Lawmakers are urging Congress to create an international museum and education center at the African Burial Ground.
The remains of about 20,000 enslaved and free Africans from the colonial era are held at the site in Lower Manhattan.
It became swallowed up by landfill and development in the area, but was rediscovered in 1991 during construction of the Federal office building. The grounds were given landmark status just two years later.
Lawmakers say the museum and education center would honor those buried there, and help share their story with future generations.