URGENT UPDATE: The Litchfield Plantation Cemetery Conservancy has just launched a crucial fundraiser to protect and restore a historic cemetery on Pawleys Island, SC, believed to be the final resting place of approximately 150 enslaved individuals. The nonprofit is aiming to raise $20,000 to combat the overgrown state of the cemetery, which currently features only a few faded headstones and markers.
The campaign, initiated earlier today, focuses on the immediate need for restoration efforts, including the installation of a protective fence and a historical marker at the site. The funds will also be utilized for groundbreaking technology, specifically ground-penetrating radar, to accurately map burial locations, ensuring that the contributions of those buried there are not forgotten.
Bob Morrison, president of the Litchfield Plantation Cemetery Conservancy, emphasized the importance of this project in honoring the legacy of those who worked the plantation’s rice fields. “It is something that’s been left undone for so long,” Morrison stated. “This is part of this plantation’s heritage and South Carolina’s heritage as well.”
The cemetery, which is currently on private land, has been graciously licensed for restoration by its owner. Plans also include archaeological research to locate living descendants of the individuals buried there, highlighting the emotional impact of this initiative. Morrison’s passion for the project ignited when he met a descendant of one of the buried ancestors, fueling the desire to create a place for families to pay their respects.
This urgent call for support comes as the community rallies to preserve a vital piece of history. The nonprofit is encouraging donations through their official GoFundMe page, as well as via PayPal and traditional mail to ensure the cemetery receives the attention it desperately needs.
As this story develops, the Litchfield Plantation Cemetery Conservancy hopes to engage more community members in this meaningful effort. The restoration of the cemetery not only serves as a tribute to those who lived and died there but also as a reminder of the broader history of the region.
For those interested in contributing, donations can be made directly on their GoFundMe page or sent to Litchfield Plantation Cemetery Conservancy, Inc., PO Box 188, Pawleys Island, SC 29585. You can also follow their progress on their Facebook page.
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