Vision and Mission

This one-of-a-kind sculpture will commemorate a singular moment that reverberates through the fabric of more than 400 years of American history—the landing of the first Africans to the Virginia Colony in English North America in August, 1619, at Point Comfort, Virginia. The memorial will reflect the true narrative of the events leading to the creation of the institution of slavery in what later becomes the United States. Collectively, this memorial and interpretive and education programs will provide an opportunity for national and international audiences to openly discuss together our past to foster a new understanding of our nation’s beginning.

Together, the Fort Monroe Authority, the Fort Monroe National Monument, partner organizations and members of the descendant community envision a place where people can come from around the world, as individuals or groups, to reflect on the history, stories, and contributions of Africans and their descendants in this new world; through demonstrated examples of survival, resistance, perseverance, and ingenuity.

Partners

Team

FORT MONROE AUTHORITY

G. Glenn Oder, ASLA

Executive Director

John Hutcheson

Deputy Executive Director, Director of Real Estate and Operation

Phyllis Terrell

Director of Communications

David Stroud

Director of Heritage Assets and Historic Preservation

Françoise B. Bonnell, PhD.

Director of Museums, Education & Interpretation

Aaron Whittington

Director Venues, Events and Media Production

Erika Scott

Accounting Manager

Yvonne Cash

Procurement Manager

Jessica Meadows, MAT

Education Programs Manager

Emily Hoffman

Visitor Engagement Manager

Fort Monroe Foundation

The Honorable Jimmy Gray

President

Bonnie Kersta

Development Administrator

Baskervill, Inc. Architect and Design Firm

Burt Pinnock, FAIA, NOMA

Principal/Chairman of the Board

Anca Lipcan, AIA, LEED AP BD + C

Associate/Studio Director

The Story of the Memorial

The evolution of the memorial project from inception to present. Learn about how the plans for the memorial have progressed.

Funding for the Memorial

Support for the African Landing Memorial comes from many different sources and many different forms. The early part of the process, which included the selection of the sculptor and the listening tour, was paid for by both private funds and public funds.

The Commonwealth of Virginia committed an initial $500K to begin the design process. The state more recently secured $6 million from federal funds to continue the design and construction of the plaza and the sculptures.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation provided a $50K grant to support the creation of an interpretive plan for the memorial.

The Fort Monroe Foundation continues to seek funding opportunities and raise money to:

  • sustain and maintain the memorial in the future years
  • expand outreach across the nation and globally
  • enhance the interpretation through virtual reality experiences
  • create a travelling exhibit to ensure accessibility by all
  • host symposiums and conferences at the site
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An aerial view of a large group of people gathered in a field for the 1619 Project in Virginia