Local Boy Scout Enhances Accessibility of Historic Cemetery

News Summary

Gresham Kinard, a Boy Scout from Mount Pleasant, S.C., is leading a project to enhance accessibility at Scanlonville Cemetery, a significant African-American burial site. His efforts aim to honor local history while preserving the cemetery for future generations. By creating designated pathways and engaging the community, Gresham is working towards earning his Eagle Scout rank and ensuring the cemetery’s historical importance endures.

Local Boy Scout Gresham Kinard Enhances Accessibility of Scanlonville Cemetery in Mount Pleasant, S.C.

In the charming town of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, a young boy scout is making waves with his noble project that aims to preserve local history and enhance accessibility at one of the area’s significant historic sites. Meet Gresham Kinard, a dedicated member of Boy Scout Troop 20, who’s working hard to earn the prestigious title of Eagle Scout.

Making History Accessible

Gresham’s ambitious project is centered around the Scanlonville Cemetery, also known as Remley’s Point Cemetery. Nestled in the historic Scanlonville neighborhood, this cemetery is a historic African-American burial site recognized for its deep cultural significance in the Lowcountry. The area’s history is rich, with roots tracing back to the Civil War era when the land was purchased at auction by a freed slave. This individual set up The Charleston Land Company to help other freed slaves secure their own land—a testament to resilience and community strength.

Gresham’s project isn’t just about enhancing accessibility; it’s about honoring the many residents of the Scanlonville community who have family ties corresponding to the 1800s. With his passion for local history and personal connection to the area, Gresham aims to create something meaningful that he can be proud of and revisit throughout his life.

A Thoughtful Approach

His project involves constructing a designated pathway for hearses and cars to navigate the cemetery, which has been an ongoing barrier for many families who wish to visit their loved ones. Moreover, Gresham plans to install posts and rope along the edges of this path. This fundamental addition not only defines the walkway but also protects the sacred burial sites within the cemetery, ensuring that they remain untouched and well-preserved for generations to come.

Unlike the more traditional Eagle Scout projects that often feature building benches or kayak racks, Gresham’s endeavor stands out as one that focuses on historical preservation while improving current accessibility. He believes this project will spark interest and inspire further maintenance and beautification efforts from his fellow scouts in the area.

Facing Challenges Head-On

Mount Pleasant’s historical gem, however, has encountered challenges recently. With gentrification on the rise and increasing water levels threatening its preservation, there is an urgent need for action. Local advocates, including members of the East Cooper Civic Club, have raised concerns about flooding issues during high tide because of nearby development. Suggestions include building a retainer wall to protect the cemetery from invasive waters in the future.

Despite the physical challenges, Gresham remains focused on his goal. There are currently 41 marked graves at the site, but historians believe that over 1,000 African-Americans could be resting within its grounds. This highlights the importance of maintaining the cemetery, not only for the memory of those buried there but for the significant part of African-American history it represents in the Charleston area.

A Community Effort

To achieve the remarkable rank of Eagle Scout, members must complete at least 200 hours of community service, something Gresham is well on his way to accomplishing. His plans involve not just improvements to the pathway but also engaging the community in maintaining the cemetery’s historical significance. He hopes to wrap up his project by spring, contributing to the ongoing recognition and preservation of Scanlonville Cemetery that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002 and features headstones dating back to 1850.

So, as Gresham Kinard digs in to lay the groundwork for a project that will honor both the past and future, the community in Mount Pleasant can look forward to a more accessible and historically preserved Scanlonville Cemetery.

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Additional Resources

• ABC News 4: Eagle Scout Project Protects African American History
• Wikipedia: African American History
• Live 5 News: Lowcountry Boy Scouts Update Historical African American Cemetery
• Google Search: Scanlonville Cemetery
• Mount Pleasant Magazine: Surviving the Winds of Change
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Scanlonville
• Charleston City Paper: Hidden Heritage
• Google News: Boy Scout projects