DON EMMERT/AFP via Getty Images(NEW YORK) New York City s Hart Island the burial site of more than 1 million people who were unclaimed, unidentified or unable to be buried elsewhere is opening to visitors after decades of being shrouded in mystery and stigma.
For Elsie Soto, whose father died of AIDS complications in the 90s, the public tours being held on the island signal a step in the right direction toward shedding light on the stories of marginalized groups in New York City.
Her father, Norberto, is one of potentially thousands of AIDS patients buried on Hart Island.
The island is not only the largest potter s field in the U.S., but it is also believed to be the single largest AIDS burial site, according to the NYC Parks Department.
Soto says she was just 10 years old when her family had "no choice" but to bury Norberto on Hart Island.
"During that time, my mom already had six children. It wasn t like we had money saved up, particularly for a funeral whi
Hart-island
New-york
United-states
Puerto-rico
Puerto-rican
Elsie-soto
Ranger-kasha-pazdar
Katy-taylor
Francis-xavier-church
York-state-funeral-directors-association
Parks-department
Urban-park-ranger-kasha-pazdar