Among Oysterponds Historical Society’s important responsibilities is taking care of our historic buildings and sites. One of these is the Slaves Burying Ground on Narrow River Road in Orient. In 2020 the OHS Board unanimously decided to erect a temporary sign at its entrance, as we research the site and determine how best to explain its significance, as well as the broader histories of slavery, indentured servitude, and labor camps in our community.

The temporary sign (below) includes a photograph of the original sign the new one replaced and references our historical inquiry.  A new permanent sign will be erected when we complete our research and can more accurately describe the site.  OHS will safeguard the original Slaves Burying Ground sign as part of its collection.

The OHS Board of Trustees has formed a Working Group to guide this research.  The Group has endeavored to gather information and consult experts so we can gain a better understanding of these histories. We welcome input from all members of the community, as well as those who grew up but may no longer live here.  We will also be in touch with other historical societies on eastern Long Island conducting related inquiries and report all the activities of the Working Group on our website going forward.

Pertinent Research Undertaken by OHS

Click here for “Report on the Ground Penetrating Radar Study of the Slaves Burying Ground” (September, 2020) –  conducted by John H. Rayburn, Professor of Geology, SUNY New Paltz

Click here for “Tuthill Hill Cemetary Study” (January, 2021) – conducted by VHB Engineering, Surveying, Landscape Architecture and Geology, P.C.

Click here for “Site Investigation & Analysis: Slaves Burying Ground, Orient, New York” (April, 2021) – conducted by the Burying Ground Preservation Group, Inc.

Click here for a summary of the above research.

Click here for media coverage of this topic.