Welcome!
The African-American Historic Cemeteries of Portsmouth Virginia friends group was officially established in October, 2010. We partnered with the Southeast Virginia Community Foundation in May, 2011. Our main priority is to help provide for the restoration and preservation of the City of Portsmouth's traditionally African-American cemeteries. We also seek to raise awareness of the notable accomplishments of the many historic figures buried in these cemeteries. As the primary places of burial for African-American people in the Portsmouth area from 1840 through 1975, these cemeteries inclusive actually constitute the first signature institution of persons of African descent in this Tidewater community. (See an an article in the Virginian-Pilot about our efforts here). Many buildings and monuments erected in Portsmouth serving as a record of the early black experience and also honoring the names of historic African-American leaders have been removed and/or torn down. As a consequence, the burial sites in these cemeteries remain some of the last vestiges of their existence, accomplishments, and contribution to the social and historical fabric of Portsmouth, Virginia.
For more information, you may contact Vice-President Nadia K. Orton at aahcpva@gmail.com or nadia6530@yahoo.com
Note: February 28, 2012 - See this important link about copyright infringement related to the use of the photos on this website.
For more information, you may contact Vice-President Nadia K. Orton at aahcpva@gmail.com or nadia6530@yahoo.com
Note: February 28, 2012 - See this important link about copyright infringement related to the use of the photos on this website.
Lincoln Memorial Cemetery (1913)
|
|
|
|
|
|
