Douglass Cemetery
Open House

Meet the descendants of Alexandrians buried in Douglass Memorial Cemetery and the Office of Historic Alexandria archaeologists and historians that have come together through a Community History Initiative to interpret and preserve the Frederick Douglass Memorial Cemetery. The Friends of Douglass Cemetery was formed for the preservation of this historic African American resting place of so many former Alexandrian residents who paved the way for those who live today. It is the community’s mission to help bring Douglass from a neglected place of rest to a place of comfort for all to visit. Descendants, stakeholders, and friends of Douglass, along with the City of Alexandria Archaeology Department, will be working together to make this a reality. Come and see the progress and how this gem is being maintained and preserved.

Records suggest over 2,000 people of color may have been buried at Douglass, yet fewer than 700 grave markers are visible today.  The last known burial at Douglass was in 1975, and while the cemetery is no longer managed or maintained by the association, it has not been forgotten by the friends and families of those buried here. In recent years, the City of Alexandria, as well as Douglass’ neighbors including Old Town Village, have stepped in to assist in caring for it. Currently, the City and its contractors are undertaking a project to improve drainage conditions in the cemetery which is part of the historic Wilkes Street Cemetery complex.  AHS supports the City's partnership with the Social Responsibility Group and the Friends of Douglass Cemetery to ensure the preservation of this historic Black burial ground. 

Visitors for the October 3rd event are encouraged to use public transportation or to park along South Payne Street or at the Nannie J. Lee Center. This event is one of the City's Virginia Archaeology Month events.