Sandy Ground Historical Museum, African-American local museum in Staten Island, US
Sandy Ground Historical Museum is a local institution in Staten Island that preserves documents, photographs, and objects telling the story of free Black settlers. The building houses collections that reveal how these early residents lived and formed their community.
The site dates to 1827 when freed African Americans established the first continuous Black settlement in New York City. This community developed over decades and left an important record of early Black presence in the region.
The museum displays personal letters, quilts, rare books, and art that represent the heritage of Staten Island's African American community. These collections show the crafts, beliefs, and everyday lives of residents across generations.
The museum is located at 1538 Woodrow Road and welcomes visitors through scheduled guided tours only. You should call ahead to arrange a time, as visits require advance planning and reservations.
The museum grounds contain what is considered the only remaining complete 18th-century African cemetery in the United States. This rare landmark offers direct insight into the roots of this early community and its place in the region.
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