New York Takes Steps to Protect Historic African Burial Ground in Elmhurst

New York is finally moving to protect a historic African burial ground in Elmhurst, Queens, which has been neglected for far too long. Attorney General Letitia James has filed a motion to intervene in a pending foreclosure action involving the site, seeking to ensure that any prospective buyer is notified of the human remains and their legal obligations to protect them.

Located at 47-11 90th Street, the burial ground dates back to 1818 and was rediscovered in 2006. Despite being placed under restrictive declarations to protect the remains, the site has been repeatedly disturbed. In 2011, workers uncovered the remains of a woman named Martha Peterson, who had died in the 1800s. The next year, the site was listed for sale, with no mention of the burial ground.

The current owner, 90 Queens Inc., has been using the property to store old cars and other debris, leading to multiple violations from the city’s Department of Buildings. Now, the state is stepping in to ensure that this historic site is finally given the respect and recognition it deserves.

For expats and digital nomads living in New York, this is a reminder that there are still hidden gems and important historical sites to discover. While this news may come as a surprise to some, it's a crucial step towards preserving the city's rich African-American history and culture.