City Launches Evergreen Cemetery Preservation and Enhancement Project

Published on September 23, 2025

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:

Kathleen Joy, Director of Communications

City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office

Phone: (561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)

Email: kjoy@wpb.org

 

City of West Palm Beach Launches

Evergreen Cemetery Preservation and Enhancement Project

 

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (September 23, 2025) — On Tuesday, September 16, the City of West Palm Beach proudly launched the Evergreen Cemetery Preservation and Enhancement Project, a comprehensive initiative to preserve, restore, and honor one of our community’s most treasured historic sites. The project will be led by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, with support from multiple departments and expert partners.

Established in 1913 by Black civic leaders as a private enterprise, Evergreen Cemetery is the final resting place of many prominent members of the African American and Afro-Caribbean community. Like many historic cemeteries nationwide, Evergreen has faced challenges such as deteriorating markers, aging records, and limited resources for long-term upkeep. The City has previously invested in critical improvements such as reburying remains, installing lighting, and adding an entrance gate. With the Evergreen Cemetery Preservation and Enhancement Project, the City is reaffirming its commitment to preserving Evergreen Cemetery as a sacred site of memory and cultural heritage.

“This project is about honoring the past while safeguarding this sacred place as a cornerstone of our community for generations to come,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “Through this effort, we will preserve history, uplift the voices of descendants, and create a space that reflects the dignity and cultural legacy of those laid to rest here.”

The Evergreen Cemetery Preservation and Enhancement Project will unfold over the next 12 to 15 months and will include:

  • Research and Documentation: Comprehensive review of available historic and current records to establish a strong foundation for preservation.

  • Community Engagement: Outreach and conversations with descendant families and community members to ensure their voices guide project decisions. Outreach is scheduled to occur concurrently throughout the project timeline.

  • Mapping and Assessment: Development of a geodatabase to document up to an estimated number of 1,600 gravesites, along with a condition assessment of grave markers.

  • Recommendations and Visioning: Actionable short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals based on community input, research, best practices, survey data, and city feedback to guide preservation, wayfinding, landscaping, and interpretive enhancements. 

The City has partnered with a multidisciplinary team, including the Community Planning Collaborative, led by Adrienne Burke and Ennis Davis, along with experts Dr. Alisha Winn of Consider the Culture, Dr. Steph McDougal of McDoux Preservation, and Jeff Moates and team from Terracon Archaeology. Together, they bring expertise in urban planning, historic preservation, cultural anthropology, and cemetery archaeology.

“As stewards of the city’s historic cemeteries, our department is honored to lead this important work,” said Leah Rockwell, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of West Palm Beach. “Evergreen Cemetery is not only a sacred resting place but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of our African American and Afro-Caribbean community. This initiative ensures we protect and enhance the site with the dignity and care it deserves.”

The project's funding totals approximately $137,709, supported by a one-time transfer from the City’s general fund.

By combining community engagement, historic research, and preservation best practices, the City of West Palm Beach is ensuring Evergreen Cemetery will continue to stand as a testament to resilience, culture, and history.

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About the City of West Palm Beach:
 The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic city on Florida's Atlantic coast. With a rich history, thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region and the central city of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing waterfront city that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the area with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit our official website or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and LinkedIn.

To contact the City of West Palm Beach, please dial (561) 822-1200 (TTY 800 955-8771). For information about the City of West Palm Beach, please visit: https://www.wpb.org/home

 

 

 

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