Dolly Marshall is the 2024 recipient of the Emerging Leaders in Historic Preservation Award which recognizes emerging preservation leaders who demonstrate innovative thinking and achievement in advancing historic preservation in their local, state, or national communities. Learn more about the full slate of 2024 awardees.

Mount Peace Cemetery holds a special place in my heart. It is not just a cemetery; it is a pivotal chapter in my family's story. As I look back on my journey of restoring this historic African American cemetery where at least 15 of my ancestors are buried, I feel compelled to share my story. I hope that by doing so, I can inspire others to take on preservation projects in their communities.

The story of Mount Peace Cemetery is a tale of resilience,memory, and connection. Located in the heart of a bustling suburban area, this sacred ground serves as the final resting place for countless African Americans who played a significant role in our nation’s history.

Sadly, like many historic cemeteries, Mount Peace faced disrepair and many difficulties over the years.

Turning Obstacles into Opportunities

For me, the journey began in 2017 when I was inspired by my parents to research our family's genealogy. My mother, Roberta Marshall, was born in New Jersey, so our ancestral ties to the "Garden State" encompasses several generations..

The path to restoration was fraught with challenges. One of the primary issues we confronted were natural elements. A portion of the cemetery is often tangled in vegetation, making accessing certain areas difficult. With each growing season, we have had to find ways to manage the constant encroachment of plant life. Our dedicated volunteers have tackled the work with grit and determination, transforming the cemetery piece by piece. I have seen firsthand how commitment can turn obstacles into opportunities.

For example, Barbara, one of my dedicated volunteers, took the initiative by assisting me with getting Mount Peace recognized as an arboretum and a national wildlife habitat. These projects have enhanced our renewal efforts by educating the public to the importance of conservation and the role of urban cemeteries to the living world.

Another dilemma has been missing burial records. Many of the maps pertaining to the cemetery were destroyed in a fire decades earlier, which made locating specific graves extremely difficult. Imagine walking through a maze of overgrown vegetation, trying to connect names with dates. We methodically combed through the cemetery, documenting every headstone we could find while assessing the condition of the gravesites. Each find was a small victory but also a reminder of the many stories that may never be uncovered.

To restore a historic site, you need passionate individuals who are committed to the cause. I started with a simple social media post reaching out to local volunteers and community organizations. The response was overwhelming and has developed into life-long friendships and collaborations..

Individuals from all walks of life joined our efforts: students, veterans, history enthusiasts, and families came together, armed with garden tools and a desire to make a difference. During our many weekend clean-up sessions, laughter mingled with hard work and the camaraderie formed among our volunteers breathed new life into the cemetery.

In time, we began to uncover significant discoveries. We found individuals connected to national history, whose stories resonate far beyond the borders of our community. Profoundly, my uncovering of long-lost ancestors not only enriched my genealogical research but also evoked emotional responses from families who thought their heritage had been lost forever.

Building Community

Restoration is not just about the physical act of cleaning or saving a building; it is also about building awareness, community engagement and creative placemaking.

We have hosted educational tours and community events at the cemetery. Inviting families to visit and learn about their history has been transformative with many participants unaware of the richness beneath their feet.

Additionally, we established online platforms to share our story and document the restoration process. Social media serves as a powerful tool for reaching younger generations, who may find inspiration in our efforts. By engaging a wider audience, we encourage more people to discover and appreciate historic African American cemeteries.

Though we have made substantial progress, the journey is far from over. Restoration is an ongoing process, and there is always more work to be done. Continuous vegetation management, educating ourselves about the historical context, and preserving the memory of those interred at Mount Peace Cemetery requires long-term commitment and support.

I often reflect on what drives me. For many, ancestry is merely a hobby. For me, it is a lifeline to identity, knowledge, and community. The connections we forge with the past pave the way for a more profound understanding of who we are today and who we strive to be. I hope my story serves as a testament to the importance of preservation, conveying that the act of remembering is imbued with more than nostalgia; it has practical outcomes for present and future communities.

In taking on this monumental task, I invite others, especially descendant communities and aspiring volunteers, to consider your own local historic sites. There exists an incredible wealth of knowledge to be uncovered and stories to be told. Whether it is lending a hand to a local cemetery restoration or simply sharing the stories of those who came before us, each effort counts. By sharing our journeys, we uplift each other and build connections that transcend time.