Congressman Dan Goldman and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Introduce Legislation to Formally Establish the African Burial Ground Museum

Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today joined Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in introducing both the ‘African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Feasibility Study Act,’ and the ‘African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act’. These pieces of bicameral legislation establish an African Burial Ground Museum under the National Park Service (NPS) and requires NPS to study the feasibility of building the museum adjacent to the African Burial Ground Monument.  

 

“The African Burial Ground is an essential hallmark of the history of our city and our nation,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “It is a stark and sobering reminder of the fact that New York was built on the backs of enslaved Black Americans. Now more than ever, it is vital we continue to amplify the lessons and memories symbolized by the African Burial Ground Monument. I am proud to introduce this legislation to promote and preserve such a vital safeguard of our city and nation’s history.” 

 

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “The African Burial Ground is an important part of New York City’s history, serving as a permanent tribute to the enslaved and free African men and women who lived in and helped build the foundations of New York.   This legislation to establish a permanent museum would ensure that our city and nation never forget the important history of how New York was built.” 

 

Rodney Leon, President of the African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation said, "The African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Education Center will serve as a critical cultural destination in Lower Manhattan worthy of the significance of this sacred site. The African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation salutes Congressman Dan Goldman and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in their continued sincere efforts to bring awareness to the African Burial Ground National Monument and the historic contributions that people of African descent have made to the establishment of New York City and the United States of America." 

 

The African Burial Ground in Lower Manhattan currently holds the remains of an estimated 15,000 free and enslaved Africans and early-generation African Americans from the colonial era and is one of the most historically important monuments to Black History in New York. It was designated a National Monument in 2006 to honor the women, men, and children who worked tirelessly to establish New York as a major city. 

 

The ‘African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act’ would establish a Memorial Museum and Education Center to serve as a permanent living tribute to the men and women who were buried at this sacred site.   

 

Read the bill here. 
 

The ‘African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Feasibility Study Act’ would direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability of constructing the African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center adjacent to the African Burial Ground National Monument. 

 

Read the bill here. 

 

Congressman Goldman has made supporting the African Burial Ground Monument a priority throughout his time in Congress. 

 

In December 2024, Congressman Goldman announced a partnership between the African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation and National Park Service (ABGMF), which enables the ABGMF to provide resources and support towards maintaining and operating the site. This announcement follows a letter written by Congressman Goldman’s office in support of the ABGMF’s application of 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax status, which was a prerequisite for entering the partnership. 

 

In February 2023, Goldman introduced the ‘African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act’ alongside Congressman Jerry Nadler (NY-12) to establish a museum and education center at the African Burial Ground.