Our story
How the cemetery began
Mount Peace Cemetery, founded in 1900, serves as a heartfelt tribute to the lives of the ancestors who have passed on. Our dedication to honoring their memories is reflected in our commitment in preserving this tranquil resting place and historic site. We take pride in preserving the legacy of each individual, ensuring that their stories and contributions are remembered for generations to come. When the cemetery was established, African Americans were excluded from other non-secular burial grounds. The cemetery was created on 18-acres of farm land in Lawnside, New Jersey. Originally known as Snowhill, the settlement was a station stop on the Underground Railroad. Mount Peace Cemetery was created to provide greater respect and guardianship to the African American communities of Camden county. It is the final resting place of many notable African Americans, including Civil War Veterans Alexander Heritage Newton and Medal of Honor winner John Henry Lawson. In addition, buried at Mount Peace Cemetery are veterans of all foreign wars, African royalty and persons listed in The Negro Motorist Green Book. The cemetery is a Lawnside landmark and is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The cemetery is also a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site designated by the National Park Service and is listed on the African American Civil Rights Network. Mount Peace Cemetery Association consists of a board of trustees and was created by several Lawnside community members. Our mission: We are committed to restoration, community engagement and educating the public on the culture and forgotten achievements of African American pioneers.
Outreach
Here at Mount Peace Cemetery, where we honor the memories of those who came before us. Our non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting volunteerism and community involvement, believing that small acts of kindness can truly a difference. Through team-building activities, we strive to tackle some of society's challenges while empowering individuals and communities alike. Your generous support, whether through time or donations, is vital in helping us maintain the cemetery and fulfill our mission.
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Timeline
**1890**: Established by African Americans on White Horse Pike in Lawnside, NJ, as a burial site for their loved ones.
- **1900**: Acquired an 18-acre tract of land by prominent African American men from Camden, NJ.
- **1952**: The owning company went bankrupt, leading to neglect of the cemetery; a fire destroyed all records and maps.
- **1960**: Judge Davis sold a portion of the cemetery to developers; although he sparsely managed records, he did not maintain the grounds.
- **1978**: The cemetery became overgrown and littered; local residents initiated cleanup efforts, volunteering every Saturday.
- Bryson Armstead suggested the Lawnside Men's Association take over the cleanup under Lloyd Romero’s leadership.
- **1980s**: New trustees gained control of the trust fund from Judge Davis.
- Collaborated with Camden County's probation department for support.
- Trust funds were invested, with interest used for improvements, access, tool sheds, and maintenance.
- **2000-Present**: Before his passing in June 2000, Lloyd Romero and Bryson Armstead cataloged Civil War veterans' graves.
- Ongoing restoration efforts by dedicated citizens; the cemetery continues to rely on volunteers to preserve its legacy and uncover hidden history.
“Life's most persistent and urgent question is,
What are you doing for others?"
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr -
Champion for Freedom: The Reverend Alexander Heritage Newton Story
Preservation and Conservation
At Mount Peace we are dedicated to preserving the past by inspiring future generations. The cleaning of headstones takes patience and attention to detail and this simple act can restore an abundance of history to learn from.
Partnering For a Cause
With this initiative, our goal is to partner with businesses and other companies through corporate giving programs. This is also a great opportunity to boost employee engagement and increase community awareness. We strive to align with corporations who share our mission of volunteering and who care about more than just profits.
Experience Nature
With our organization’s mission always in mind, we strive to find new strategies for exposing children as well as adults to the beauty of their natural surroundings. Being in tune with the earth and the environment is a wonderful lesson everyone can benefit from.
Would you like to support our efforts?
Our Projects
The Focus of Our Efforts
Recognizing the enormity of the challenges our society faces, Mount Peace Cemetery is dedicated to making a lasting impact through our campaigns and programs. While our efforts are driven by our organization’s focus to educate the public on underrepresented Black history, we embrace diversity and inclusivity of all by investing in a variety of ways sharing the stories of the trailblazers buried here. Learn more about our initiatives and get involved yourself.
Volunteer Program
Through our Volunteer Program, we have the potential to make a real and positive change in the community. This is one of our key areas of focus here at Mount Peace Cemetery, and a source of much success for our Non-Profit Organization. Get in touch with us today and see how you can lend a helping hand with this program.
Archaeological Work
Most of our efforts pertaining to this program involve carefully unearthing and reconstructing the past. These projects consist of some of our most rewarding work and serve as a tangible reminder and connection to the area's rich history as a haven for freedom and prosperity.
Restoration
At Mount Peace Cemetery the restoration of the back 3 acre portion of our cemetery began in October 2020. Over six months and 100 hours of land clearing and hand work, volunteers where able to locate 200 known and unknown graves. We are currently in phase 1 which is a very tedious and delicate process. Please follow along with us as we share this inspiring journey to "uncovering hidden history one stone at a time!"
If you are looking to get involved please consider volunteering your time and or making a donation. This is an ongoing restoration and preservation project that will take several years to execute. We always look forward to working with each and every one of you!
Contact Us!
Mail your donations to: 207 JFK Blvd., Lawnside, NJ, 08045
856-546-9069
