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
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An aerial view of a large group of people gathered in a field for the 1619 Project in Virginia