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African Burying Ground Memorial

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A solemn memorial honoring the lives of 18th-century Africans, both enslaved and free, and New England's only verified African burying ground of its time.

The African Burying Ground Memorial in Portsmouth, NH, is a memorial park and the only archeologically verified African burying ground from the 18th century in New England. It serves as a place of remembrance for nearly 200 freed and enslaved Africans buried there.

A brief summary to African Burying Ground Memorial

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Take time to read the inscriptions and historical markers throughout the memorial to fully understand the significance of the site.
  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the sculptures and design elements of the memorial.
  • The memorial is located on Chestnut Street between Court and State Streets in downtown Portsmouth.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The African Burying Ground Memorial is easily accessible by foot if you are already in downtown Portsmouth. From Market Square, walk south on Congress Street until you reach State Street. Turn left onto State Street, and walk for about 10 minutes. The memorial will be on your left at 386 State Street.

  • Public Transport

    The COAST bus service operates in the Seacoast area. Check the COAST schedules for routes that service Portsmouth and disembark at a stop on State Street within walking distance of the memorial. Walk approximately 5 minutes south on State Street to reach the African Burying Ground Memorial. A single ride fare is $1.50.

  • Car

    The African Burying Ground Memorial is located at 386 State Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801. From I-95, take the exit for NH-1 Bypass toward Portsmouth. Continue on NH-1 Bypass and take the exit for US-1 Bypass toward Portsmouth. Merge onto Market Street, then turn left onto State Street. The memorial will be on your left. Street parking is available, but be aware of parking regulations and possible fees. Metered parking is available on State Street. Parking is free before 8 a.m.

Discover more about African Burying Ground Memorial

The African Burying Ground Memorial stands as a poignant tribute to the lives of nearly 200 Africans, both enslaved and free, who were laid to rest in an 18th-century burying ground. Unearthed in 2003 during a construction project, the site is the only archaeologically verified African burying ground of its time in New England. The memorial park, dedicated in 2015, incorporates several elements that encourage reflection and honor the lives of those interred there. The entrance features a granite stele with bronze figures representing an African man and woman, separated yet reaching for each other, symbolizing the separation and perseverance experienced by those brought to America as captives. A pathway called the 'Petition Line' is inscribed with excerpts from a 1779 petition to the New Hampshire legislature by twenty enslaved individuals seeking their freedom. At the far end of the memorial, a burial vault marked with a Sankofa symbol contains the reinterred remains of individuals discovered during the excavation. The memorial serves as a powerful reminder of the history of slavery in New England and the resilience of the African American community. It is a stop on the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail and the New Hampshire Black Heritage Trail.

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