Request for Proposals: Operator for the Harlem African Burial Ground Cultural Education Center
Learn about this opportunity to develop a cultural education center at the historic East Harlem site during informational sessions in January and February.
For two centuries, from the mid-1600s to the mid-1800s, free and enslaved New Yorkers of African descent were buried at the Harlem African Burial Ground. Over time, the history of this site was lost — erased by the subsequent redevelopment of the land. Today, the Harlem African Burial Ground project is a community-driven vision to honor and memorialize this historic site with a new outdoor memorial and indoor cultural education center, while also addressing affordable housing and jobs needs in the East Harlem community.
In 2015, with the tireless work of the Harlem African Burial Ground Initiative (HABGI) and its members, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) commissioned archaeologists to unearth that history and reverse its erasure. Now, after several years of excavation and preservation, engagement with the Harlem community, and commemoration of this sacred site, the Burial Ground enters the next chapter of its history.
NYCEDC has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for qualified parties interested in creating and operating the future Harlem African Burial Ground Cultural Education Center, which will honor the contributions of the New Yorkers buried there and educate a new generation on the rich history of Harlem and New York City.
NYCEDC is hosting two virtual informational sessions for this opportunity on Monday, January 26, at 6pm (ET) and Monday, February 2, at 3pm (ET) via Microsoft Teams. Those who wish to attend either informational session should RSVP by emailing HABGOperator@edc.nyc.
Proposals are due no later than 4pm (ET) on Monday, April 6, 2026.
To learn more, visit edc.nyc.
