Greenbelt does a good job of keeping its history alive. A stroll through the halls of the Community Center, with its photos of construction of buildings and early residents, always gives me pause. The design and development of this town was unique and timeless. Building a community in this way created connection during a time that was very disjointed and challenging.
Greenbelt continues to thrive and grow, but what about those who are here in spirit: the folks who rest in the cemeteries? How do we keep that part of history going strong as well? Greenbelt has at least three cemeteries that have stood quietly by holding stories, many of which have been forgotten.
A State Heritage Area grant of $35,000 has been awarded to the city through the planning department for the purpose of bringing back stories and pieces of history long forgotten. The funds will be used to create a master plan that will focus on protecting and preserving these cemeteries. We know when Greenbelt was founded, but who was here before us? Who rests in these graveyards? Enslaved people? Families and people who called these acres home before the plan for the city was even imagined?
The hope is that, with the help of cemetery historians, genealogists and others, we can find some lost graves, clean up some stones that have been neglected and discover people and families we never knew about.
Megan Searing Young, director of the Greenbelt Museum, was a guide in my effort to research this amazing idea. The potential to unlock more history and build more community is exciting.
Curious about these graveyards? In my research, I came across some sources that offer a mix of history and pictures. These include the book Greenbelt: History of a New Town, 1937-1987, edited by Mary Lou Williamson. In Prologue: Before Greenbelt, Alan Virta, chairman of the Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Commission from 1982 to 1986 and Greenbelt resident, tells of the early settlers of the area beginning in 1694.
Greenbelt2012.wordpress.com is a blog that opens up one’s curiosity to find these spots and seek answers to the big questions of what stories are waiting to be discovered. Sagittariusdolly.wordpress.com is another interesting site. These sources fill in a few gaps about some of the people who were here long ago.
We keep history alive by sharing old stories. This opportunity has the potential for all that and more. Stay tuned.
