes an outdoor memorial and an interpretive centre that present archaeological findings, archival documentation, and stories of the buried individuals. Exhibits address the social history of slavery and African-American life in early New York.
The burial ground was rediscovered during construction in 1991, leading to archaeological investigation and a long preservation and commemoration process. The site has since been managed to support public education and remembrance.
Located in Lower Manhattan, the memorial sits within the Civic Center/Financial District area and is accessible from nearby subway lines and pedestrian routes.
- Excavation: Archaeological excavations in the early 1990s uncovered remains and grave goods that led to the site's preservation and public memorialisation.
- Memorial and visitor centre: Includes a memorial and interpretive centre that explain the history of Africans in colonial New York and the significance of the burial site.
How to Get to African Burial Ground National Monument #
The African Burial Ground National Monument is in Lower Manhattan at Foley Square, a short walk from several subway stations serving the Civic Center area. Arrive by subway to stations around Chambers/City Hall/Fulton Street and walk a few minutes to the visitor center on Broadway (Foley Square area). Many downtown bus routes also serve the nearby streets; from major Manhattan transit hubs the site is typically a 5-15 minute walk.
Tips for Visiting African Burial Ground National Monument #
- Visit in the morning or early weekday hours to experience the memorial and visitor center with fewer crowds and to spend time with the interpretive exhibits that detail the site's archaeology and history.
- Combine a stop here with nearby Lower Manhattan sites (Foley Square, City Hall area) so you can see the outdoor memorial and the indoor exhibitions in a single walkable itinerary.
Best Time to Visit African Burial Ground National Monument #
Best to visit the African Burial Ground National Monument in spring or autumn for milder weather and steadier visitor levels.
Weather & Climate near African Burial Ground National Monument #
African Burial Ground National Monument's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1208 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (115 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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