Be A Part of the Vote – Alexandria Freedmen Cemetery

As a child, I remember the Gas Station at the corner of South Washington and Church Street. Unknown to me and many others, that a Cemetery exists under that Gas Station. Today, the Gas Station is no longer there and the City of Alexandria now owns the property. In recognizing the many African Americans that were buried in the Freedmen Cemetery during the Civil War through 1868, the City is planning a Memorial Cemetery.

I hope like me, you would want to be a part of this unique event in history. The City is in its final stages of getting an artist to design the sculpture that will be placed at the Memorial Cemetery site. The three finalists for the bronze sculptures have submitted their models to be voted on; please do not miss this opportunity.

You can view the three model sculptures at the Durant Center:

Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center
1605 Cameron Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-5560

You must let your preference known by August 6 to the committee. The public committee will consider all the comments in making the final choice. The winner for the sculptor will be announced in September.

Archaeology has been working on the Freedmen’s Cemetery since 1987. Viewing the various sculpture models and providing your input would be the final stage in the design of the Memorial—now under construction at 1001 S. Washington Street. I hope you will be able to view the models and express your opinion!

Web site discussing the competition guidelines and the three finalists:
http://alexandriava.gov/recreation/freedmens/default.aspx?id=28066

Web site discussing the exhibit of the models:
http://www.alexandriagazette.com/news/2012/jul/11/freedmens-cemetery-statue-proposals-display/

For additional information, please contact Dr. Pamela J. Cressey at www.Pamela.Cressey@alexandriava.gov.