06/07/2018
Notice:
Festivities cancelled for
Sunday, June 10
Check back later
The Ft. Ward and Seminary African American Descendants Society
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The primary goal is to share the history of African Americans in order to describe the role they pla
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We describe, interpret, protect and celebrate the living legacy of African Americans who contributed to the defenses of Washington, D.C. at Fort Ward in an effort to win their own freedom which has led to a more perfect Union.
06/07/2018
Ft. Ward Commeration Ceremony is temporally postponed. Will notify of new date
05/14/2018
Older posting but still relevant
01/05/2018
CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Starting 2018 off with a cover photo of the VTS Annual Report: Dedication of St. Cyprian's labrinth on Seminary grounds!
We made the cover of Virginia Theological Seminary’s 2017 Annual Report
01/05/2018
We made the cover of Virginia Theological Seminary’s 2017 Annual Report
10/11/2017
Photos from today's Virginia Theological Seminary's dedication of the St. Cyprian's Labyrinth honoring our Ft. Ward and Seminary African American ancestors who lived, worked and worshipped on or near its grounds.
09/30/2017
WE WANT ALL DESCENDANTS, Cravens, Randalls, Wanzers, Terrells, Caseys, Belks, Adams, Halls, Ashbys, Woods, Johnsons, Simms, Colberts, Brooks, Bradbys, Henrys, Lewis, et. al, to COME TO THE DEDICATION, on WEDNESDAY, October 11 at 12:30 p.m.
HERE IS THE INVITATION:
Dear Ms. Washington:
Greetings from VTS and the African American Episcopal Historical Collection! I believe I last ran into you at Episcopal High’s MLK commemoration. I do hope all has been well with you since then.
Earlier this year, the seminary’s graduating class of 2017, along with the class of 2009, donated funds to create a labyrinth on campus, and they decided to name it in honor of St. Cyprian’s Chapel. It will be formally dedicated during our Alumni Convocation on Wednesday, October 11 at 12:30 pm.
It is my privilege to invite you to this event. Given your dedication to the history of this city, we would be honored if you would join us. Please let me know if you can make it, and I can provide you with further information about the location of the labyrinth.
We would also love to have descendants of the St. Cyprian’s community present on this occasion. I wonder—do you have a sense of the best way to spread the word to them? Any ideas you have in this regard would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks for your time and attention, and I look forward to hearing from you.
All the best,
Joe
Joseph Downing Thompson, Jr., Ph.D.,
Archivist for the African American Episcopal Historical Collection,
Visiting Professor of African American Studies, and Director of Multicultural Ministries
Virginia Theological Seminary Box 148
3737 Seminary Rd.
Alexandria, VA 22304
703-461-1732
[email protected]
06/14/2017
The Ft. Ward and Seminary African American Descendants Society
Come Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m, at Ft. Ward Park, to HONOR OUR PAST with ceremony, song, prayers and memories.
REMINDER: Our rescheduled annual program commemorating our Ft. Ward and Seminary ancestors is THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 17, from 10 am to 11 am at Ft. Ward Park, West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22304:
HONORING OUR PAST: A Birthday Celebration honoring Clara Adams and Fort Ward's Rich African American History.
Program includes, prayers, wreath laying, well wishes from city leaders, remembrances from descendants and a walking tour following the program.
SEE YOU THERE!
06/14/2017
REMINDER: Our rescheduled annual program commemorating our Ft. Ward and Seminary ancestors is THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 17, from 10 am to 11 am at Ft. Ward Park, West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22304:
HONORING OUR PAST: A Birthday Celebration honoring Clara Adams and Fort Ward's Rich African American History.
Program includes, prayers, wreath laying, well wishes from city leaders, remembrances from descendants and a walking tour following the program.
SEE YOU THERE!
05/11/2017
The Ft. Ward and Seminary African American Descendants Society
SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 130 p.m at Ft. Ward Park; annual ancestors' commemoration at "Aunt Clara's" gravesite.
HI FOLKS! It's that time again, and we are planning our annual tribute to our "Fort" ancestors with the gravesite tribute to "Aunt Clara" Adams on Sunday, June 4 (after church services somewhere between 1-130 pm.) We will lay flowers, have prayers, sing a few spirituals AND tell tales about the old days at "the Fort."
Let us know here with a comment, on if you're able to come. Love to see old familiar faces!
05/11/2017
HI FOLKS! It's that time again, and we are planning our annual tribute to our "Fort" ancestors with the gravesite tribute to "Aunt Clara" Adams on Sunday, June 4 (after church services somewhere between 1-130 pm.) We will lay flowers, have prayers, sing a few spirituals AND tell tales about the old days at "the Fort."
