Historic York Black Cemetery Restoration Project

The headstones are sinking and breaking as history is being lost at Lebanon Cemetery in North York, Pennsylvania, a historic Black cemetery in need of preservation.

This hallowed ground was the only place Black people could be buried in Metro York until the 1960s. It is an enduring symbol of hate and racism that kept some people separate even in death, but it is also a sacred place where countless Black Americans from York and beyond gather to honor their ancestors.

"Right now, the state of this place doesn't convey its importance to our heritage," said Samantha Dorm, a descendant of six generations of people buried at the historic site. "It's heartbreaking to see these people not get the recognition and the dignity that they deserve."

Dorm is one of a handful of dedicated volunteers working to uncover graves that have sunk and broken over time, to make sure veterans and historically significant people are logged and honored, and to preserve the dignity of all ancestors buried at the site.

The 5-acre property dates back to 1872. Among the more than 3,500 African American ancestors buried there are abolitionists and conductors of the Underground Railroad with national significance, more than 30 Civil War veterans, Spanish-American War veterans, Tuskegee Airmen, highly decorated veterans of World Wars I and II, Korea, and Vietnam. They are also the parents, siblings, and ancestors of a history that's too often diminished.

This GoFundMe was organized by Pennsylvania Second Lady Gisele Fetterman.

All funds raised through this GoFundMe campaign are directly deposited into the account of Friends of Lebanon Cemetery, a group of volunteer stewards of this historic property that includes Dorm and many other direct descendants of people who are buried there.

The funds will be used for upkeep, maintenance, and priority projects as identified by the Friends of Lebanon Cemetery, in partnership with the cemetery's operations board.

More information about Friends of Lebanon Cemetery and the people buried there can be found at www.friendsoflebanoncemetery.com.

Cover photo courtesy of The York Dispatch.