Published by: Andrew Wiegert, May 30th, 2025

Charleston cemetery gets digital preservation to honor and preserve black history

Tucked away in the heart of Charleston, a quiet but powerful preservation effort is unfolding. The Charleston Humane and Friendly Society Cemetery, founded in 1856, is one of the city’s oldest historically Black cemeteries—and it’s now being digitally preserved for generations to come.

Thanks to a partnership between the Preservation Society of Charleston and the College of Charleston’s Avery Research Center, every grave is being meticulously documented and mapped. This digital preservation initiative isn’t just about data—it’s about honoring the lives and legacies of those buried there, many of whom have long gone unrecognized in the historical record.

Beyond the headstones lies a deep well of cultural heritage. The project also aims to reconnect descendants with their ancestry, offering a more inclusive and accurate understanding of Charleston’s past. It’s a shining example of how archives can serve not only preservation—but justice.

Source link:

https://www.live5news.com/2025/04/18/charleston-cemetery-gets-digital-preservation-honor-preserve-black-history