230 Students Restore Historic Black Cemetery in Henrico

Students across Richmond are spending their time honoring history one restored gravestone at a time.

Nearly 230 volunteers from Steward School, St. Christopher's School, and St. Catherine's School have helped maintain Woodland Cemetery in Henrico this year. The historic Black cemetery, located just east of Highland Park, earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places earlier this year.

Students from St. Catherine's have visited three times to help with upkeep. Steward and St. Christopher's students have each visited once, with volunteers also coming regularly from VCU and the University of Richmond.

"Other than one church group, so far this year all of our volunteer groups have been students," says John Shuck, the cemetery's volunteer coordinator and Woodland Restoration Foundation member. "We greatly appreciate the work they do, and some of them really get excited about helping."

The cemetery holds deep historical significance beyond its beautiful grounds. Richmond Planet editor John Mitchell Jr. designed and founded it in an arrowhead shape pointing north, a powerful reminder of the direction Black slaves looked for freedom.

Among those laid to rest there are tennis legend and Richmond native Arthur Ashe and Sixth Mt. Zion Baptist Church founder John Jasper. Woodland Cemetery is the second-largest Black cemetery in the area, smaller only than Evergreen Cemetery, which sits less than four miles southeast.

The Ripple Effect

These young volunteers aren't just clearing brush and cleaning headstones. They're connecting with stories that shaped their community and keeping memories alive for families who visit.

Their consistent presence throughout the year shows how one generation can honor another through simple acts of service. Each visit helps preserve a landmark that tells an essential part of Richmond's story.

Young people choosing to spend their time caring for this sacred ground shows history lessons don't have to stay in textbooks.