Visitcumblerlandvalley.com
Carlisle community set to honor those buried at the Lincoln Cemetery
“We want to be able to let people know just how important this site is. We know there were individuals who were enslaved who came to Carlisle.”
-
Julia Agos/WITF
Visitcumblerlandvalley.com
(Carlisle) — A Cumberland County community is trying to better recognize its ties to segregation and slavery. Participants plan to tie straps of fabric to the fence surrounding the Lincoln Cemetery in Carlisle to raise awareness about the history of the site.
The cemetery was originally founded as a burial place for African Americans in the 19th century. While it was in use from 1805 to 1905, at least 676 people were buried there. Now, it is part of Memorial Park in downtown Carlisle.
Lindsay Varner, Community Outreach Director for the Cumberland County Historical Society, said most people do not know about the history of the ground when they visit.
“We want to be able to let people know just how important this site is. We know there were individuals who were enslaved who came to Carlisle – or even enslaved in the Carlisle area – that are buried in that cemetery,” Varner said.
Each strip of fabric carries the name of someone buried at the site. The society will also unveil several patchwork tile murals designed by residents, students, and descendants of those buried at Lincoln Cemetery at the end of the summer.
“Its going to create this visual all along the fence – people walking or driving by will be able to hopefully stop, read the sign that we put up explaining what the project is about, and really understand the space of the cemetery and the number of people who are buried there,” Varner said.
The historical society is also working to assign biographies of those buried in the cemetery.
The event coincides with the Juneteenth holiday, which commemorates the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the South. Virtual celebrations are also planned for the weekend.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, participants are encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Sometimes, your mornings are just too busy to catch the news beyond a headline or two. Don’t worry. The Morning Agenda has got your back. Each weekday morning, host Tim Lambert will keep you informed, amused, enlightened and up-to-date on what’s happening in central Pennsylvania and the rest of this great commonwealth.
