It’s important that the ancestors are not forgotten. Finding the right commemorative options for your sacred site begins here. Honorary designations such as the National Register of Historic Places and the Georgia State Marker Program can help sites build public awareness and fundraising opportunities, while connecting with your local Certified Local Government (CLG) program may help facilitate long-term preservation and maintenance plans. Other options speak directly to memorializing those interred or commemorating the sacred site. Click one of the images below for more information on these options. Remember, this is a community; please contact us at historicblackcemeteries@gmail.com with any questions, additions, or help getting started.
National Register of Historic Places
Georgia State Historical Marker Program
Certified Local Governments in Georgia
The following are examples of monuments erected in memoriam of those who have been identified, but also pay homage to those who are interred in unmarked graves. These monuments are found throughout Georgia and are in varying states of care. Use these as inspiration or a guide to your own commemoration journey.
One Memorial, Three Interpretations: In addition to the state historical marker, Gilbert Memorial Cemetery contains a mock cemetery and a granite obelisk dedicated to those who names were known to be buried there. Gilbert Cemetery hasn’t existed since the 1950s, when it was destroyed by vandalism. This memorial is maintained by GDOT located on an off-ramp to Interstate-75 in Atlanta, GA.
This memorial in Black Pioneers Cemetery in Euharlee, GA is dedicated to the 335 interred between 1830-1900.
Located at Pierce Chapel Baptist African Burial Ground in Midland, GA, these unmarked grave markers provide acknowledgement of deceased when biographical information is unknown.
An example of a communal dedication. This one, found in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Dawson, GA is to the “slaves who died during the war between the states , in humble service.” Please note, this is not a historic Black cemetery.