Enslaved People Project
The Enslaved People Project is a joint effort of the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Van Cortlandt House Museum operated by The National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New York, and the Kingsbridge Historical Society.
While we know that the majority of enslaved people that lived in Van Cortlandt Park were either African or of African descent, a handful are described as “Indians” in the historical record. It is unknown if those people were indigenous to this area or brought here by their enslavers. It is called the ‘Enslaved People Project’ to be inclusive of all enslaved people who lived on Van Cortlandt Plantation, whether their origins are known or unknown.
The Enslaved People Project is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in Partnership with the New York City Council.
Reimagining the Enslaved Burial Ground
Community Workshops
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Currently, there are several efforts taking place, focused on educating the community about the Enslaved People of the Van Cortlandt Plantation:
Educational Curricula
The Enslaved People Project Curriculum was funded by Bronx Community Board 8 and the New York City Council. The Enslaved People Project created two curricula to be used by teachers:
4th Grade Curriculum
6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Curriculum
Educational Programs
Arts Integration Residency
In the spring of 2022, VCPA collaborated with a Bronx-based teaching artist to pilot an innovative curriculum in a local middle school. This multidisciplinary program was designed to educate middle school students about the history of enslaved people in New York, focusing specifically on the area that is now Van Cortlandt Park. The curriculum utilized a blend of theater arts, creative writing, and social-emotional learning practices to provide a comprehensive and engaging educational experience.
Given the success and positive feedback from this initial implementation, the program expanded in 2023 to include high school and elementary school students. This expansion allowed a broader range of students to benefit from this unique and impactful curriculum. High school students were able to delve deeper into historical analysis and more complex creative projects, while elementary school students were introduced to these important historical topics in an age-appropriate manner through engaging and interactive activities.
This program not only provides students with a rich understanding of an often overlooked aspect of their local history but also equips them with valuable skills in communication, empathy, and self-expression.
We are pleased to continue offering this program to educators who are interested in supplementing their history lessons with this curriculum. If you are an educator looking to enhance your students’ learning experience with a program that combines history, arts, and social-emotional development, we invite you to contact the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance for more information. Learn more about VCPA’s Arts Integration Residency HERE.
For more information or to register your class, please contact:
Ashley Hart Adams at ashley@vancortlandt.org
Unearthing the Past/Building the Future
In the fall of 2024, VCPA will launch Unearthing the Past/Building the Future, an interdisciplinary education program designed to foster historical, environmental, and social awareness among Bronx middle and high school students. This program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the various historical, environmental, and social justice issues that have shaped Van Cortlandt Park and the surrounding community.
The program will explore the legacy of enslaved people and their role in shaping the park, emphasizing the intersection of history, environment, and social justice. Students will delve into the historical context of Van Cortlandt Park, including its origins as a plantation and the significant contributions of enslaved individuals. By examining the history of Tibbetts Brook and its recent daylighting project, students will learn about New York City’s largest green infrastructure project and its impact on flood mitigation, environmental resilience, and community accessibility.
In addition to historical and environmental topics, the program will address food justice by engaging students in discussions about ancestral crops, traditional recipes, and the racial and class disparities in the local food system. Through these discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of food equity and the importance of community stewardship.
This program empowers students to become active participants in the preservation and enhancement of their local environment and community. By connecting historical policies and current environmental challenges, the program aims to inspire advocacy and proactive engagement among students.
If you are an educator interested in enriching your students’ learning experience with a program that combines history, environmental, and social justice, we invite you to contact the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance for more information. Learn more about VCPA’s Unearthing the Past/Building the Future HERE.
For more information or to register your class, please contact:
Ashley Hart Adams at ashley@vancortlandt.org
Sara Kempton at sara@vancortlandt.org
The Pathways to the Past: Enslaved Africans Legacy tour will enlighten participants on the true history that shaped Van Cortlandt Park. Visit the tour page here.
Annual Events
Juneteenth Ceremonies
2021: In gratitude for the sacrifice of the African Ancestors who built what is now Van Cortlandt Park, the African Burial Ground in the park was consecrated on Saturday, June 19, 2021.
2022: Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Bronx Arts Ensemble co-hosted an evening celebration of Juneteenth on Monday, June 20, 2022.
2023: Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Bronx Arts Ensemble co-hosted an evening celebration of Juneteenth on Monday, June 19, 2023. Click here for a video of clips from the event.
2024: Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Bronx Arts Ensemble co-hosted an evening celebration of Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Pinkster Festivals
2023: Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Van Cortlandt House Museum and Kingsbridge Historical Society co-hosted an afternoon Pinkster Festival on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
2024: Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Van Cortlandt House Museum and Kingsbridge Historical Society co-hosted an afternoon Pinkster Festival on Saturday May 4, 2024.
Past Events & Projects
Honoring our African Ancestors
Batá Drummers dedicated an Oro for Égun ceremony at the Enslaved African & Kingsbridge Burial Ground in Van Cortlandt Park on October 28, 2023.
Baobab Tree Installation
An art installation, by Tijay Mohammed, that graced the park from April 2023 to April 2024.
Exciting Progress for Van Cortlandt Park Alliance: A Generous Gift from the Mellon Foundation
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance (VCPA) is thrilled to announce that we have been generously awarded a grant from the Mellon Foundation to advance our capital project Reimagining the Enslaved African Burial Ground in Van Cortlandt Park.
This grant supports Phase 1 of our multi-phase initiative, which aims to create a memorial grove with public art and interpretive trails with signage. Our ultimate goal is to transform the Enslaved African Burial Ground into a significant cultural destination for the community, NYC residents, and tourists.
Project Overview
Phase 1 of our project will engage the community in a design competition to reimagine the cultural landscape of the Enslaved African Burial Ground. This phase includes community engagement, a design competition, and the creation of design visioning/renderings.
Need and Impact
The Enslaved People Project, in collaboration with local nonprofits and community members, aims to address the park’s historical legacy as a plantation. By establishing a respectful memorial and interpretive signage, we seek to honor the contributions of the enslaved African people and elevate their stories. This project will provide a meaningful destination for descendants and serve as a crucial symbol in the Bronx community, promoting historical awareness and dialogue.
Accomplishments and Next Steps
Since 2019, VCPA has made significant strides, including renaming the burial ground, installing interpretive signage, and hosting cultural events. With the Mellon Foundation’s support, Phase 1 will commence, involving a consulting firm for community engagement, a design competition, and the development of design recommendations.
Phase 1
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance is working in partnership with the Design Trust for Public Space to reimagine the Enslaved African Burial Ground at Van Cortlandt Park. The initiative, “Reimagining the Enslaved African Burial Ground at Van Cortlandt Park,” will engage the community in shaping a memorial space dedicated to long-term healing, remembrance, and cultural reflection.
For more details on the project, please visit this page.
To receive invitations to our upcoming community workshops to begin the process of Reimagining the Enslaved Burial Ground please complete this form.
Conclusion
The Mellon Foundation’s grant marks a pivotal moment in our project, enabling us to honor the Enslaved African Legacy with a thoughtful and community-driven design. We are grateful for the Mellon Foundation’s support and look forward to advancing this important work.