(above photo) A homeless camp was a recent part of the history of ill repair at the Benevolent Cemetery. In fact, you can see half of a tombstone leaning against an overturned grocery cart in the lower portion of this picture.

Interested Citizens Needed

The public is encouraged to attend a special presentation at 10:30 this Saturday morning at the Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center about preservation efforts at the Benevolent Cemetery. That's the graveyard below the South Church Street railroad overpass that's near the post office.

Over the years, the cemetery has fallen victim to no maintenance, vandalism, and growing over with underbrush and weeds.  

The African American Heritage Society will be sharing plans about this historic cemetery, and they are seeking the thoughts of others in the community. Middle Tennessee State University's Leigh Ann Gardner will facilitate the program.

RSVP This Saturday's Meeting

Refreshments will be served, and the hosts request that you phone 615-867-2633 so they will have an idea of how many persons for whom food needs to be prepared. A $6 donation is needed to cover the cost of food. You will be listed as a guest of the museum.

Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center is located at 415 South Academy Street.