The 144: Honoring the Lost Ancestors
Join Nation Ford Land Trust for this limited-access visit to an historic slave cemetery as we learn about and honor those who are buried there.
In 2022, a single grave site was discovered on private property in York County. With the help of archaeologists, property owners Andrew and Mary Lazenby discovered 144 gravesites believed to be those of enslaved Africans. The cemetery property, protected by a conservation easement with Nation Ford Land Trust, will never be developed. We have a rare opportunity to honor and share the story of these lost ancestors. Join us again this year as we continue to honor and share the story of these lost ancestors.
Our program will explore the funerary traditions of enslaved Africans and we will honor the 144 Lost Ancestors. This program will also include an opportunity to speak to the landowners and others who are a part of this fascinating project.
Nation Ford Land Trust is dedicated to the preservation of open spaces, natural beauty, and the scenic and historic heritage of the York County, South Carolina area.
Saturday, April 13, 2024, 10:00AM-1:00PM
4072 SC-324, Rock Hill, SC 29732
- 10:30 AM – Slave Life & Burials Discussion – By Dontavius Williams, a Certified Interpretive Guide and founder of the Chronicles of Adam
- Participants will have several opportunities to honor the 144 buried at the site.
- 12:00 PM – Laying to Rest Ceremony – By Dontavius Williams
- A station for creating your own rememberance to honor the 144 will be provided with bio-degradable materials along with an offering table at the site
- Several educational booths and tables will be available such as:
- The story of the cemetery’s restoration from the landowners, Andrew and Mary Lazenby
- Informational material about the conservation easement with Nation Ford Land Trust that protects the cemetery from ever being developed
- Geneaological research provided by the York County Library
- More educational material about the 144 cemetery
- This is a ticketed event. Tickets bought online are $10 per individual. Day-of individual tickets are $12, cash only. Children 12 and under may enter for free. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.