Historic Eden Cemetery

01/04/2021

We are grateful to WHYY for this article about the significance of Historic Eden Cemetery and the work that we do. Please considering donating to our GoFundMe campaign as we raise funds to seek to protect and preserve Eden's archival legacy.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/protect-african-american-memory-and-eden039s-legacy

The historic Black cemetery outside Philadelphia is still in use, and the often-used paper records are in danger of disintegrating. A GoFundMe could help.

01/04/2021

Eden is raising $75,000 toward the conservation, digitization, and preservation of our records. These records, of exceptional value to the site, are a bedrock for research and interpretation of important stories of national and local African American history and cultural heritage. Protecting these historical records “keeps the lived stories of people and communities from vanishing” and preserves legacy for future generations.

If you'd like to donate to our work, you can do so through the GoFundMe campaign posted below.

TEAM FUNDRAISER The Board of Eden Cemetery Company is organizing th… Eden Cemetery needs your support for Protect Eden's Legacy and African American Memory

02/26/2020

On Saturday, May 23, 2020, Historic Eden Cemetery will host a fundraiser luncheon with special guests The Stylistics. Proceeds will benefit the restoration of Eden's records and the improvement of Eden's grounds. For tickets, contact Julianne (215.292.2951) or Mina (267.972.3175)

02/26/2020

Join us as we honor the memory of the great Marian Anderson with a memorial wreath laying ceremony on Saturday, March 7 at 10am at the Historic Eden Cemetery. Open house and reception to follow at the National Marian Anderson Museum. RSVP with the museum at 215.779.4219.

02/26/2020

Earlier this month, Historic Eden Cemetery was honored for their commitment to community service by The National Freedom Day Association during their annual Liberty Bell Ceremony and Luncheon. National Freedom Day remembers when President Lincoln signed the 13th amendment, and the NFDA is committed to insuring that the 13th, 14th, and 15the amendments are not forgotten by future generations.

11/27/2019

Michelle Thornhill and Mina Cockroft of Historic Eden Cemetery attended the Marian Anderson Historical Society 22nd Anniversary Concert on November 16, 2019. Marian Anderson was a renowned singer of classical music and spirituals between 1925 and 1965. Ms. Anderson is buried at Historic Eden Cemetery.

11/27/2019

Thank you to those who participated in our PreArrangement Informational Seminar. If you'd like to speak to someone about making your own final arrangements so that your loved ones won't have to, contact Historic Eden Cemetery at 610.583.8737 or [email protected].

11/06/2019

"A people without knowledge of its history is like a tree without roots." - Marcus Garvey

The Historic Eden Cemetery was honored to attend the African American Genealogy Group's 30th Anniversary Celebration. The AAGG is dedicated to the encouragement of and support for genealogy research and serves the African-American community of Philadelphia and the Tri-State Area.

Melvin Collier was the keynote speaker. Mr. Collier is an author and archivist, combining his passions of African-American history and historical preservation.

In addition, the AAGG recognized Lanzy Canty and Joyce Mosely with their "Super Volunteer Award." Both women were recognized for their service including documenting and transcribing records at Historic Eden Cemetery. We are also grateful for their work.

10/31/2019

In 2018, WHYY aired a special entitled "The Montiers: An American Story." The Montier family were trailblazers in Philadelphia and American history.

"The Montiers descended directly from the first mayor of Philadelphia, Humphrey Morrey (c.1650-1716), appointed in 1691 by William Penn. The Morreys manumitted their slaves during the early 18th century, & Humphrey Morrey’s son Richard, entered into a common-law marriage with one of the family’s freed servants, Cremona. Upon his death, Richard bequeathed about 200 acres, in what is now the Glenside section of Cheltenham Township, to Cremona, making her one of the first & largest black land owners in what would become the United States."

The history of the Montiers, a trailblazing Philadelphia family.

10/31/2019

Eden Cemetery, is the burial site of William Still, Father of the Underground Railroad; clerk for the Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery, and chairman of the Vigilance Committee. General Manager, Mina
Cockroft and Director of Family Service, Michelle Thornhill were among a select few to enjoy a private viewing of Harriett, which should be considered 2019's Must See Movie of the Year!@

10/30/2019

On Saturday, October 12th, we laid a wreath on the headstone of Octavius Catto to commemorate the 100th anniversary of one of the first in*******al baseball matches, including the Pythian under the Captainship of Octavius Catto.

"In September 1869, the Pythians played against the all white Olympics; likely the first recorded instance of an in*******al baseball game. Although the Pythians lost 44-23, the September 4th edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer covered the game inning for inning, noting the skill of the Pythians as well as the large size of the crowd. A few days later the Pythians played and beat the all-white Philadelphia City Items; a historic victory that Catto hoped would prove the capability of African Americans."

10/30/2019

Eden in the News

COLLINGDALE — Two days before the 227th anniversary of abolitionist John Pierre Burr's birthday, a headstone was consecrated for him at Eden Cemetery.