Historic Cemetery Restoration on Juneteenth holiday

FAYETTEVILLE, WV (WVNS) — Leadership West Virginia (LWV) Class of 2024 will be engaging in a Tourism Session from June 19, 2024 to June 21, 2024 in Fayetteville.

The session will focus on community service and local heritage.

On Wednesday, June 19, 2024, which is the Juneteenth holiday, the LWV Class will be joined by the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy South cadets for volunteer work at the historic Pierce Cemetery. It will be a cleanup that symbolizes the preservation of the city’s heritage and to restore respect to a site that was made during segregation.

The cleanup will start at 2:00 P.M. with more than 80 volunteers participating. Participants will meet at the Wal-Mart parking lot in Fayetteville.

Pierce Cemetery is a big part of Fayetteville’s history. Some graves are maintained by families While others are not and need to be cleaned up and restored. LWV and the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy South’s mission is to honor those laid to rest in the cemetery.

Town of Fayetteville Mayor Sharon Cruikshank encourages volunteers to join in the community
cleanup. “The state of neglect at Pierce Cemetery was astonishing. Overlooking such a hallowed site was inconceivable to both myself and the council. Despite not owning the land, we are committed to highlighting its importance, ensuring that these townsfolk are not forgotten in our city’s narrative. Our goal is to restore this cemetery to a dignified place of rest,” Cruikshank expressed.

Work gloves and tools such as weed eaters, chainsaws, and/or clippers are recommended to bring to the cleanup. “This initiative represents a collective endeavor to care for a piece of our shared history in the region and we are excited to be a part of it,” said Pam Farris, Executive Director of LWV.

Sponsorship for this second LWV session includes SLS Land & Energy and community partners, the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce and the New River Gorge CVB.

If you want to volunteer, contact the Mayor’s office at (304) 574-0101 or visit fayettevillewv.gov.

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