Devastating Loss and Potential Threat at Historic Black Cemetery
Devastating Loss and Potential Threat
Harrisburg, PA – In a distressing development at Harrisburg’s Historic Lincoln Cemetery, Dauphin County’s oldest surviving Black Cemetery, SavingOurAncestorsLegacy (SOAL) is sounding the alarm over the potential threat following recent damages that resulted in a devastating loss. This week, the cemetery lost at least two trees on these hallowed grounds. We are still trying to assess the extent of the damage and what happened. Why were the cemetery gates left wide open? See video on TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram.
Given the cemetery’s 150+ year history of vandalism, abuse, and neglect, these events cannot be dismissed lightly. SOAL does not know the cause of this devastating loss, however, we must
consider the possibility of a targeted incident.
Lincoln Cemetery is the final resting place for over 10,000 African American people, well more than 300 U.S. Military Veterans and over 140 Civil War Veterans. The largest tree fell on or near the burials of prominent abolitionists and agents of the Underground Railroad. Lincoln Cemetery stands as a silent witness to the struggles and triumphs of generations, making its
preservation a matter of great cultural and historical significance.
Since 2021, SOAL has recovered and restored over 1,000 historic gravestones and monuments, representing an increased impact to Harrisburg’s African American heritage landscape valued more than $5 million dollars. Help protect these delicate artifacts.
SOAL implores the community and all concerned citizens to come forward with any information that might shed light on these tragic events. The specter of past aggression and ongoing systemic racism casts a long shadow, fueling our resolve to protect this sacred site.
For more information about SOAL, visit www.lincolncemetery.org, and follow SOAL’s Blog and social
media accounts on Facebook (@SavingOurAncestorsLegacy), TikTok (@lightlisha), and Instagram
(@savingourancestorslegacy).
Its amazing what SOAL accomplished this weekend with the support that poured out from the community.