The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and N.C. State University have joined forces to map unmarked burial sites belonging to historically marginalized groups in the state. The partnership aims to preserve and honor the heritage of these communities, ensuring that their stories are not forgotten as the state’s population continues to grow and development encroaches on these sites. The research project will focus on identifying and mapping Indigenous burial sites, graves of formerly enslaved individuals, and historic African American cemeteries, a task that is becoming increasingly challenging due to more frequent storms and natural disasters. The initiative is set to begin this summer and will continue through 2026.
Tunya Smith, director of NCDOT’s Office of Civil Rights, emphasized the importance of the project in ensuring that family histories are not confined to county lines. The researchers will start their work in Edgecombe County to locate and identify cemeteries, with a goal of expanding their efforts throughout the state. This collaboration represents a significant step in preserving the cultural and historical significance of these burial sites and ensuring that they are protected for future generations.
For more information about this partnership and the ongoing research project, interested parties are encouraged to connect with the NCDOT and N.C. State University. This initiative serves as a vital step in recognizing and honoring the heritage of historically marginalized communities across North Carolina.
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