Community Invited to Participate in Mapping Charleston’s Black Burial Grounds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 24, 2023

Sam Spence | 843.722.4630 ext. 23 | sspence@preservationsociety.org

The Preservation Society of Charleston (PSC) and Anson Street African Burial Ground Project (ASABG) are partnering with community members to identify and document Black burial sites in the City of Charleston through the Mapping Charleston’s Black Burial Grounds Project. Funded by a grant from the National Park Service African American Civil Rights Grant Program, the goal of the project is to provide City officials with a comprehensive map of burial grounds so these sacred sites can be better protected from development impacts.

To begin this collaborative process, descendants and residents are invited to attend listening sessions to learn more about the project and share information about burial grounds that hold meaning to their families and neighborhoods.

“This is an incredible opportunity to empower descendant communities with deep and meaningful historical connections to celebrate and learn more about the people and events that continue to shape our city,” said Brian Turner, President and CEO of the PSC. “This project is a critical next step toward making sure these sacred places are remembered and protected in the face of growing pressures from development.”

This project aims to foster an open dialogue and directly involve community members in mapping Black burial sites and determining project outcomes. Information gathered will be carefully handled by the PSC and ASABG and ultimately shared with the City of Charleston Planning Department to inform future planning and land use decisions. Information may also be made publicly accessible for educational purposes with the consent of descendants.

The public is welcome to attend any of the three listening sessions scheduled across the city beginning mid-August. Each session will include a presentation by project team members and interactive stations where participants will have the opportunity to share their knowledge of local burial sites, ask questions, and express their hopes for future preservation and protection of historically Black burial grounds in Charleston.

“Community participation is at the heart of this important project to protect African-descendant burial grounds in Charleston,” said ASABG research team member Joanna Gilmore. “We are excited to partner with the Preservation Society and to center community members’ voices in the mapping process.”

HOW TO ATTEND: Listening sessions are scheduled for the following dates, times, and locations. Parking is available on-site at all locations and light refreshments will be provided. Visit preservationsociety.org and asabgproject.com to learn more.

Johns and James Islands
Baxter-Patrick James Island Library
1858 S Grimball Road
Monday, August 14, 6:30 PM

Cainhoy and Daniel Island
Keith School Museum
1509 Clements Ferry Road
Tuesday, August 29, 6:30 PM

Charleston Peninsula and West Ashley
Charleston County Main Library
68 Calhoun Street
Saturday, September 9, 10:30 AM

About the Preservation Society of Charleston: Founded in 1920, the Preservation Society of Charleston (PSC) is the oldest grassroots preservation organization in the nation. The PSC is more resilient than ever as it enters its second century serving as a strong advocacy leader for preserving Charleston’s distinctive character, quality of life, and diverse neighborhoods. For more information on the Preservation Society of Charleston, please visit www.preservationsociety.org. 

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