Harlem African Burial Ground
AKRF is working closely with the Harlem African Burial Ground Initiative to honor the legacy of African descendant contributions to the founding of Harlem.
The former 126th Street bus depot on Second Avenue in Manhattan was built atop a cemetery now known as the Harlem African Burial Ground. To ensure proper recognition of and respect for the site in advance of its proposed mixed-use redevelopment, AKRF was retained by the New York City Economic Development Corporation in 2015 to perform a Phase 1B archaeological investigation to determine the presence or absence of human remains and/or artifacts on the site.
Archaeological Fieldwork led by AKRF
We then continued our archaeological work with NYCEDC, the Harlem African Burial Ground Initiative, Armand Corporation, Dr. Rachel Watkins, and Dr. Aja Lans, culminating with a special ceremony in 2025 to mark the conclusion of archaeological fieldwork.
AKRF is now analyzing the recovered human remains and artifacts in our New York City laboratory.
Collaboration with Community and Government Leaders
The Archaeological Recovery Work Plan was developed in coordination with the Harlem African Burial Ground Initiative, New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, and other parties. The site was managed by Armand Corporation.
Additionally, AKRF prepared the CEQR Environmental Impact Statement and ULURP application—led by Philip Habib & Associates prior to acquisition—on behalf of NYCEDC for the project.
The forthcoming redevelopment project will honor and memorialize the Harlem African Burial Ground with an indoor cultural education center and permanent outdoor public memorial on the entire historic footprint of the burial ground. The project will also include affordable housing, commercial space, and additional community space on the remainder of the site.
