Vision and Mission
This one-of-a-kind sculpture commemorates a singular moment that reverberates through the fabric of more than 400 years of American history—the landing of the first Africans in Virginia in August, 1619, at Point Comfort. The memorial reflects 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 provide an opportunity for national and international audiences to openly discuss together their pasts to foster a new understanding of the nation’s beginning.
Together, the Fort Monroe Authority, the Fort Monroe National Monument, partner organizations and members of the descendant community envisioned 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
Scott Martin
Chief Executive Officer
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
Vincent Tucker
President
Aazia Mrozinski
Executive Director
Bonnie Kersta
Development Administrator
Baskervill, Inc. Architect and Design Firm
Burt Pinnock, FAIA, NOMA
Principal/Chairman of the Board
Construction
WPL Land Design
Initial Concept Design
Athens Building Corporation, Richmond, VA
General Contractor
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 Commonwealth of Virginia has provided $9 million for the Memorial that includes the art design and fabrication, in addition to the site design and construction.
The Fort Monroe Foundation has provided over $160,000 to date through grants and donations to support programming, interpretation and community engagement 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






