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Charleston’s Anson African Burial Memorial to Open in 2024

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The future site of the Anson African Burial Memorial, honoring the legacy of 36 African and Native American ancestors.

News Summary

The Anson African Burial Memorial in Charleston is delayed until summer 2024 due to redesigns, but it remains a significant tribute to African and Native American ancestors. The memorial honors 36 individuals whose remains were discovered during the Gaillard Center expansion. Despite the setback, community support continues to grow as plans for a fountain commemorating their legacy take shape.

Charleston’s Anson African Burial Memorial Delayed but Still Honoring History

Charleston is buzzing with news surrounding the Anson African Burial Memorial, an essential project designed to honor the 36 individuals of African and Native American descent whose remains were unearthed in 2013 during the expansion of the Gaillard Center. This memorial, nestled on the south side of the Charleston Gaillard Center, is a heartfelt tribute to those whose voices were silenced too soon.

What’s Causing the Delays?

Originally slated to open its doors in 2023, the timeline for the memorial has been gracefully pushed back to early summer 2024. This modest setback is attributed to necessary project redesigns which, while causing delays, are also increasing costs significantly. The initial budget for the memorial’s centerpiece, a beautiful fountain, was around $500,000. However, thanks to enhancements in the surrounding area and the addition of features like pathways, fences, and plantings, the projected cost has now ballooned to nearly $1 million.

The redesign came about after concerns from the Charleston Parks Department regarding the placement of the fountain. It turns out that the memorial plan was too close to live oaks, prompting the need for adjustments to ensure the trees remain unharmed. This attention to detail showcases the community’s dedication to preserving its natural and historical elements.

A Deeper Connection to History

The remains, initially interred in the 1700s, were reinterred in a vault on the Gaillard property in 2019. In a moving ceremony at the McLeod Plantation Historic Site, names were bestowed upon these individuals—every name reflecting a rich heritage, with names like Nana, Daba, and Pita chosen to honor their African roots. Each year, Charleston holds a ceremony at the Gaillard to remember those honored by the memorial, with a significant observance planned for May 4, celebrating their legacy regardless of the fountain’s completion status.

The Fountain of Remembrance

The centerpiece, a stunning fountain, will feature bronze hands symbolizing all enslaved people who contributed to Charleston’s history, while specifically commemorating the 36 individuals. The hands are crafted by sculptor Stephen Hayes and produced at Carolina Bronze Sculpture Inc. in Seagrove, N.C. In a unique twist, W.P. Law, a skilled fountain maker, will coat the fountain’s exterior with soil from unmarked graves across Charleston, tying the fountain even closer to the sacred ground.

Community Engagement and Support

The Anson African Burial Ground Project (ASABGP) is dedicated to upholding the vision of the memorial, a concept first imagined by Dr. Ade Ofunniyin before his passing in 2020. The project has garnered support from various entities, including the Wells Fargo Foundation, the state of South Carolina, and the city of Charleston, showcasing a collective effort to honor an important chapter in Charleston’s history.

Engagement with the community has been heartfelt, with local events creating opportunities for many to lend a hand. Members of the community even provided hand models for the fountain, making it a true collaborative effort. Researchers, including molecular anthropologists from Dartmouth University and the University of Pennsylvania, have studied the remains, helping to reveal the origins of these historical figures and deepen the collective understanding of their stories.

A Broader Mission in Charleston

The memorial aims to enhance connections to nearby historical sites like the International African American Museum, enriching visitors’ understanding of the legacy of enslaved people. Beyond just this memorial, preservation leaders are raising their voices to emphasize the importance of mapping and protecting Black burial sites. With ongoing development posing threats to these sacred places, the Preservation Society of Charleston collaborates with various organizations to safeguard historic African American burial grounds.

Protecting the Past

New laws have been put into place outlining specific procedures for development in areas known to have burial grounds. Recent discussions highlight the urgent need for these protections, especially as concerns arise regarding properties built over historical cemeteries, such as the one at 88 Smith St., which is home to two significant Black cemeteries. Although property owners may not be legally bound to disclose the presence of graveyards on their land, ethical considerations suggest that informing potential buyers is the right thing to do.

As Charleston navigates these challenges, preservation groups and community initiatives continue their tireless advocacy for better recognition and protection of burial sites and memorials, ensuring that the stories of the past are honored and preserved for generations to come.