Help RVA Archaeology clean up East End Cemetery

RVA Archaeology is dedicated to the discovery, protection, and interpretation of archaeological resources in Richmond.

October 7, 2014; 10:59 AM • by Richard Hayes

RVA Archaeology is dedicated to the discovery, protection, and interpretation of archaeological resources in Richmond. They might be better known for hosting lectures and talks but they are also active volunteers and this weekend are looking for a little help at the East End Cemetery.

At our August meeting, we discussed volunteering at East End Cemetery to help maintain this historical memorial space. East End Cemetery is one of four Richmond African-American cemeteries located in the East End (along with Evergreen, Oakwood, and a Pauper’s Cemetery). Best known as the resting place of Rosa Bowser and Virginia Randolph, East End Cemetery is one of several historical African-American cemeteries in the city that have suffered from neglect. We will be working there under the supervision of John Shuck, who has been working on clearing these cemeteries for over six years.

Please RSVP by replying to this email (Richmond Archaeology <rvarchaeology@gmail.com>), or on the Facebook event page.
If you need transport or assistance getting to the site, please let us know as soon as possible so we can organize this.

Location: 80 Evergreen Rd (additional instructions here)
Date: October 18th
Time: 10am-1pm

Please come wearing work boots and long pants, since the site has glass and metal refuse on it. If possible, please also bring water, work gloves, and any appropriate gardening tools you may have (rakes, limb loppers, and clippers). John Shuck also provides tools for people who don’t have their own. We will be clearing and hauling brush and trash away from the site, cleaning around gravestones, and removing weeds.

Image: RVA Archaeology Event Page