Archaeologist Michael Pappalardo will discuss his work excavating the Harlem African Burial Ground, a cemetery dating to the 1690s that was used to bury free and enslaved people of African descent, during a talk at the Easton Library on Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.
Pappalardo, an Easton resident, has worked on the project for more than a decade. His involvement began when he helped New York City determine whether human skeletal remains or other archaeological resources were present at the site located on Second Avenue between 126th and 127th street.
“Since then, we’ve completed a large-scale excavation and are currently analyzing the many thousands of artifacts, human skeletal remains, and samples,” Pappalardo said.
The talk, sponsored by the Easton Cemetery Committee, will focus on the challenges and discoveries involved in excavating a large archaeological site in a complex urban environment.
Pappalardo will discuss the site’s history and findings, including the recovery of artifacts dating back thousands of years to the period before European contact. He also will share photographs documenting the excavation methods used at the site.
The cemetery was destroyed by urban development in the mid-1800s, Pappalardo said. The property later served as a beer garden, Army barracks during World War I, a movie studio and the MTA’s East 126th Street Bus Depot in 1947.
In 2009, community leaders, historians, and the Elmendorf Reformed Church formed the Harlem African Burial Ground Task Force to fight for the site’s recognition.
“Helping local community groups gain recognition for this important site has been quite humbling, ” he said..
Nanette DeWester, chair of the Easton Cemetery Committee said Pappalardo’s project “offers a rare look at a part of New York’s history that was erased from the landscape.
“We are delighted to host Michael’s talk and share this important work” she said.
Pappalardo said plans call for work to begin early next year to remove the existing building and restore the cemetery’s original footprint as an outdoor memorial space.
“The NYC Economic Development Corporation will issue an RFP to begin redevelopment of the full city block,” he said. “The remainder of the block will be developed with affordable housing, commercial space, and a community/education center.”
The suggested donation for the talk is $15 per person, payable at the door and will benefit the Easton Cemetery Committee.
