Seven to Save Spotlight: Elmhurst African American Burial Ground
A historic map showing the location of the burial ground
The Elmhurst African American Burial Ground in Queens was nearly lost and forgotten under new development before the "woman in the iron coffin" was discovered by construction workers in 2011. Archaeological research revealed her identity as most likely Martha Peterson, a 26-year-old African American woman buried about 150 years before. According to Thirteen, “Peterson was the daughter of John and Jane Peterson, prominent figures in Newtown’s African American community. Public records also noted that Martha Peterson lived with William Raymond, the brother-in-law, neighbor, and business partner of Almond Dunbar Fisk, the iron coffin creator.” Newtown, what is now Elmhurst, was settled by free African Americans in 1828, one of several such communities that popped up in New York City after slavery was abolished in 1827 (Seneca Village, which was displaced to create Central Park, might be the most famous of these communities). Finding Martha Peterson revealed the existence of many more unmarked graves. The discovery of this important burial site spurred community activism to save it and Elmhurst History and Cemeteries Preservation Society (EHCPS) has been working to increase awareness ever since. The League listed this site as one of our Seven to Save to help draw attention to it and collaborate with community activists who wish to see it landmarked and turned into a public place honoring those buried there.
A historic image of St. Mark A.M.E. Church
The former owner of the land is St. Mark A.M.E. Church (it is now owned by a developer), which had stood on the site until 1930 (it is now located in Jackson Heights, Queens). As EHCPS explained in their Seven to Save nomination, in anticipation of their move, the church applied for a permit from the city to transfer all burials to Mount Olivet Cemetery — but the permit was denied. Records indicate that only 20 burials were transferred, out of an estimated 300+. In 1931, the city de-mapped the cemetery, leading to it being forgotten — and this lack of recognition is what EHCPS is working to correct.
The issue of preserving and properly honoring unmarked burial grounds is something the League is passionate about. As unmarked burial grounds are discovered, there is no standard practice for how they are treated and, ideally, protected. In 2019, the unmarked burial site protection act (NYS Assembly bill A5928) was introduced. It is still in committee. Around the same time, Rep. Alma S. Adams [D-NC-12] introduced H.R.1179 - African-American Burial Grounds Network Act. Our public policy team is paying special attention to this issue.
As we help bring awareness to the Elmhurst African American Burial Ground during our spotlight this month, we look forward to digging in to this important history and the history of forgotten African American and Indigenous burial grounds more generally. These sites have important stories to tell and they deserve to be saved.