URGENT UPDATE: The Litchfield Plantation Cemetery Conservancy has just launched a crucial fundraiser to preserve a historic cemetery in Pawleys Island, SC, where approximately 150 slaves are believed to be buried. The nonprofit aims to raise $20,000 to restore and protect this sacred land, with immediate efforts focused on installing a protective fence and a historical marker.
The cemetery, currently overgrown and marked only by a few faded headstones and flags, holds significant cultural and historical importance. The funds raised will also facilitate the use of ground-penetrating radar technology to accurately map burial sites, a critical step in honoring the memory of those who worked on the plantation.
Bob Morrison, president of the conservancy, emphasizes the emotional weight of this project, stating, “It is something that’s been left undone for so long. This is part of this plantation’s heritage and South Carolina’s heritage as well. These folks gave their time and their blood, sweat, and tears and their lives to make this plantation what it is.”
The project seeks not only to restore the land but also to conduct archaeological research aimed at locating living descendants of those buried at Litchfield. Morrison’s passion for this initiative began after he met a descendant of one of the buried individuals, highlighting the deep personal connections woven into the fabric of this site.
The cemetery sits on privately-owned land, with the owner granting permission for restoration efforts. As the conservancy looks to engage the community, donations can be made through their GoFundMe page, via PayPal, or by mailing contributions directly to the Litchfield Plantation Cemetery Conservancy, Inc., at PO Box 188, Pawleys Island, SC 29585.
This initiative is not just about restoring a cemetery; it’s about reclaiming a narrative and honoring the legacies of those who have long been forgotten. The community is urged to come together in support of this vital cause.
For more information, visit their Facebook page or contribute to help preserve this essential piece of history.
Stay connected with the latest developments as the Litchfield Plantation Cemetery Conservancy works to make this vision a reality.
