THE PREWITT SLAVE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION

Our Project.  

The PSCA project consists of a three-phase scope of work. The phases along with the major tasks (not inclusive) and status are provided below:

Phase 1. ​- COMPLETE - AUGUST 10, 2022

Perform Land Clearing and Tree Removal

The PSCA requested a Phase 1 permit from the Alabama Historical Commission (AHC) to obtain permission to start the preservation efforts for the PSC. The dense vegetation environment (weeds, saplings, vines, and trees (some pine trees 12+ feet tall)) required the PSCA to perform extensive ground clearing and tree removal before the land/ground surveys and cleaning/repairing of the headstones. The tasks and status are as follows:  

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TASK/STATUS: 

• The AHC issued the Phase 1 permit on February 7, 2022.

• Rohrer Tree Service performed the tree removal during February 14-15, 2022.

• Montgomery and Hinkle Inc. completed the land survey on March 18, 2022.

• PSCA performed "Team ground clearing/clean-up days" on April 9 and April 23, 2022.

• Since April 23, small trees, stumps, saplings, leaves, branches, twigs, and weeds have been removed

• The PSCA completed all clearing, and the grounds were ready for Phase 2 on August 10, 2022.

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Note: The photographs are snapshots of the cemetery before (picture on the left) and after (photo on the right) tree removal and land/ground clearing. 

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Phase 2. - IN PROGRESS 

Surveys (Grounds), Install/Reinstall Flags/Install Crosses, Fill Holes, Clean/Repair Headstones, and Install Ground Cover 

The PSCA Phase 2 permit request was submitted to the AHC on August 15, 2022, to obtain permission to continue the PSC preservation effort. The AHC issued the Phase 2 permit on August 17, 2022.  However, due to an administrative error, it was reissued on September 6, 2022.

The PSCA, in collaboration with the University of Alabama (UA), established a Fall 2022 Archaeological Field School for a joint undergraduate (seven students) and graduate (two students) Field Methods Course. See the photo on the left of Elliot Blair, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Anthropology, Curator of Southeastern Archaeology (Professor (in sunglasses) heads the school), and the nine students. The Field School provides an archaeological pedestrian survey/field mapping, shallow geophysical prospective surveys, and documentation for the PSCA. 

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The tasks and status to date are as follows:

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UA & PSCA PROJECT TASK/STATUS:

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• The UA began its tasks on September 2022, and the status of each is below:

  • Perform a close-interval pedestrian survey - to identify every visible stone marker in the PSC. See the photo on the left that displays flags that identify the locations of burials.                                                  COMPLETED - September 27, 2022

  • Photographed, documented, and mapped each visible marker - using high precision accuracy technology (RTK-GPR/total station) - See students using the GPR instrument in the video to the left.                    COMPLETED - October 27, 2022

  • Perform geophysical surveys (multi-method/non-evasive) of the PSC.    COMPLETED - DECEMBER 1, 2022

  • Due to the fall 2023 weather and PSC ground conditions, the flags had to be reverified and reinstalled by the Fall 2023 Archaeological Field School. COMPLETED- SEPTEMBER 2023

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More photographs of the Field School efforts are displayed on the left.​

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​PSCA TASK/STATUS: 

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• Flags were removed and crosses (a more permanent marker) were installed at each burial - COMPLETED - NOVEMBER 2023.

• Identify holes throughout the PSC and fill as required - IN PROGRESS

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• Determine the conditions and actions required for each inscribed headstone, addressing whether each should remain as is, require cleaning or repair, or both - IN PROGRESS

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NOTE:  The UA, Office of Archaeological Research, Moundville, Alabama, submitted a scope of work and cost estimate on February 29, 2024, for the cleaning and restoration of twenty-three (select stones) of the 56 inscribed stones at the PSC.  However, due to the limited budget, the PSCA is continuing to review and document the action that will be taken for each stone before proceeding. 

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• Identify (research and analysis ongoing) a viable ground cover and install it. - IN PROGRESS

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The photograph to the left is a view of the PSC with crosses installed.

Phase 3. - SCHEDULED FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 

Security, Peripherals/Curb Appeal Items, and Submission of the AHC Final Report 

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Phase 3 is our "finishing touches" phase. During this phase, we will focus on additional safety issues/securing the PSC, curb appeal, and the final reporting to the AHC. The Phase 3 major tasks are listed below:

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• Installation of​

  • Gate(s)

  • Fencing,

  • Historical marker

  • Benches

  • Dropbox (placed in the entry area to maintain brochures/information about the PSC for visitors

  • Trash receptacle(s)

• Addressing any outstanding safety issues

• Continuing to address access/parking

• Obtaining storage (shed) for equipment/supplies

• Preparing the AHC final report and other reports as required

• Unveiling of the historical marker and a special "thank you" to/for those who contributed to accomplishing our mission and goals.

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Note: The photograph to the left is a view of the PSC with crosses installed.