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Spring 2024 Newsletter: Preserving the Legacy of Black Baltimore

by | Mar 20, 2024

This issue highlights the legacy of abolitionist J. Murray Ralph, ongoing efforts to document Laurel Cemetery burials through death certificate research, and the stories of United States Colored Troops interred at Laurel Cemetery. It also features preservation updates and related historic cemetery initiatives.

Cover of the Winter 2026 Laurel Cemetery Memorial Project newsletter featuring the headline "Sign Dedication & Commemoration Ceremony" and a photograph of the Laurel Cemetery Memorial Project commemorative sign.

What's Inside

Framed Heroines of Jericho badges displayed as part of a Laurel Cemetery Memorial Project exhibit.

1 | FEATURES

J. Murray Ralph in the Nanny Jack & Co Archives

Examines the life and legacy of James Murray Ralph, a Baltimore abolitionist, civic leader, and close friend of Frederick Douglass, whose story is preserved through archival artifacts and his connection to Laurel Cemetery..

Researchers review the 1921 Baltimore death certificate of Daniel Newman documenting his burial at Laurel Cemetery.

5 | RESEARCH

The Death Certificate Transcription Project

Volunteers continue identifying Laurel Cemetery burials through Baltimore death certificates, building a searchable database that supports genealogy and historical research.

Historic Camp Stanton marker commemorating the training site of United States Colored Infantry regiments during the Civil War.

6 | PROFILES

USCT Burials at Laurel

Profiles several United States Colored Troops buried at Laurel Cemetery, preserving the stories of Black Civil War soldiers whose lives have been reconstructed through historical records.

A simple black outline icon of a document with a folded upper-right corner. Centered on the page is a downward-pointing arrow above a horizontal line, a common symbol indicating a file download. Small attribution text in the lower-left corner reads, Created by Alzam from Noun Project.

Download the Full Newsletter

Download the complete newsletter to read every story, browse additional photos, and stay up to date with the Laurel Cemetery Memorial Project.

PDF | 10 PAGES | 7.6MB

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