Charleston Launches Digital Mapping Initiative to Honor Historic African American Cemeteries

Charleston’s Forgotten Cemeteries: A New Digital Mapping Initiative

Charleston, S.C. is stepping into the future while shining a spotlight on its rich and complex history through a groundbreaking digital mapping initiative. This new project is particularly focused on the historic cemeteries in the area, with a significant emphasis on those tied to the African American community from the 1800s. What’s exciting about this undertaking is that it showcases a collaborative effort among local organizations, including the Preservation Society of Charleston, the Anson Street African Burial Ground Project, and the City of Charleston itself.

The Importance of Remembering

One of the key players in this initiative, Sam Spence, representing the Preservation Society of Charleston, underscores the necessity of remembering these spaces. He pointed out, “A lot of institutional memory of these communities that over time will eventually be lost.” This project isn’t just about mapping; it’s about *preserving stories*, histories, and connections that may otherwise fade away as urban development reshapes the landscape.

A Closer Look at Black Burial Sites

The initiative specifically targets Black burial sites, which are especially at risk from ongoing development pressures. Spence noted that many of these cemeteries, like the Heriot Street cemetery, are almost invisible to the casual passerby. Tucked away between busy businesses, these sites often appear neglected; with many headstones toppled over or damaged, they reflect a history that deserves acknowledgment and respect.

“It is one of those sites that doesn’t really have a designated caretaker,” Spence remarked, highlighting a common issue among local burial sites. In fact, across Charleston, there are approximately two hundred documented burial sites, with estimates suggesting that around 75 percent have Black descendants interred within them. Such statistics reveal a profound legacy deeply woven into the fabric of the city’s history.

Legal Protections and Challenges

Although burial sites in Charleston are afforded certain legal protections, challenges remain. The state government has been encouraged to enact further laws to enhance the safeguarding of these significant sites. Over the centuries, racism has had a deleterious impact on record-keeping, and the legacy of historical injustices continues to complicate preservation efforts. “Historically, formerly enslaved people, and through Jim Crow, Black Americans had a harder time accessing property to bury loved ones,” Spence shared, illustrating the hurdles that must be overcome in the fight for recognition and respect.

Raising Awareness through Digital Mapping

What’s encouraging is that the online collection of research already seems to be making a tremendous difference. Spence noted, “We’ve seen over the past couple of years working on this project that the more people know about the burial grounds that are around them or that may house their loved ones…the more they want to know.” With the community becoming more aware of its historical sites, there’s potential for greater engagement and effort toward restoration and preservation.

Funding the Future

This ambitious project began with a generous $50,000 grant from the National Parks Service. With this funding, the aim is to not only map these important sites but also foster a deeper understanding among residents and visitors alike. It’s a project that promises to resonate, ensuring that the histories buried within Charleston’s grounds can be brought back to life in the eyes of the community.

Conclusion

The digital mapping initiative in Charleston serves a dual purpose: it honors the past while paving the way for a more *connected* future. By raising awareness of the historic cemeteries throughout the area, this collaborative project is set to transform how the community engages with its history, especially that of the African American experience. As Charleston moves forward, this initiative emphasizes that in our journey, it’s crucial we continue to remember where we came from. After all, those stories are fundamental to our identity.