Dig Into Black History

Here is a chance to learn about the recent archeological excavation into an African-American cemetery in Adams Morgan. The cemetery is part of a still pristine historical area that includes the landmark Holt House – a still standing 18th-century mansion and a grist/plaster mill on Rock Creek, once named Columbian Mill, when Benjamin Stoddert and Roger Johnson owned it, and now called Adams Mill – renamed sometime after John Quincy Adams bought it in 1823.

The cemetery was founded shortly after the end of slavery, when it became easier for Americans of African descent to own property. However, its use as a burial ground likely predates Emancipation. Early census records for what is now Adams Morgan, Kalorama and Mount Pleasant show more slave labor toiling at area farms, estates and plantations then free labor.

Mary Belcher from the Holt House Preservation Task Force will lead a discussion on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 6 p.m. at Walter Pierce Park (two blocks north of 18th Street and Columbia Road in Adams Morgan; just follow Adams Mill Road past the gas station; the park is half a block up Adams Mill Road on the left.)