Friends of Lebanon Cemetery

In April 2019, what began as a grassroots cleanup at Lebanon Cemetery in North York Borough quickly grew into a mission far greater than any of us imagined. What we unearthed - both literally and historically - was not just buried headstones, but the powerful legacy of York County’s African American community. These cemeteries are sacred spaces, rich with stories of resilience, service, faith, and family - yet for decades, many were neglected or forgotten.

From that first effort, a movement was born. Today, our mission extends beyond just one cemetery. We are committed to preserving and honoring all African American cemeteries in York County - ensuring that those laid to rest are remembered, respected, and restored to their rightful place in local and national history.

Thanks to generous donations in past years, we’ve been able to make meaningful strides. We’ve helped preserve several cemeteries across the county, uncovering over 1,200 buried headstones. We’ve partnered with state preservation offices and universities to document headstones and create publicly accessible digital archives. We’ve led community preservation projects - cleaning, resetting, and restoring headstones - and hosted public events such as Wreaths Across America and G.R.A.C.E. for Veterans to honor those who served.

We’ve also done the work of remembrance: researching and documenting the lives of those interred - from everyday laborers and mothers to educators, business owners, veterans, and nationally-recognized figures. We've reconnected families with loved ones whose headstones had been lost for generations. Through education initiatives like our AR tours, guided walks for the Paved Over Prominence Project, and countless presentations, we’re bringing these hidden histories back into public view.

But there’s still more to do.

Your support empowers us to keep going - to fund ongoing preservation, expand educational outreach, invest in essential equipment, and continue reconnecting people with their past. A donation is not just a gift. It’s a statement. A promise that these lives will not be erased. That these hallowed grounds will not be ignored.

Join us in honoring York County’s African American cemeteries. Help us preserve this legacy - one story, one stone at a time.

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Cultural Arts Alliance Match