Frederick Douglass Memorial Park Conservancy, Inc.

Overview

Frederick Douglass Memorial Park Conservancy, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving African American history through the restoration and maintenance of Frederick Douglass Memorial Park in Staten Island, New York. The Conservancy plays a crucial role in ensuring the long-term preservation of this historic site, which is a significant cultural landmark.

Mission and Activities

The Conservancy's mission is to celebrate heritage and build unity by supporting renovations, repairs, and cultural programs at Frederick Douglass Memorial Park. This includes securing grants to fund essential renovations and repairs to ensure that the site remains a vibrant and dignified place for reflection and remembrance.

Key activities of the Conservancy include:

• Memorial Preservation: Ensuring that the graves and monuments at Frederick Douglass Memorial Park are well-maintained and preserved for future generations.
• Renovations & Repairs: Organizing and funding necessary repairs and renovations to maintain the integrity of the park.
• Gravesite Placements: Arranging for the placement of wreaths or other tributes on graves to honor the deceased.
• Community Events: Facilitating events that promote community engagement and recognition of African American history.

Significance

Frederick Douglass Memorial Park, for which the Conservancy advocates, is New York City's only African American cemetery, established in 1935. The park has seen an estimated 60,000 interments, including many notable figures in African American history, such as musicians, athletes, and civil rights leaders. The Conservancy's work helps to preserve this important cultural legacy.

Impact

By supporting the restoration and preservation efforts at Frederick Douglass Memorial Park, the Conservancy contributes to the broader goal of recognizing and honoring African American contributions to society. Their work ensures that this historical site remains a place of dignity and reflection for generations to come.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Douglass_Memorial_Park [2] https://nylandmarks.org/news/frederick-douglass-memorial-park-is-now-a-landmark/ [3] https://www.frederickdouglassmemorialpark.org [4] https://fdconservancy.com [5] https://www.frederickdouglassmemorialpark.org/donate