Cemetery heritage

An important piece of local history is getting long overdue attention, thanks to the efforts of volunteers who are clearing Shady Grove Cemetery near Dutchtown. The cemetery has more than 240 graves, including many members of the rural black community who lived there for generations.

Louise Duncan, who has family members buried in Shady Grove, and Elroy Kinder are coordinating the Shady Grove Cemetery Restoration Project.

Since March, volunteers have cleared about a quarter of the two-acre cemetery that had been taken over by brush and vines. Great care is being taken by the volunteers not to disturb monuments and other grave markings. Once the cleanup is completed, expert help will be sought to replace headstones.

Cleaning up a grown-over cemetery while maintaining its historical integrity is a daunting job. But it one that has been taken on enthusiastically by those who understand the importance of the sacred ground's ties to our ancestors.

A storytelling day is being planned for October. Anyone with information about the cemetery is encouraged to contact Kinder at 579-4893 or ekinder34@hotmail.com.