About
the Project
Discover how the Laurel Cemetery Memorial Project began its mission to preserve and honor Baltimore’s African American history.
We exist to honor, preserve, & educate.
honor
Recognizing those laid to rest at Laurel Cemetery through remembrance and respectful stewardship.
preservE
Protecting the burial site, preserving its history, and safeguarding it for future generations.
educate
Sharing the history of Laurel Cemetery through research, public programs, and community engagement.
Discovering Laurel Cemetery
How It Began
The Laurel Cemetery Memorial Project began with a remarkable discovery.
In 2015, Professor Ronald Castanzo uncovered a historic map identifying the location of Laurel Cemetery beneath what is now the Belair-Edison Crossing Shopping Center.
After finding a grave marker fragment on the site, he partnered with Dr. Elgin Klugh of Coppin State University to investigate what remained. Their work sparked a community-wide effort to honor the thousands of African Americans buried there and preserve their history for future generations.
the community responds
A Community Comes Together
The discovery sparked a shared commitment to honor those buried at Laurel Cemetery.
Historians, descendants, community members, students, and preservation advocates joined together through public meetings, educational events, and partnerships to ensure the cemetery's history would no longer be forgotten.
This collaboration became the foundation for what is now the Laurel Cemetery Memorial Project.
Growing the mission
Building for the Future
In 2020, the Laurel Cemetery Memorial Project officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the cemetery's legacy. With support from partners, state funding, and the community, LCMP continues to advance research, protect the remaining burial site, develop a permanent memorial, and expand opportunities for education and family discovery.
This project is grounded in research, guided by community, and driven by purpose.
watch the story
Five Minute History
WBAL News Story
read the book
A Place of Memory:
Baltimore’s Historic Laurel Cemetery
Read about the history of Baltimore’s Laurel Cemetery through research, archaeology, and archival records.
what's new
Stay up to date with the latest news, events, research milestones, and community announcements.
explore their stories
From leaders to entrepreneurs, meet the people whose lives, work, and influence left a lasting mark.
Discover the History
Discover the history of Laurel Cemetery and the events that inspired the creation of the LCMP.
contact us
Have a question, want to collaborate, or need more information? Get in touch with our team. We're here to help.
Help preserve this legacy for generations to come.
Together, we can ensure this legacy lives on. Every donation helps preserve Laurel Cemetery's history, protect the site, and support ongoing research and education.