UPDATE: A nonprofit organization has just launched an urgent fundraiser to preserve a vital piece of history at the Litchfield Plantation Cemetery in Pawleys Island, SC. The Litchfield Plantation Cemetery Conservancy aims to raise $20,000 to restore and protect this historically significant site, believed to be the final resting place for approximately 150 enslaved individuals.
The conservancy has initiated the campaign to address the overgrown condition of the cemetery, which currently features only a few faded headstones and flags marking burial spots. Funds raised will be used in the first phase of the project, which includes installing a protective fence and a historical marker to honor those buried there. Moreover, the organization plans to utilize ground-penetrating radar technology to accurately map burial locations, ensuring a respectful and informed restoration process.
Bob Morrison, president of the conservancy, emphasized the importance of this effort, stating, “It is something that’s been left undone for so long. This is part of this plantation’s heritage and South Carolina’s heritage as well.” He highlighted the emotional significance of the site for families with ancestral ties to the plantation.
The initiative also involves archaeological research aimed at locating living descendants of those interred at Litchfield. Morrison’s passion for this project was ignited after he met a man whose ancestors were buried at the plantation. He expressed a strong desire to provide families with a dedicated place to honor their loved ones.
The cemetery is situated on privately owned land, and the owner has generously permitted the conservancy to obtain a license for restoration efforts. This collaborative spirit underscores the community’s commitment to honoring the past.
To contribute to this meaningful cause, donations can be made via the conservancy’s GoFundMe page, through PayPal, or by sending checks to Litchfield Plantation Cemetery Conservancy, Inc., PO Box 188, Pawleys Island, SC 29585. The organization is also active on Facebook, providing updates and engaging with supporters.
This fundraiser serves as a critical step in preserving a significant part of South Carolina’s history and ensuring that the stories of those who labored on the plantation are not forgotten. As the project develops, the conservancy hopes to shed light on the lives of those buried there and foster connections with their descendants.
For more details and updates, follow the Litchfield Plantation Cemetery Conservancy’s social media platforms and consider making a donation to support this urgent cause.
