NEW YORK—The African Burial Ground National Monument, a hallowed resting place for slaves for more than a century and from which 419 remains were exhumed in the early ‘90s, is set to reopen after renovations finish in October. The burial ground is on the corner of Duane and Elk Streets, just north of City Hall.
The remains were reburied at the site in 2003 after years of public contention over logistics. Small coffins commissioned from local artists and carpenters in Ghana protect the remains.
The site commemorates the estimated 15,000 to 20,000 African-Americans buried in the area—many now resting under modern skyscrapers.
A temporary memorial is currently open for three days, housing an exhibit that will be transferred to the permanent memorial when officially opens in October. The temporary memorial was designed for United Nations officials to visit while in the city for the 67th session, starting Sept. 18, said Victor Mooney, executive director for South African Arts International.
