June 4, 9 am: Gravestone preservation workshop - Roanoke

Atlas Preservation, from whom we purchase D2 for cleaning gravestones and monuments, will conduct a workshop at Old Lick Cemetery at Old Lick Cemetery in Roanoke, VA.

The Old Lick Cemetery was the first cemetery available for the African-American population living in Roanoke's Gainsboro/Old Lick area and was used between 1870ish-1930ish. It was mainly cared for by the Old Lick's First Baptist Church and was the primary burial ground for that congregation. It was a well-maintained and beautiful place until 1955, when the City of Roanoke began evicting a large population of African American citizens, living and dead, from their homes.

More information about Old Lick Cemetery is at these links.

https://www.takethebackroads.com/2022/10/the-resurrection-of-old-lick-cemetery.html

https://www.wdbj7.com/2024/02/21/volunteers-reclaim-historic-cemetery-roanoke/