The 144: Honoring the Lost Ancestors

Join Nation Ford Land Trust for this one-day, open-to-the-public visit to an historic slave cemetery as we learn about and honor those who are buried there.

In 2022, a single grave site was discovered on private property in York County. With the help of archaeologists, property owners Andrew and Mary Lazenby discovered 144 gravesites believed to be those of enslaved Africans. The cemetery property, protected by a conservation easement with Nation Ford Land Trust, will never be developed. We have a rare opportunity to honor and share the story of these lost ancestors. Join us again this year as we continue to honor and share the story of these lost ancestors.

Our program will explore the funerary traditions of enslaved Africans and we will honor the 144 Lost Ancestors. This program will also include an opportunity to speak to the landowners and others who are a part of this fascinating project.

Participants will have several opportunities to honor the enslaved 144 buried at the site:

- Libation Ceremony – By Dontavius Williams
- Note Choir – Enjoy a selection of songs from the Mount Zion Note Choir.
- A station for creating your own remembrance to honor the 144 will be provided with bio-degradable materials along with an offering table at the site.

Several educational booths and tables will be available such as:

- The story of the cemetery’s restoration from the landowners, Andrew and Mary Lazenby
- Informational material about the conservation easement with Nation Ford Land Trust that protects the cemetery from ever being developed in perpetuity
- Genealogical research provided by the York County Library
- More educational material about the 144 cemetery

Disclaimer: The location of this event is private property and is not available to visit by the public. The address will be provided with event registration.

Nation Ford Land Trust is dedicated to the preservation of open spaces, natural beauty, and the scenic and historic heritage of the York County, South Carolina area. All proceeds from this event are donated to NFLT.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Recently Shared

AMERICAN BATTLEFIELD TRUST EXPANDS HANGING ROCK BATTLEFIELD WITH NEW 160-ACRE ACQUISITION

May 6, 2026

The American Battlefield Trust today announced the acquisition of an approximately 160-acre property within the footprint of the Battle of Hanging Rock in rural Lancaster County. The property is the sixth parcel acquired to support ongoing protection and interpretation efforts at one of South Carolina’s newest battlefield parks. With this current purchase, the protected acres at the Hanging Rock battlefield now total 330 acres.

Lowcountry Land Trust Part-Time Accountant

April 29, 2026

Position Type: Part-Time (30 hours per week) Location: Charleston, SC Reporting: Controller Starting: July 1, 2026 Application Instructions: To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and three (3) references in one PDF addressed to careers@lowcountrylandtrust.org by May 15, 2026. POSITION SUMMARY The Accountant is a talented, motivated, and detail-oriented professional who plays a vital role at Lowcountry Land Trust. As a member of the accounting team, working under the direction of the Controller, the Accountant is responsible for managing accounts receivable and payable, processing deposits, preparing journal entries to record income, and reconciling banks and other financial accounts. This role also supports the Controller and other staff in budgeting activities and participates in additional projects designed to foster professional growth in accounting and general office operations. Progressively expanded responsibilities to include learning the payroll process; assuming full ownership of subsidiary financial reporting; producing monthly financial statements and summary reports; reconciling QuickBooks with Virtuous (donor database); and evaluating processes and recommending ways to improve efficiency. View the full job description via the link or at www.lowcountrylandtrust.org

Governor McMaster Honored with Inaugural Palmetto Conservation Leadership Award

By jen • April 28, 2026

South Carolina Land Trust Network recognizes decades of leadership protecting the state’s natural and historic resources