Former Annapolis Enslaved Person's Remains To Be Reburied

ANNAPOLIS, MD — When Smith Price's remains were exhumed during an "urban renewal" project in the area of Acton Lane in 1980, officials vowed to make sure that Price would receive a proper reburial. Finally, that's happening.

On Nov. 1 at 11 a.m., Annapolis officials, Anne Arundel County leaders and Maryland officials will gather at Asbury United Methodist Church to welcome the remains of Smith Price back to Annapolis. After Price's remains were unearthed, they were safely stored in a box at a museum in Calvert County.

The event takes place on the date of the 155th anniversary of the ratification of Maryland’s Third Constitution, which abolished slavery and indentured servitude. Price was a slave who was manumitted in 1790 at the death of his owner, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Maryland’s First Senate president.

Price purchased land and helped to create a community that welcomed newly freed former slaves. It was the first Free Black community in or near Annapolis. Price later gave land for the first African Methodist Episcopal Church in Annapolis in 1803. It was in this area that the Smith Price remains were found in 1980.

“The City of Annapolis is welcoming Smith Price home,” said Mayor Gavin Buckley in a statement.

At noon, Annapolis City Police will have rolling road closures beginning at Asbury UMC. The procession will cross West Street to West Washington Street, make a right on Northwest Street and end at St. Anne’s Cemetery. The procession will include 50 to 75 people walking in the street with a horse-drawn carriage.