Friends of the African-American Cemetery is Formed

Port Chester resident, David Thomas is pleased to announce the formation of the Friends of the African American Cemetery, Inc., a registered New York State non-profit organization. The cemetery is situated within the Greenwood Union Cemetery, located at 215 North Street in Rye. The one acre parcel was donated by the Halsted family 150 years ago with the condition that it “shall forever hereafter kept, held and used for the purpose of a cemetery or burial place for the colored inhabitants of the said Town of Rye, and its vicinity free and clear of any charge therefor…”

Of the 119 known persons buried at the cemetery, 22 are veterans of the Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I and World War II. The last burial was held in 1964.

Over the years the importance of this special cemetery in the history of the community and nation has been recognized as it is listed on the National, New York State and Westchester County Registers of Historic Places. After years of neglect the cemetery had run into disrepair. Some of the stones had toppled over while others were simply worn away. In 2010, the Town of Rye, Port Chester/Rye branch of the NAACP, Building Community Bridges (BCB), and the American Legion Post #93, formed an ad hoc committee to help raise awareness of the cemetery and restore the stones and clean away the overgrowth.

Lead by Mr. Thomas since 2010, ceremonies have been held on Memorial Day and Veterans Day at the site. At each of these events a new face appears, a new story is shared or a new connection is made to someone buried there. Contributions made by both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have led to a greater understanding of the historical and cultural importance of the site. The project and these ceremonies received an outpouring of support from elected officials, and cultural and civic organizations. A renewed effort by the Town of Rye has led to a revitalization of the site through better landscaping and maintenance. The City of Rye has been vigilant in protecting the site from vandals and trespassers and the staff of Greenwood Union Cemetery have been welcoming to the public who have visited the site.

Now with the formation of a nonprofit entity, Mr. Thomas seeks to continue efforts to conserve, rehabilitate and transform the African American Cemetery into a place of historical remembrance, reflection and education for the public.

The primary goals of the nonprofit are to:

• Upgrade and maintain site access
• Upgrade and maintain site furnishing
• Continue the remembrance ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day
• Raise funds to attain 501(c)3 status and further research and exploration of the site
• Transform the site into a cultural and educational resource for visitors and schools

For more information or to join in the efforts of or contribute to the Friends of the African American Cemetery please contact David Thomas at 914-886-5710 or send an email to afamcemetery@gmail.com. Visit and “Like” their Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/FOAAC.