This summer the EEAC recruited a number of St. Clarians to take part in the Woodlawn Cemetery Restoration Project, clearing the grounds of an historic Black cemetery in Ypsilanti, founded in 1946 and abandoned 60 years ago. STC teams turned out on June 19 (to commemorate Juneteenth) and August 9.
This project is being made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Washtenaw County Historic District Commission, the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County (AACHM), and Ypsilanti Township. Additional information about the project can be found here.
On multiple work days, teams of volunteers cleared trees, brush and poison ivy, acres of overgrowth from the property. Headstones were located, and the list of known burials grew to over 100 names.
In a recent announcement, the AACHM reported that the Restoration Project is entering an exciting new phase. With the overgrowth cleared, they will perform a non-invasive survey by using Ground Penetrating Radar to identify additional grave sites. Project coordinators met last week with TerraCon, a company that specializes in noninvasive surveys. TerraCon has committed to supporting non-invasive surveys free of cost.
Another milestone is that a vendor has been identified who will help add Woodlawn Cemetery to the Local Historic District and to the National Register of Historic Places. These designations are a key component of the project, enabling access to grants and protecting the property in perpetuity.