The Cemeteries Restoration Fund was launched on March 13, 2021, to generate funds restricted to targeted initiatives that restore and repair historically significant African-American burial sites in the Lowcountry. This fund is managed in a unique way! Monetary contributions to this fund are used to underwrite costs NOT covered by in-kind professional services and volunteers enlisted in a specific Cemeteries Restoration Project.

Working together to enlist early support and fast-track community awareness of these restoration projects are The Gullah Society, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Charleston, the International African American Museum, the Preservation Society of Charleston, and the Mayor's Office of the City of Charleston.

The first restoration project will target portions of the cemeteries of historic Morris Street Baptist Church and Union Baptist Church located on Oceanic Street in Charleston. Currently, portions of these cemeteries are completely overgrown with unsightly weeds, shrubs, and small trees.

Early research conducted at these cemetery sites by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Charleston and The Gullah Society has discovered at least two gravestones belonging to once enslaved persons who served in the United States Colored Troops established in 1863 by the US War Department.

Join us! Further the unfolding story of these sacred sites by making your donation today.