Volunteer Project - Historic Eden Cemetery

This project was a conceptual design for a gathering space on the Eden Cemetery grounds in Collingdale, Delaware County. Established in 1902, this property is the oldest African-American owned cemetery in the United States. The groundskeepers shared with me historic maps identifying each grave plot by number corresponding to a ledger of names and dates.

We selected a concept area void of below-grade burial sites to highlight one above-ground burial chamber, sealed with a unique red door . This chamber is iconic to this property and once served as a storage chamber for bodies awaiting burial. Because the structure is bermed, it naturally maintains cool temperatures which is why it was used to preserve and secure the dead prior to their farewell ceremony.

Many revolutionary icons have been laid here to rest on this property. The design concept echoes the bold color of that door with a monument bearing the names of those passed, textured landscaping and a gazebo area for quiet contemplation.