Reflecting on the Past, Embracing the Future
Dr. Jason Herrmann and students from U Penn mapping a portion of Green Lawn Cemetery.
Friends of Green Lawn Cemetery
It’s time to move!
Today, a small group of dedicated volunteers is working tirelessly to restore what was neglected. We cut the grass, clear debris, lift fallen headstones, assist families searching for loved ones, and maintain as much of the grounds as our tools, time, and resources allow. We do this because every person buried at Green Lawn deserves dignity, and every family deserves peace.
But this work requires support.
There is no municipal funding.
There is no ongoing financial assistance.
There is no operating budget.
Everything done at Green Lawn Cemetery is powered by volunteers and what they can afford out of their own pockets. To continue restoring and maintaining the grounds safely and consistently, we are launching this campaign to seek partners who believe in protecting history and honoring those who came before us.
Why Your Contribution Matters
Supporting Green Lawn Cemetery means helping to restore dignity to a place that was left without care. It means ensuring families can find their loved ones. It means preserving history that would otherwise be lost.
Every donation—equipment, financial contributions, or sponsorship—helps us continue the work of maintaining sacred ground with respect and consistency. What we have learned is simple: volunteers are willing to do the work, but we need the tools to do it well.
Did you know that……. Green Lawn Cemetery is 8.5 acres and is only partially cleared!
Did you know that………Green Lawn Cemetery is owned by a defunct corporation and a family trust?
Did you know that ………. Green Lawn Cemetery has over 300 veteran burials?
Did you know that...........Green Lawn Cemetery was founded by Lawrence Murray,Sr. in May of 1907 to serve the African American community in the Chester City and Delaware County, Pennsylvania region. The cemetery houses at least 2,000 burials, including the graves of over 300 veterans of the United States Armed Services who served from the Civil War through the 20th century. Green Lawn is a vital cultural and historical resource in the community where residents can connect and learn about African American history and life, and the important contributions African Americans made to the Chester area, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the nation.
Dear Ms. Faith Wilson,
On behalf of the Friends of Green Lawn Cemetery, I want to sincerely thank you for your generous donation. Peace and Blessings to you and to your family.
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The original Green Lawn Cemetery monument on Concord Road.
The new Green Lawn Cemetery monument on Concord Road.