City of West Palm Beach launches Evergreen Cemetery Preservation and Enhancement Project to honor history and protect cultural heritage

West Palm Beach, Florida – The City of West Palm Beach has officially launched the Evergreen Cemetery Preservation and Enhancement Project, a comprehensive initiative aimed at preserving, restoring, and honoring one of the city’s most historic and culturally significant sites. The project, formally announced on Tuesday, September 16, will be managed by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with multiple city departments and a team of expert partners, reflecting a broad and community-focused effort to safeguard Evergreen Cemetery for future generations.

Evergreen Cemetery, established in 1913 by Black civic leaders, holds profound historical significance as the final resting place of many influential members of the African American and Afro-Caribbean community. Over the decades, like many historic cemeteries across the United States, Evergreen has faced challenges including deteriorating grave markers, incomplete or aging records, and limited resources for ongoing maintenance. The cemetery’s legacy has been preserved in part through previous investments by the city, such as reburials of remains, installation of lighting, and the addition of a formal entrance gate. However, the new Preservation and Enhancement Project represents a renewed and comprehensive commitment to both restoration and respectful stewardship.

“This project is about honoring the past while safeguarding this sacred place as a cornerstone of our community for generations to come,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “Through this effort, we will preserve history, uplift the voices of descendants, and create a space that reflects the dignity and cultural legacy of those laid to rest here.”

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The Preservation and Enhancement Project is scheduled to unfold over the next 12 to 15 months and will involve multiple phases. The first component, research and documentation, will include a detailed review of existing records, both historical and contemporary, to establish a strong foundation for preservation efforts. By gathering and verifying as much information as possible, the city and its partners aim to ensure that every grave and memorial is accounted for and treated with appropriate respect.

Community engagement is a central pillar of the project. Descendant families and local residents will be invited to participate in outreach initiatives and provide feedback that will guide decision-making at every stage. This inclusive approach seeks to ensure that the cemetery’s preservation reflects the values and history of those connected to Evergreen, giving the community a meaningful voice in shaping its future.

Mapping and assessment of the cemetery will also play a key role in the initiative. Using advanced geospatial technology, the city plans to document an estimated 1,600 gravesites, recording their precise locations and assessing the condition of grave markers. This geodatabase will provide a comprehensive tool for managing maintenance, guiding restoration, and creating accurate records for future generations.

The final phase of the project will focus on actionable recommendations and visioning. Drawing from community input, research findings, and preservation best practices, the city will develop short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals for Evergreen Cemetery. These plans will address everything from landscaping and wayfinding to interpretive enhancements that educate visitors about the cemetery’s history and cultural significance.

To execute this ambitious plan, the city has partnered with a multidisciplinary team of experts. The Community Planning Collaborative, led by Adrienne Burke and Ennis Davis, will provide leadership in urban planning and community engagement. Preservation specialists such as Dr. Alisha Winn of Consider the Culture, Dr. Steph McDougal of McDoux Preservation, and Jeff Moates with Terracon Archaeology will bring expertise in cultural anthropology, historic preservation, and cemetery archaeology. Together, this team offers the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure that Evergreen Cemetery is preserved with integrity and sensitivity.

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“As stewards of the city’s historic cemeteries, our department is honored to lead this important work,” said Leah Rockwell, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of West Palm Beach. “Evergreen Cemetery is not only a sacred resting place but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of our African American and Afro-Caribbean community. This initiative ensures we protect and enhance the site with the dignity and care it deserves.”

The Preservation and Enhancement Project is funded through a one-time transfer from the City’s general fund, totaling approximately $137,709. These resources will support the multiple phases of the initiative, including documentation, community engagement, mapping, assessment, and the implementation of preservation strategies.

By combining meticulous historical research with active community involvement, the City of West Palm Beach aims to create a long-term framework for Evergreen Cemetery’s care. The project will not only restore and protect the site physically but also reinforce its cultural and historical significance. This dual focus on preservation and interpretation ensures that Evergreen Cemetery remains a living testament to the African American and Afro-Caribbean contributions that have shaped West Palm Beach over the past century.

As the project moves forward, the city encourages residents and descendant families to engage with the process, offering input and support to ensure that Evergreen Cemetery remains a sacred space worthy of respect and recognition. By honoring the past and planning thoughtfully for the future, West Palm Beach is demonstrating a commitment to cultural heritage, community pride, and historical preservation.

With its combination of professional expertise, community participation, and strategic planning, the Evergreen Cemetery Preservation and Enhancement Project is positioned to serve as a model for historic cemetery preservation across the region. Over the coming year, the city will continue to share updates and opportunities for public involvement, reinforcing the importance of preserving these irreplaceable cultural landmarks.

Through this initiative, Evergreen Cemetery will stand not only as a burial ground but as a symbol of resilience, history, and the enduring legacy of West Palm Beach’s African American and Afro-Caribbean communities.