On May 18, 2013, a symposium was held which explored death in the African Diaspora from archaeological and artistic perspectives. The symposium brought together educators, an archaeologist, and a musician to teach communal responses to death, reveal cultural adaptation and resilience throughout African-American history.

The symposium included traditional African percussion session by artist pioneer Edwina Lee Tyler, art exhibition and a cocktail reception. Guest speakers included:

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Maura Doyle, Historic Preservation Coordinator for Sylvester Manor, Shelter Island’s 1652 homestead, who presented on the archaeology of enslaved people’s burials, and updated us on the newly confirmed multiple graves discovered at “The Burial Ground for the Colored People of Sylvester Manor” by the UMass Boston team, Dr. Steve and his amazing crew from The Andrew Fiske Memorial Center for Archaeological Research.

Catherine D. Zarate, Ed.D. presented on Cultural Awareness Training in Death and Dying for Medical Staff: An Exploratory Study Emphasizing Visual Arts for Issues That Concern Christian African-American and Catholic Hispanic Patients and Families.

Brenda Simmons, Director, East End African American Museum, will present on the Appreciation of African American Culture and Customs associated with Death and Dying.

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Allison Manfra McGovern, R.P.A., PhD. Candidate was a Public Educator for the Office of Public Education and Interpretation (OPEI) of the African Burial Ground Project an an Archaeological Technician for African Burial Ground Project Archaeological Laboratory of New York.

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This event was organized by the Eastville Historical Society and sponsored in part by the Southampton Historical Museum, Huntington Arts Council, Channing Daughters and private contributors.