Heartfelt Thank You to SOAL Volunteers
A Heartfelt Thank You to SOAL Volunteers
Dear SOAL Volunteers, Descendants, Friends, Supporters, Neighbors, and the newly Expanded SOAL: SavingOurAncestorsLegacy Family, please let me express my joy, gratitude, and a heartfelt thank you for your support over the last week!
In the wake of recent events that threatened the very heart of our cherished Historic Black Cemetery, I find myself reflecting on the journey we’ve undertaken together. Since Wednesday afternoon, when I first learned that an unknown force had drastically altered the landscape of our ancestors’ final resting place, the outpouring of support and solidarity from the community has been nothing short of extraordinary.
WGAL 8s Michael Puller on the sceneit was a cold and rainy night at Lincoln Cemetery February 22 2024 
ABC27 visits the historic Lincoln Cemetery to survey the damage with SOAL founder Rachael Williams Im proud of the people that they were and it makes me feel more whole said Williams Its her hope she said that others might also learn to feel the same way Weve lost the richness of the relationships and the richness of our history and so thinking that people feel that they have to be separated and not connected from that it hurts said Williams 
A large tree’s fall, perilously close to headstones, and another’s damaging impact, served as a stark reminder of the fragility of our efforts to protect and restore this sacred ground. The potential for loss was devastating. Yet, in the face of this adversity, the strength and spirit of our community shone brightly.
To every individual who stepped forward—be it through physical presence, words of encouragement, or invaluable expertise—your generosity has been a beacon of hope. Descendants, historians, construction experts, business leaders, Lincoln Cemetery neighbors, and inspiring youth alike, you’ve rallied to ensure that this cornerstone of our heritage stands resilient.
For nearly three years, we at SavingOurAncestorsLegacy (SOAL) have dedicated ourselves to the restoration of the Historic Lincoln Cemetery, a task both humbling and profound. This journey has been marked by tremendous effort, financial hardships, and the unique challenges inherent in restoring a Black cemetery—a vital part of our collective history often overlooked and undervalued.
Today, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support. Your caring, your action, and your belief in our mission have underscored a powerful truth: we are stronger together. This moment of crisis has not only tested but ultimately reaffirmed our commitment to reclaiming and preserving our ancestors’ legacy.
As we move forward, let us carry the spirit of this unity and collaboration. The road ahead remains challenging, and our resources are stretched thin. Yet, with your continued support, I am confident in our ability to overcome these obstacles and ensure that the Historic Lincoln Cemetery stands as a testament to our resilience, our history, and our shared values.
Ezekiel Williams surveys the damage to 19th century marble tablet in Harrisburgs oldest historic Black Cemetery on Thursday February 22 2024 William Gray served the Union Army as a Corporal in Company F 2nd US Colored Infantry Regiment Appa cautiously examined the drone Diane Boettcher Ellsworth Cemetery brought to survey the damage at Lincoln Cemetery when she came to volunteer her support to SOAL 
Image captured of the damage to the Sweeney Family plot in Block E during SOAL Volunteer Diane Boettchers drone flight in Lincoln Cemetery last Sunday After a local youth Ellis Roy saw a social media video created by Rachael Williams he recruited a couple friends Natalie Gabe to help clear large branches off headstones in Lincoln Cemetery Image captured of the large hollow silver maple tree suspended above Popel Family headstones taken during Diane Boettchers drone flight in Lincoln Cemetery An old silver maple tree fell but remained suspended above four 19th century marble headstones February 26 2024 Riddle Tree Experts look for the best places to make cuts so as not to unbalance the tree Lee Riddle grabs and relocates our incredible hollow silver maple stump with The Claw Ezekiel Angel and Derrick long time SOAL Volunteers laugh in the historic Lincoln Cemetery after tree removal saves four headstones of prominent 19th century African Americans
Thank you for standing with us, for believing in the importance of this work, sharing our stories and for contributing, in myriad ways, to our ongoing efforts to restore Harrisburg’s Lincoln Cemetery and save our ancestors’ legacy! Your involvement is a powerful reminder of the difference a community can make when united by a common cause.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Rachael Keri Williams
Rachael Keri Williams, Descendant-Founder & Executive Director, SOAL: SavingOurAncestorsLegacy
Learn More About What Happened at Lincoln Cemetery
ABC27. “Headstones Damaged after Tree Falls at Lincoln Cemetery in Harrisburg,” February 24, 2024. https://www.abc27.com/video/headstones-damaged-after-tree-falls-at-lincoln-cemetery-in-harrisburg/9458839/.
fox43.com. “Historic Lincoln Cemetery Damaged by Fallen Trees,” February 22, 2024. https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/historic-lincoln-cemetery-damaged-by-fallen-trees-black-history-ancestral-burial/521-604d47ea-bc26-49b4-ad7b-fb876877a08b.
Fuller, Michael. “Fallen Trees Damage Headstones in Historic Cemetery in Harrisburg.” WGAL, February 23, 2024. https://www.wgal.com/article/harrisburg-fallen-trees-damage-headstones-in-historic-lincoln-cemetery/46912964.
idejesus@pennlive.com, Ivey DeJesus |, and Sue Gleiter | sgleiter@pennlive.com. “Fallen Trees Damage Historic Black Dauphin County Cemetery.” pennlive, February 23, 2024. https://www.pennlive.com/news/2024/02/fallen-trees-damage-historic-black-dauphin-county-cemetery.html.
Rose, Maxine. “SOAL Calls on Community to Help Maintain Lincoln Cemetery.” WHP, February 23, 2024. https://local21news.com/news/local/soal-calls-on-community-to-help-maintain-lincoln-cemetery.
Verma, Nitish. “A Call to Arms: Preserving Harrisburg’s Historic Lincoln Cemetery ….” Accessed March 1, 2024. https://bnnbreaking.com/lifestyle/a-call-to-arms-preserving-harrisburgs-historic-lincoln-cemetery-after-devastation.
