Event
400th Anniversary of the First African Landing
Fee:
Free.Location: LAT/LONG: 38.888407, -77.069116
This event will occur at the Netherlands Carillon in Arlington Ridge Park.
Dates & Times
Date:
Time:
Duration:
Type of Event
2:00 p.m.: Public Activities Begin 3:00 p.m.: Bell Ringing Ceremony 3:05 p.m.: 30 Minute Bell Concert Begins
Description
August 25, 2019 marks the 400th anniversary of the landing of the first enslaved Africans in English-occupied North America at Point Comfort in Hampton, Virginia, now part of Fort Monroe National Monument, a unit of the National Park Service.
The story of the African Americans in North America spans four centuries - and beyond. The George Washington Memorial Parkway protects and preserves numerous places and stories significant in the African American experience.
In solidarity with the nationwide bell ringing, at 3 p.m. on August 25, the Netherlands Carillon will ring for four minutes - one for each century - to honor the first Africans who landed in 1619 at Point Comfort and 400 years of African American history.
To capture the spirit of healing and reconciliation while honoring the significance of 400 years of African American history and culture, after the initial four minutes to honor those who landed in 1619, Carillonneur, Ed Nassor will play 30 minutes of African American hymns and other selections that reflect the African American experience.
Additionally, National Park Service interpreters will facilitate activities for the public to explore the themes of remembrance, healing, reconciliation and uplift related to African American History at the George Washington Memorial Parkway and the National Park Service.
Why a Bell Ringing?
Bells are rung for joy, sorrow, alarm, and celebration...universal concepts in each of our lives. This symbolic gesture will enable Americans from all walks of life to participate in this historic moment from wherever they are--to capture the spirit of healing and reconciliation while honoring the significance of 400 years of African American history and culture.
Reservation or Registration: No
Image Gallery
Joseph Gruber, NPS Volunteer
Sidney E. King
Ted Ellis/400 Years of African-American History Commission