The Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County will host the first Tombstone Tuesday of the summer 6 PM May 20 at Vine Street Cemetery.
Also known as the Union Benevolent Society Cemetery, the site was established in 1866 by a group of newly-freed African Americans. The cemetery, located just past Wood and Bradshaw streets, served as a burial ground for members of the Union Benevolent Society, which helped support widows, orphans, and the local Black community after the Civil War.
Volunteers will receive a short training on respectful cemetery etiquette and safe cleaning techniques before helping to clean historic tombstones, including those of dozens of African American Civil War veterans.
The cemetery, no longer active, is now owned and maintained by the City of Hopkinsville.
The Museums will provide all supplies, including brushes, buckets, and bug spray.
Participants are encouraged to wear pants and closed-toe shoes.
The event is free and open to the public. Additional cleanups are planned for 6 PM June 24 and July 29, weather permitting.
For more information, visit the Pennyroyal Area Museum, follow the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County on Facebook, or call 270-887-4270.
