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