Parks Group Praises Addition of African Burial Ground to Park System

New York, NY - The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) is honored to welcome the African Burial Ground as the newest addition to the National Park System.

The transfer of this federal property and its creation as a permanent memory to the legacy of captive Africans is a major step in honoring the people who helped to build New York City, and indeed, helped forge our country. This new park once again confirms the unique role of the National Park Service as one of the largest custodians of African American history in the United States.

It is significant that the president used the Antiquities Act to proclaim the African Burial Ground a National Monument. This site is unique for not only being a historical marker in American history, but like other park sites such as Gettysburg it is also hallowed ground. This site is now one of 19 within the park system that directly reflects some aspect of African American history and culture.

We are delighted that President Bush and the Park Service, respected for their commitment to the mission of protecting and preserving our heritage, have taken on this proud responsibility in conjunction with the surrounding community, including state and local champions.

We sincerely hope that the Park Service will fund, maintain, and interpret this site in a manner worthy of those it represents, and that it will be successfully woven into the fabric of the national park sites in lower Manhattan.