Frederick Douglass Memorial Park Launches Chapel House Capital Campaign
STATEN ISLAND, NY — November 3, 2025 — Frederick Douglass Memorial Park, a designated New York City Landmark and one of the city’s most significant historically Black cemeteries, is proud to announce the launch of its Chapel House Capital Campaign, a community-driven effort to restore one of the cemetery’s most historic and cherished buildings.
The Chapel House has served generations of families as the heart of the cemetery, hosting memorial services, community gatherings, and sacred rituals. Decades of use have taken a toll on the building, making comprehensive restoration essential to ensure its safety, accessibility, and long-term preservation.
“This campaign is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about preserving a sacred space that holds our history, memories, and legacy,” said Lynn Cuffee of Frederick Douglass Memorial Park. “We are honored to invite the community to join us in protecting this landmark for future generations.”
The campaign has received a generous grant from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, The New York Landmarks Conservancy, through its Nonprofit Technical Assistance Grant Program, and support from the Staten Island Foundation. These funds will address the initial roof repairs, laying the groundwork for the full restoration. Additional contributions will support structural repairs, interior and exterior upgrades, enhanced accessibility, and a reserve fund for long-term maintenance.
Supporters of the Chapel House Capital Campaign can also purchase commemorative bricks, making their family a permanent part of the cemetery’s story and contributing directly to the restoration effort.
How to Support the Campaign:
Make a gift of any size online at [website link]
Purchase a commemorative brick to honor your family or loved ones
Spread the word to friends, family, and community organizations
For nearly 90 years, Frederick Douglass Memorial Park has served as a place of remembrance and reflection for Staten Island’s African American community. The Chapel House Restoration Campaign ensures that this legacy continues, safeguarding both history and hope for generations to come.
About Frederick Douglass Memorial Park
Founded in 1935, Frederick Douglass Memorial Park is one of New York City’s most important African American cemeteries and a designated landmark. The Park preserves the stories and legacies of the families it serves and continues its mission to honor African American history and culture in New York City.