WILMINGTON – New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, in partnership with Friends of Mount Olive Burial Grounds, announced a several-part Day of Service Initiative at Mount Olive Cemetery. Located on Lancaster Pike, Mount Olive Cemetery is a Delaware historical site and is the resting place for many prominent African American citizens, community leaders, and veterans. The Days of Service efforts allow community members and community-serving organizations to play a part in the restoration and beautification of Mount Olive Cemetery, that for several years has been primarily executed by Friends of Mount Olive Burial Grounds.
The efforts will be funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). “This is an historic opportunity to reimagine the communities in which we live, an unprecedented opportunity to address problems that arose in recent months and divisions that have festered for decades,” said New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. “This restoration ensures the history of so many Delawareans, including World War I veterans and other prominent Delawareans of color, are provided the proper burial site and information about their lives for future generations to learn from.”
Each Day of Service will take place every second Saturday starting at 9am until the end of October. Equipment, food, and refreshments are provided by various community partners throughout the county. Volunteers must sign up in advance to participate due to capacity. This month, one of Mount Olive’s newest neighbors, Wegmans, will be providing support.
“We were fortunate to have the County Executive introduce us to the ongoing restoration efforts at the Mount Olive Cemetery,” said Jared Fedor, Wilmington Wegmans Store Manager. “Making a difference in our community is one of our core values and we are honored to be part of an effort that will aid in restoring a piece of the community that is rich in history and culture.”
The Meyer administration continues to create innovative and impactful opportunities to engage with communities. To learn more about our Day of Service efforts or to sign up and volunteer email CJ Bell, Manager of Special Projects, [email protected].
About Mount Olive Cemetery
In 1862 the members of Mother AUMP Church, also known as the Union Church of African Members, purchased property at the corner of Lancaster Avenue and Union Street in Wilmington for the purpose of establishing a cemetery. In 1914, the Church sold the property, then known as St. Peter’s Cemetery, for the construction of Bancroft Parkway. Remains were disinterred and reburied at Mount Olive. Many prominent citizens and community leaders are buried here. In 1980, the Friends of Mount Olive Cemetery was established to provide ongoing care and maintenance.