News
COMING IN 2027: THE ASBURY CEMETERY MEMORIAL GARDEN
A Joint Partnership of the Kunta Kinte–Alex Haley Foundation & Asbury United Methodist Church
The Kunta Kinte–Alex Haley Foundation and Asbury United Methodist Church, Annapolis, are joining together to create the Asbury Cemetery Memorial Garden—a permanent place of remembrance honoring the nearly 300 individuals believed to be buried at this historic site. The cemetery was established in 1864, with the last burial in 1980, and has been without traditional tombstones or markers.
This is more than a garden. It is a commitment to restore names, preserve stories, and honor generations whose lives helped shape Annapolis.
WHAT IS BEING CREATED?
The Memorial Garden will include:
- A permanent memorial stone displaying the etched names of individuals identified as buried at the site
- Flowering trees, plants, and landscaping
- Benches and a brick walkway
- Research documenting the lives and families of those buried there
- QR codes featuring audio stories about selected individuals
- A peaceful place for remembrance, reflection, and education
THE WORK IS ALREADY UNDERWAY
Research to identify those buried at the cemetery has begun. Plans also include GPR surveying to help identify grave locations, finalize the development of the garden design, construction planning, and creation of the stories that will eventually become QR-code experiences.
YOUR FAMILY MAY BE PART OF THIS STORY
Do you have ancestors who lived in Annapolis or were connected to Asbury United Methodist Church?
Contact the Kunta Kinte–Alex Haley Foundation (info@kintehaley.org) to find out whether your relatives may be among those buried at this historic site.
YOU CAN HELP BUILD THIS LEGACY
Volunteer — Share your time, research skills, family history or expertise.
Buy a Brick — Honor an ancestor, loved one, family member or community member.
Contribute Resources — Volunteer to support the project, provide materials, professional services, equipment, landscaping or other in-kind support.
Make a Financial Contribution — Every contribution helps move the Memorial Garden toward completion.
BE PART OF BRINGING THIS FORGOTTEN HISTORY BACK TO LIFE. HELP US REMEMBER. HELP US RESTORE. HELP US BUILD.
