Activity Report
African Burial Ground Project
Pursuant to the Amended Memorandum of Agreement

March 31, 2005

This report covers events surrounding the African Burial Ground (ABG) Project for the period of January    through March 2005.

Introduction

The activities for this reporting period include ongoing work to complete the technical reports and the continuing coordination regarding the Exterior Memorial and Interpretive Center for the site. A brief list of meetings, telephone conferences, etc., held during this reporting period is provided as Appendix A.
 

Activities of the Reporting Period

Education/Outreach (OPEI)
 
Below is a summary of OPEI activities, compiled from previously submitted monthly reports, for the months of January, February, and March, 2005.

During this period, the OPEI presented site tours, film showings, and information sessions to a total of 3,497 individuals (311 individuals at the 290 Broadway Information Desk, 3,214 members of 63 organizations, and 12 researchers with over 30 hours in the Reading Library at 201 Varick Street). The OPEI responded to 709 telephone calls for information and request for services. The OPEI also distributed educational materials (educational portfolios, newsletters, bookmarks, press kits, art work brochures etc.) as detailed below:
 

Materials Summary:

One press kit was distributed this quarter.

The OPEI also sponsored several events over the last quarter. These included the OPEI Volunteer Training Program, the OPEI Film Festival and an Open House at the OPEI office at 201 Varick Street. At all events, OPEI educational portfolios, bookmarks and information kits were distributed to the public by its volunteers.
 
   
Interpretive Center (National Park Service)
 
The NPS continues to work on the NPS Interpretation Plan and Management Alternatives Report to GSA. A draft of this report is expected to be available to the public for comment in Summer 2005.
 
   
Exterior Memorial (National Park Service)
 
Negotiations with the finalist were held and the best and final offers were submitted in February. The final Source Selection Evaluation Board Report was revised to reflect the changes that were required as a result of the negotiations and the submitted best and final offers. It is anticipated that the selection and announcement of the winning finalist will be made during the next quarter.
 
   
Technical Studies (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Howard University)
 
GSA formally accepted the Skeletal Biology and History Report. GSA also provided the OPEI with copies of the Skeletal Biology and History Reports for review by the public. In addition, the reports were placed on the website (www.africanburialground.gov). Howard University is still preparing the Archaeology Report and has requested additional time to complete the report.

Howard University has submitted a proposal for the completion of an integrated report, a public audience publication and the formal printing of the set of technical reports, including the archaeology report. The proposal is being reviewed by GSA and will be finalized in the next quarter.
   
 
Archives Project (U.S. Army Corp of Engineers)
 
During this period, processing continued on the MCX Project Files Record Group and the Cobb Laboratory Record Group. Approximately 75% of the paper materials in these record groups have been repackaged, labeled, and arranged. Approximately 50% of the photographic materials from these two record groups have been repackaged and labeled. Repackaging of the documentary materials involves taking the documents out of nonarchival enclosures (i.e., acidic file folders and unstable sleeves) and rehousing them in archivally sound materials that are then labeled and described in an archival finding aid, in accordance with the Schomburg Center Standards. Electronic documents from these record groups have been identified and printed. MCX archivists continue all processing activities in consultation with the Schomburg Center staff.

The audiocassettes from the ABG Steering Committee Meetings are being duplicated for inclusion in the archives. An appointment to travel to Hilton Head and review the records currently held by Mr. Howard Wright, South Carolina, has been scheduled for April.

Efforts continue on the development of the curation agreement with the Schomburg Center, the development of the recommendations for the disposition of the OPEI records, and the transfer of the next three record groups to the MCX for processing.
 
 
   

Appendix A

Timeline of Meetings and Telephone Conferences conducted by
the ABG Project Team

 January – March 2005