M.O.S.E.S Cemetery Preservation Project
For years, many Black cemeteries throughout the country have been neglected, abandoned, or abused. The M.O.S.E.S. Project is an effort started in Martin County to restore and preserve the history found in these sacred sites. Some have already been cleaned up, restored and maintained and are currently serving as active burial locations. Through this project, volunteers have worked together over the past five years to restore the historic Gomez Pioneer Cemetery in Hobe Sound which had become neglected and full of overgrown vegetation after the AME Church had burned down in the 1980s.
The method used to restore this cemetery can be used for other historic burial grounds, strengthening their historic value and existence.
Remembering our black pioneers who settled in Martin County is a key component to protecting our cemeteries. Annual Remembrance Programs and restoring the Traditional Memorial Day Cleanups can be used to further remember and bring respect to our ancestors.