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Meeting on Burial Grounds in Ft. Ward Park

Title:Meeting on Burial Grounds in Ft. Ward Park
Date & Time:Sat Jul 31, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location:Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Rd. (Map This)
Event Details:There will be a public meeting on Saturday, July 31 at 10-11:30 am in the City of Alexandria’s Fort Ward Park to discuss marking, protection and recognition of key cemetery areas and burial sites related to the African American Fort community. Join City staff from the Office of Historic Alexandria who will lead a discussion on issues and ideas for demarcating and memorializing these sacred areas. Attendees will meet City staff in the parking lot behind Fort Ward Museum, and walk to the four major burial sites. In the event of rain, the meeting will be held in the reception hall at Oakland Baptist Church, 3408 King Street, Alexandria.

Fort Ward Park’s cemetery areas and burial sites are associated with the post-Civil War African American community known as “The Fort,” which developed on the grounds and vicinity of the present-day Park beginning in the 1870s. The sites that are the focus of discussion are: The Old Grave Yard, established at least by 1897; the Adams family burial site, which includes the grave of community matriarch Clara Adams; the Clark family burial site; and the Jackson Cemetery, established on land purchased by Fort resident James Jackson in 1884 that was once part of the earlier Civil War Union fort. City archaeologists and historians will lead discussions at each area that provide context and considerations for possible demarcation of some sites, preservation issues, and additional approaches to memorialization. Public feedback will be gathered for implementing long-term approaches to care and recognition of these sacred historical areas.
Fees:Free
Audience:Anyone may attend
Tags:Equity, Fort Ward Museum, Fort Ward Park, Museums


For event details visit https://apps.alexandriava.gov/Calendar/?37563
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