City begins Mapping & Condition Survey of Evergreen Cemetery

Published on October 22, 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

 

Mapping & Condition Survey Begins October 24 for

Evergreen Cemetery Preservation Project

 

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (October 22, 2025) — Beginning October 24 through October 30, 2025, Historic Preservation staff from Terracon Consultants, Inc. will conduct a grave marker mapping and condition assessment survey at Evergreen Cemetery. This work is a part of the Evergreen Cemetery Preservation and Enhancement Project, a comprehensive initiative to preserve, restore, and honor one of our community’s most treasured historic sites.

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The survey aims to document grave marker information and assess current conditions to support the long-term stewardship of this historic site. Up to four Terracon team members will be onsite daily, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during this phase of work. The field crew will wear high-visibility, Terracon-branded vests and are available to answer questions from visitors while onsite.

The information gathered will enhance public access to Evergreen Cemetery’s history by contributing to comprehensive digital records and improved documentation. Unmarked gravesites and interments will not be identified as part of this project. The accompanying condition assessment will also help the City identify and prioritize conservation efforts, ensuring the long-term care and preservation of this treasured historic site.

Project Information

Established in 1913 by Black civic leaders as a private enterprise, Evergreen Cemetery is the final resting place of many prominent members of West Palm Beach’s African American and Afro-Caribbean communities. Like many historic cemeteries, it has faced challenges such as deteriorating markers, aging records, and limited resources for maintenance. The City has previously supported improvements including reburying remains, installing lighting, and adding an entrance gate.

Through the Evergreen Cemetery Preservation and Enhancement Project, approved by the City Commission in August 2025, West Palm Beach reaffirms its commitment to honoring this sacred site of memory and cultural heritage. The project runs through 2026 and includes:

  • Research and Documentation: Reviewing historic and current records to guide preservation efforts.

  • Community Engagement: Partnering with descendant families and community members throughout the project.

  • Mapping and Assessment: Creating a geodatabase documenting roughly 1,600 gravesites and assessing their condition.

  • Recommendations and Visioning: Developing short-, mid-, and long-term goals for preservation, wayfinding, landscaping, and interpretative 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 . The project is funded by a $137,709 one-time transfer from the City’s general fund.

By combining community engagement, research, and preservation best practices, the City of West Palm Beach is ensuring Evergreen Cemetery continues to stand as a lasting 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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