Emily Chan
During the 1980s and ’90s, the fear and chaos that came with the AIDS epidemic led to an increase in the number of bodies buried on the island. Because of that, there is a lot of stigma surrounding the island.
Those who died of AIDS were buried separately in extra-deep graves. Inmates were responsible for digging the graves.
They were paid 37 cents per hour to carry pine caskets, mark them with the correct name and number, and bury them. Today, about 1,100 burials are still conducted on Hart Island every year.
For the first time ever in 2023, New York has given the public access to the island after it was transferred to the Parks Department.
Nature classes and guided tours will be hosted by urban park rangers. The purpose of these events is to honor the dead and break down the stigma associated with the island.
A handy tool to help visitors learn more about the island’s history has also been developed. It will allow them to navigate the island better and search for burial records to get a sense of the stories of the people who are buried there. Even with all the new activity, officials plan on keeping the graves undisturbed.
