Events Signal Opening of 18th Century Burial Ground Memorial

In October of 2003, while working on infrastructure upgrades on Chestnut Street, workers uncovered coffins with the remains of a forgotten group of people. Upon further excavation and investigation, it was discovered there were about two-hundred of these coffins. It was confirmed by the city that this area had been a segregated burial ground for African Americans and their descendants from the 1700’s to the early 19th century. You can read one of the first articles of the discovery here on SeacoastNH.com.

This discovery was astounding, because it is the only known African cemetery of its age to be investigated through archaeology in New England. The city of Portsmouth has taken initiative in this situation by closing down the street to create an area for the public to come and be educated on the history of the area, as well as creating an area for those forgotten to be remembered. Now, after almost twelve years since the re-discovery, the city has announced a series of events that will signify the opening of the memorial:

• Wednesday, May 20th – On-site event with artist and sculptor of the memorial Jerome Meadows (9:00am)
• Friday, May 22nd – African Burial Ground Ancestral Vigil at New Hope Baptist Church (7:00pm)
• Saturday, May 23rd – Reburial Ceremony at African Burial Ground (8:30am)
• Saturday, May 23rd – Public Celebration at Portsmouth Middle School Auditorium (10:30am)
• Saturday, May 23rd – On site walk about with project artist and construction team (1:30pm)
• Saturday, May 23rd – Burial Vault Lid Placement

Come out and support this historic site as the city pays its respects to a people who are no longer lost in time. For more information on the site, the project history and the event details click here.