Sandy Ground Historical Museum, African-American local museum in Staten Island, US
Sandy Ground Historical Museum is an African-American and local museum on Staten Island that holds documents, photographs, and objects related to the story of free Black settlers. It sits in the Woodrow neighborhood and focuses on the community that formed what became the oldest continuous Black settlement in New York City.
The area traces its origins to 1827, when freed African Americans from Maryland and New Jersey established the first continuous Black settlement in New York City. Over the following decades, the community grew and left behind a record that is now central to the museum's collections.
The museum displays personal letters, quilts, rare books, and art that represent the heritage of Staten Island's African American community. These objects give a direct sense of everyday life, beliefs, and crafts passed down across generations.
The museum is only open by appointment for guided tours, so you should call ahead before planning a visit. Visits require advance scheduling, and the site is not open for walk-ins.
The museum grounds hold what is considered the only complete African American cemetery from the 18th century still remaining in the United States. It sits right beside the museum building and can be seen during a guided tour of the site.
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