Published: Augut 12, 2026, 5:50a.m.
By Amanda Faublas | afaublas@siadvance.com
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. —The stories of Sandy Ground, the nation’s oldest free Black settlement still inhabited by descendants of its pioneers, are taking center stage in a new documentary project that aims to preserve the voices of those who know its history best: the families who trace their roots to the community’s founders.
For the past two years, Columbia University Professor Heather Butts has worked alongside students to meet with descendants of Sandy Ground’s pioneering families, documenting their memories, experiences and connections to the historic Rossville community.
The result is “Rossville A.M.E. Zion Church: The Heart of Sandy Ground,” a newly released mini-documentary that explores the legacy of Sandy Ground, recognized as the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited free Black settlement.
The film is part of Untold Stories, a community-driven initiative launched by Butts in 2021 to uncover and share overlooked histories.
Developed over two years, beginning in summer 2024, the documentary focuses on both the original settlers and the generations who continue to call the South Shore community home.
Sandy Ground was founded in the 1820 by free Black gardeners. In the 1850s African American oystermen from Maryland became attracted to the area because of the abundant oyster beds of the Raritan Bay. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the community became self-sufficient and thrived as it housed a range of professionals and tradesmen, from blacksmiths and store owners to teachers and midwives. Soon, Sandy Ground became a community where African Americans found prosperity and freedom from persecution.
Today, Sandy Ground remains an important part of Staten Island and American history.
Butts and her students are scheduled to present the documentary in early September. The project has also been submitted to the NYC Voices Community Film Festival, presented by Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health.
In a statement, Butts emphasized the importance of keeping Sandy Ground’s history alive.
“I’m honored and proud to be part of the ‘Rossville A.M.E. Zion Church: The Heart of Sandy Ground’ project,” she said. “The stories of Sandy Ground, the Rossville A.M.E. Zion Church, and the brave individuals that created this incredible community need to be told often and frequently. They are the shared history of Staten Island, New York City, and this nation.”
The documentary concludes with the words “to be continued,” signaling that the project is far from over. According to Butts, the film serves as the first installment in a broader effort to create a longer series exploring the settlement’s history and the people working to preserve it.
For descendants and community members, the project offers more than a lesson in local history. It provides a lasting record of the voices, memories and experiences that continue to shape one of Staten Island’s most enduring communities.
MORE SANDY GROUND COVERAGE
Historic Staten Island church marks 175th anniversary with fall event | Ticket info
For 2 years, a Columbia professor has been uncovering a Staten Island story too few people know
The beloved Staten Island tavern where everyone left with respect — until arson destroyed it in 1983
Built on freedom: How one Staten Island family’s journey helped shape a community
Generations reunite on Staten Island for 58-year tradition of family, faith and celebration
Stories by Amanda Faublas
Amanda Faublas is a reporter for the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com, where she covers a range of topics with a focus on community-driven stories as part of the Public Interest & Advocacy and Minibeats Investigative teams. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in journalism at Syracuse University S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Faublas earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Writing from Wagner College in 2025, graduating magna cum laude and receiving the English Literature Prize for academic excellence.