Photo: NPS PhotoAfrican Burial Ground National Monument preserves the remains of over 15,000 free and enslaved Africans who were buried here between the 1690s and 1794, making it the oldest and largest known excavated burial ground of its kind in North America. The site was discovered in 1991 during construction of the Ted Weiss Federal Building, leading to one of the most significant archaeological investigations in U.S. history. Families explore the indoor visitor center with its powerful exhibits about colonial New York's African community, then visit the outdoor memorial featuring seven burial mounds and the ancestral chamber. What sets this monument apart is its location in the heart of lower Manhattan's financial district, where the sacred burial ground lies directly beneath the bustling streets of modern New York City.
Junior Ranger Program at African Burial Ground National Monument
The Junior Ranger program at African Burial Ground engages young visitors through age-appropriate activities that explore African American history and archaeology. Kids complete hands-on activities in the visitor center, learn about the archaeological process, and discover how this important site was uncovered and preserved for future generations.
- Interactive exhibits about colonial New York's African community
- Archaeological discovery activities and artifact exploration
- Memorial outdoor space for quiet reflection and learning
Program Details
Download Junior Ranger Booklet
Get a head start! Download and print the booklet before your visit.
Source: NPS Junior Ranger Program Page
Best Ages for African Burial Ground National Monument
Age ranges are suggested groupings — check at the visitor center for the official Junior Ranger booklet breakdown.
Ages 4–7
Young children connect well with the hands-on archaeological activities that help them understand how important historical sites are discovered and preserved. The indoor visitor center provides a comfortable learning environment where little ones can explore at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the subject matter.
Ages 8–12
This age group typically grasps the historical significance more deeply and engages well with the archaeological process activities. Kids this age often find the detective work aspect of uncovering history fascinating, especially learning how scientists piece together stories from artifacts and burial sites.
Ages 13+
Teens and adults can fully appreciate the profound historical and cultural significance of this sacred site. The program challenges older participants to consider how this discovery changed our understanding of colonial New York and the contributions of African communities to America's founding.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There
The monument is located mid-block on Broadway between Duane and Reade Streets in lower Manhattan's federal district. Street parking is virtually nonexistent, so we recommend using nearby parking garages or public transportation. The visitor center entrance is clearly marked on the first floor of the federal building.
Van & RV Notes
Our 22-foot Sprinter cannot navigate the narrow streets or find suitable parking near the monument in lower Manhattan. We typically park at a garage several blocks away and walk, or use public transportation to reach the site. No RV camping is available in Manhattan, so plan to stay at campgrounds in New Jersey or outer boroughs.
Best Time to Visit
Visit Wednesday through Sunday year-round since the indoor exhibits are climate-controlled and always accessible. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, and the outdoor memorial is particularly peaceful in early morning hours. Summer extends outdoor memorial hours to 5pm, providing more flexibility for families.
How Long to Spend
Plan 2-3 hours total to fully experience both the visitor center exhibits and complete the Junior Ranger program activities. The compact site allows families to see everything without feeling rushed.
Don't Miss
The seven sacred burial mounds in the outdoor memorial create a powerful moment of reflection that truly helps families understand the site's significance. Inside, the exhibits showcasing actual artifacts discovered during the excavation bring the archaeological process to life in ways kids find genuinely fascinating.
Fun Facts for Kids
The burial ground was used for over 100 years and was located outside New York City's original boundaries when burials began
Archaeologists discovered coffin handles, beads, buttons, and other artifacts that revealed how African communities maintained their cultural traditions
The site was covered by buildings and forgotten for nearly 200 years before construction workers rediscovered it in 1991
The memorial's design incorporates symbols from various African cultures to honor the diverse origins of those buried here
Plan Your Stay
Save on park entry with the America the Beautiful Pass — $80 for unlimited access to all 400+ National Park sites for a full year.
Where to Stay
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