Enslaved African Burial Ground

Through painstaking research into historical maps and vintage Irvington Gazettes from the 1920s and 1930s, Commemorate co-founders Sarah Cox and Cathy Sears rediscovered evidence of an enslaved African burial ground on the former Buckhout/Jewel farm — now the Barney Park neighborhood of Irvington.

Enslaved Africans were likely buried at this site until 1827, when slavery was formally abolished in New York State. Since they were not buried in consecrated ground, their resting place was forgotten as the land changed hands over the centuries.

Commemorate successfully encouraged the Village of Irvington to establish the Enslaved African Memorial Park Committee, which is now advising on the design and construction of a memorial park at the northeast corner of South Buckhout Street and Station Road — a serene place of mourning, reflection, and remembrance.

Green informational sign about future site of enslaved African burial ground memorial garden, with a QR code, surrounded by green foliage.
A sign in a garden area titled 'Future Site of the Enslaved African Burial Ground Memorial Garden.' The sign provides historical information about the site, noting it was a burial ground for enslaved people discovered during Burkholder Avenue Park development, and it includes a QR code at the bottom.
Map showing streets, a creek labeled Barney Brook, and a pin marking a specific location near S Buckhot St and Maple St.

“A second tribute—a memorial garden, benches, and plaque by the Hudson River—will honor the area where an enslaved African burial ground was once located. This hallowed land will serve as a serene place of mourning and reflection for these people and their families.”

—Irvington Mayor Arlene Burgos