St. John’s student researches African Burial Ground during summer internship
St. John’s University graduate student Sebastian Loiseau spent his summer working at the African Burial Ground National Monument in lower Manhattan, a site that serves as a reminder of a difficult period in United States history and is dedicated to honoring those whose stories have often been overlooked.
Sebastian is enrolled in the combined Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in History program at St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with plans to graduate in May. “I always liked history and felt like it was something I could teach someday,” he said.
Originally from Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York, Sebastian transferred to St. John’s after two years at Nassau Community College. He chose St. John’s partly because his brother also attends the university and wanted to remain local.
After receiving a recommendation from one of his professors, Sebastian was contacted by Elizabeth LaRochelle ’19SJC, ’20M.A., Youth Programs Coordinator for the National Parks of New York Harbor and an alumna of the same program, about an internship opportunity with the National Park Service.
Sebastian was eventually assigned to work at the Visitor Center and Museum near the African Burial Ground National Monument. The site, rediscovered in 1991 during construction work on a federal building, contains remains believed to be from up to 15,000 free and enslaved Africans from the 17th and 18th centuries. Community advocacy led to further study and respectful reburial of those found there before it became a national monument.
One aspect of Sebastian’s role involved welcoming visitors seeking information or reflection at the monument. “Sometimes you’re answering questions and other times you step back and give them space,” he commented. “Several visitors come for information. Others come to reflect. You have to respect both.”
He noted that many people are unaware that New York had an enslaved African population: “Many people don’t know that New York had an enslaved African population. That’s part of what this site exists to correct.” He emphasized that those buried there were interred by their own community rather than being placed in a mass grave.
Sebastian’s internship required him to complete an independent research project as well. He initially intended for his final project to focus on dental health among Africans based on previous classwork involving dental history; he referenced forensic research conducted by Howard University scholars who studied remains found at the burial ground.
Eventually, he used ArcGIS StoryMaps software for his project, tracing aspects such as African cultures, migration patterns, enslavement routes, and details about how the burial ground came into existence.
“This complex interdisciplinary work wove together history, archaeology, geography, and data visualization,” he explained. “The scope of the project kept expanding,” he said further. “My project ended up being the equivalent of a full semester’s work, but that’s how much context this history demands.”
Sebastian also highlighted his technical skills: “It’s essential to master these tools as they are rapidly expanding and of great value.”
While undecided about his future career path—whether teaching or conducting research—he expressed appreciation for opportunities like this internship: “The internship was definitely a great opportunity for me to showcase my skills. I didn’t just learn more history—I learned how much responsibility comes with telling it.”
St. John’s University is affiliated with the Vincentian Community and has operated since its founding in Brooklyn in 1870 (official website). The university offers more than 100 undergraduate majors across six schools and colleges along with graduate programs (official website). With campuses located in Queens and Manhattan as well as international sites including Rome, Paris, and Limerick (official website), St. John’s supports multicultural initiatives through various centers focused on both local communities and global efforts (official website).
