FEATURE
Honoring the Past:
The Black and Brown Interpreters Network’s Work in Cemetery Preservation and Documentation
Cemeteries are more than resting places; they are archives of cultural, historical, and personal narratives that deserve respect and care. The Black and Brown Interpreters Network (BBIN) recognizes the sacred role of preservation and documentation, particularly for burial sites tied to underrepresented communities. These efforts aim to preserve stories often overlooked, ensuring that marginalized histories are not erased but instead honored and shared. BBIN is a group of 50+ natural and cultural history interpreters and tour guides based in the South Carolina Lowcountry and beyond who are dedicated to education, professional development, and service in the field of heritage interpretation.
Historic cemeteries face numerous challenges, including neglect, environmental degradation, and vandalism. For burial sites associated with Black and Brown communities, these challenges are compounded by systemic inequities. Many of these cemeteries were established during times of segregation, often located in less accessible areas and maintained with fewer resources. Over time, these sacred spaces have been subjected to neglect, development pressures, and outright destruction. An example of challenges such as overgrown vegetation and eroding headstones faced by historic cemeteries is Hebron Zion Presbyterian Church on John’s Island, SC. This cemetery is connected to a historically Black congregation and many buried there are descendants of enslaved people. BBIN worked closely with church stakeholders and the congregation to document the condition of the headstones, transcribe inscriptions, and create a site map of the burial plots.
Members of the BBIN at Middleton Place Historic Landmark in Charleston, South Carolina. Photo by BBIN.
The BBIN’s work focuses on addressing these issues while emphasizing the cultural significance of cemeteries. The cemetery work we do does not come without challenges. Rallying support and finding volunteers for projects and gaining access to cemetery sites due to burial grounds being on private properties were initial challenges. However, through advocacy and grassroots collaboration BBIN is beginning to reach a solid footing, laying the groundwork for future projects. Through preservation, the network not only safeguards the physical integrity of these sites but also amplifies their stories, helping communities reconnect with their past. The role of documentation includes mapping burial grounds by using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), transcribing inscriptions and photographs of headstones, monuments and the surrounding landscape to document the condition of the cemetery. Preservation techniques to ensure the longevity of historic cemeteries are non-invasive, such as cleaning headstones using biodegradable solutions that do not damage stone materials.
In addition to preserving physical spaces, BBIN works to educate the broader community about the significance of these sites. Our workshops are designed to engage and educate volunteers in safe cleaning methods and provide hands-on preservation training. During a workshop held at Hebron Zion Church cemetery, volunteers learned how to clean headstones using non-abrasive techniques and survey headstones to document their conditions. Cemeteries tied to Black and Brown communities often reveal untold stories of resilience and cultural innovation. Through symbols, epitaphs, and burial practices, researchers and studies have uncovered graves adorned with seashells and pottery pieces known as “grave goods.” Many scholars believe this is a tradition rooted in West African customs symbolizing the connection to ancestral lands. Unearthing these narratives and bringing them into the public eye helps to restore visibility to marginalized histories.
BBIN members documenting headstones at Hebron Zion Church cemetery. Photo by Jocelyn Patterson.
BBIN members and Clemson University MSHP students at Hebron Zion Church cemetery. Photo by Jocelyn Patterson.
Preserving and documenting historic cemeteries is not without challenges for many cemeteries in the United States. Limited funding, bureaucratic hurdles, and sheer scale of neglected sites often impede progress. Additionally, some burial grounds are located on private property or in areas where access is restricted, complicating efforts to document and preserve them. Despite these obstacles, BBIN remains committed to their mission. They are building community partnerships with academic institutions, such as Clemson University Historic Preservation program where students volunteer their time for cemetery documentation of these historic cemeteries.
The work of the Black and Brown Interpreters Network is a vital contribution to the preservation of marginalized histories. By protecting cemeteries, BBIN not only honors the individuals interred within them but also fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical legacies that shape our world today. As BBIN continues to grow, they envision a future where every burial site is treated with the respect it deserves, and every story—no matter how marginalized—is given its rightful place in history. Their work is a reminder that cemeteries are not just places of mourning but also of learning, connection, and cultural pride.
In October 2024, the Avery Research Center and BBIN wrapped another Certified Interpretive Guide training and added 7 new Black and Brown interpreters to NAI’s ranks. We also recertified an Avery staff member! Avery is committed to making heritage interpretation and membership with NAI accessible to Black and Brown interpreters and tour guides in our community because only we can tell our stories. Photo by BBIN.
BBIN meetup and cemetery service project at Dill Plantation. Photo by BBIN.
