GSA's ABG Reinterment Plans Endorsed
Agency Earns Praise for Progress on Historic Project

NEW YORK, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Three regulatory agencies have endorsed plans by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to return the remains and artifacts of 17th and 18th century enslaved Africans to the New York African Burial Memorial site.
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (SHPO) agree that GSA has sufficiently met its commitments under a 1989 agreement and may therefore proceed with the long-anticipated reinterment on October 4, 2003.
 
"We take solemn satisfaction in the role we have played in this historic effort and its appropriate conclusion," said John L. Nau, III, Chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. "It is fitting that these men, women, and children who were deprived of their rightful voice during their lifetimes have now borne eloquent witness for the ages through research on their remains. It is with humility and tremendous respect for a group of amazing people that we now share our joy at having their remains return to their repose at the African Burial Ground. We are a better nation and a wiser people thanks to their silent testimony."
 
"We humbly welcome the long anticipated reburial of these early New Yorkers in the African Burial Ground," said Robert Tierney, Chairman New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. From the time of the discovery in 1991 to the present, have learned much about our history and ourselves. And now is the time for us to reflect with respect upon the significance of the lives and experiences of those whose remains will be returned to their final resting place.
 
"We commend GSA for its efforts to bring the African Burial Ground project to a successful conclusion. The long-awaited reinterment will be an extraordinary and respectful event that will help to bring a sense of closure for the descendant community," said Bernadette Castro, State Parks Commissioner.
 
In 1989, GSA signed an agreement with ACHP and LPC requiring the study of remains and artifacts, public participation in the reinterment and the development of an Exterior Memorial and Interpretive Center. Progress on scientific research being conducted by Howard University was essential to advancing GSA's reinterment plans.
 
GSA and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture will host commemorative reinterment ceremonies in six cities. Events will begin at Howard University in Washington, D.C. on September 30, and culminate with a vigil on Oct. 3 and reburial ceremonies Oct. 4 at the African Burial Ground Memorial Site in New York City.
 
"The return of the African ancestors to their original burial place in New York City is a historic moment, and through the excellent work of the Schomburg Center, GSA, and our important project partners, the African American community is assured a week of ceremonies that is dignified, respectful and internationally recognized," said GSA Administrator Stephen A. Perry.
 
The African Burial Ground was uncovered in 1991 during construction of a federal office building at Broadway and Duane Street. Archeologists exhumed human skeletal remains and scores of artifacts for study at Howard University. To the disappointment of many, the project stalled during the 1990's. Since 2001, GSA has taken definitive steps to turn the project around.
 
"We have taken hold of this project, embraced it as a priority and given it the leadership and resources it requires," said GSA Regional Administrator Karl H. Reichelt. "Earning support for reinterment is an affirmation of what GSA is accomplishing, and gives us momentum as we complete the remaining elements of this historic project.
 

####