On June 18th, the Landmarks Preservation Commission named Frederick Douglass Memorial Park an individual landmark. Established in 1935, Frederick Douglass Memorial Park (FDMP) is an historic African American cemetery in Staten Island. Racist practices in the early twentieth century limited burial options for African Americans. There was a need to create a cemetery intended for and operated by African Americans. The cemetery has seen an estimated 60,000 interments, including many notable musicians, professional athletes, businesspeople, and public figures. The landmark designation ensures the future preservation of this significant cultural landscape and place of reflection.
The Conservancy has been working with FDMP since 2020 when we provided an $11,000 Emergency Preservation Grant to fund a new roof at the cemetery’s administration building. In 2023, the Conservancy’s Nonprofit Technical Assistance Grants program provided a $4,000 grant to fund a conditions assessment by an architect. We have been supportive throughout the landmark designation process.
