The National Park Service (NPS) has announced a temporary closure of several features within the African Burial Ground National Monument’s outdoor memorial due to safety concerns. The Ancestral Chamber, a key feature of the monument, is reportedly showing signs of stress and requires an assessment before it can be reopened to the public.
The closure is precautionary, as the NPS prioritizes the safety of its visitors. The agency will conduct a thorough evaluation of the Ancestral Chamber to identify any potential structural issues and take necessary corrective measures. The timeline for the assessment and subsequent reopening of the chamber is not specified in the release.
Despite the closure of the outdoor memorial features, the visitor center at 290 Broadway remains open. Visitors can still learn about the monument and its significance at this location. The NPS has not provided a specific date for the reopening of the Ancestral Chamber and other affected features. Further updates will be provided on the NPS website.