RECENT COMMENTS
Evergreen historical marker unveiling set for March 25
A new state historical highway marker issued by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources to honor Evergreen Cemetery will be unveiled and dedicated Sunday, March 25, at 2PM at the cemetery.
The text of the marker will read:
In 1891, Evergreen Cemetery was established as a preeminent resting place for many of Virginia’s most influential African-American residents. These include Maggie L. Walker, the nation’s first female bank president and founder of the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank, and John Mitchell, Jr., champion of African-American rights and editor of the Richmond Planet newspaper. J. Henry Brown, a stonemason by trade, designed many of the tombstones erected here. By the early 1970s, the cemetery had fallen into disrepair. In 1975, volunteers from the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site led an effort to restore Evergreen to its original glory.
Wonderful development. Kudos to all of the volunteers who’ve worked diligently over the years to bring much needed attention and dignity to this historic cemetery.
Outstanding! Thanks you Maggie Walker High School, VDHR, and John and all his volunteers!
Special mention should be give to John Shuck who can be found most weekends at Evergreen Cemetery leading a group of volunteers with hoes, pruners, and chain saws clearing one small section after another. Spring should be a good time to participate. Contact John through his John Shuck’s Facebook Page to find out the schedule and location of each week’s cleanup.