Rye African-American Cemetery
The Rye African-American Cemetery, also known as African Cemetery, is a historic cemetery on North Street in Rye, New York. It is located next to the southwest portion of Greenwood Union Cemetery, and was established as a burying ground for local African-Americans in 1860 through a donation of land by the Underhill family with the intent that it “shall forever hereafter kept, held and used for the purpose of a cemetery or burial place for the colored inhabitants of the said Town of Rye, and its vicinity free and clear of any charge". At least 35 of the individuals buried there are American veterans. The last documented burial in the cemetery was in 1964.
The cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. In 2004, it was added to the African American Heritage Trail of Westchester County, a group of 13 sites which include Stony Hill Cemetery, Villa Lewaro and the Jay Estate.
The cemetery is cared for and being restored by the non-profit Friends of the Rye African American Cemetery together with descendants of those buried there and the local NAACP chapter. The Friends have led the preservation effort since 2010