Let us know here with a comment, on if you're able to come. Love to see old familiar faces!
04/11/2017
The Ft. Ward and Seminary African American Descendants Society
04/11/2017
Profile Pictures
04/11/2017
The Ft. Ward and Seminary African American Descendants Society's cover photo
04/07/2017
FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 10 AM TO 4 PM; FT. WARD PARK, BRADDOCK ROAD, ALEXANDRIA, VA.
Hi Descendants, We are NEED VOLUNTEERS to staff The Ft. Ward and Seminary African American Descendants Society information table at Ft. Ward's first event featuring USCT (US Colored Troops) reenactors and famous abolitionist characters like Frederick Douglass and Harriett Tubman. If you can't volunteer to pass out flyers and talk about our "Fort" community, come out and support the program that sheds light on the how African Americans fought for their freedom during the Civil War.
Call 703-628-1726 for more details.
02/18/2017
ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History
ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History
Congressman Elijah Cummings who represents Maryland’s 7th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives wrote a column for the Afro-American Newspapers entitled “A Lesson from Black History” discussing the mission of ASALH and this year’s black history month theme. Representative Elijah E. Cummings
02/09/2017
Also hear Ft. Ward descendant Adrienne Terrell Washington give her weekly political roundup.
Don’t miss ASALH’s executive director Sylvia Cyrus discuss the 91st annual black history luncheon on the Lyndia Grant show on 2.10.17 at 6pm (EST).
Listen online: http://ow.ly/L6GC308Rp5e
02/04/2017
ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History
“Be ready. Be qualified. Own something. Be somebody. That’s black power.” - Singer James Brown. Register for the on Saturday, Feb. 25th. https://asalh100.org/
02/02/2017
ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History
ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History
ASALH black history luncheon co-chairs Gladys Vaughn and Sharita Thompson will discuss the event on WLVS Radio International at 7pm(EST)! http://listenvisionlive.com/
02/01/2017
ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History
Carter G. Woodson’s home was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and later established as a National Historic Site by the National Park Service for its national significance in African American cultural heritage. ASALH was originally headquartered in the home until 1970. Register for the on Saturday, Feb. 25th. https://asalh100.org/
01/30/2017
ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History
Rev. Dr. Gwen Boyd, 22nd President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Ingrid Saunders Jones, president of the National Council of Negro Women, will participate in a special presentation of the new Dorothy Height US Postal stamp at ASALH’s annual black history luncheon on Saturday, February 25. Height is honored as the 40th stamp in the Black Heritage Forever series. The civil rights activist and icon was the president of the National Council of Negro Women for forty years and served as a national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Register for the luncheon: https://asalh100.org/
01/26/2017
African-American Museum Celebrates Black History Month
African-American Museum Celebrates Black History Month
01/26/2017
The Fight to Revive Virginia's Historic Black Cemeteries | WAMU
The Fight to Revive Virginia's Historic Black Cemeteries | WAMU
pFor roughly a century, the state of Virginia has funded the maintenance and upkeep of confederate cemeteries, but no such funding has been designated for historic African American burial grounds./p
09/23/2016
For those who descendants who don't know: Oakland Baptist Church is celebrating its 125th anniversary this weekend with Family and Friends activities Saturday and Sunday with 2 services 10 am & 3 p.m.) Yes, "We're Still Here!"
07/26/2016
Spent weekend giving mini-lectures on behalf of the Ft. Ward and Seminary African American Descendants Society about our ancestors to teen archeology campers from Alexandria and the National Park Service, as well as older folks attending the Wanzer Family Reunion.
06/11/2016
REMINDER:
SUNDAY, JUNE 11, 1.pm.
We will be hosting our annual commemoration of Clara Adams' birthday on Sunday, June 11 at 1 p.m., with a brief ceremony of prayer, song and flowers. Although we honor Clara Adams, she is a symbol to represent ALL our descendant families to whom we are indebted for founding and fostering our Fort and Seminary community which is still standing after 150 plus years. We will also provide a brief update on the work we are doing in conjunction with the City of Alexandria to preserve our history.
Love to see relatives of some of our descendant families, such as the Wanzers, Roys, Adams, Caseys, Terrells, Johnsons, Woods, Belks, Randall's, Ashbys, Jacksons, Brooks, Bradbys, McKnights, Lewis, Henry's, etc.
Questions: call Adrienne Terrell Washington, 703-628-1726
06/06/2016
Fort Ward Drainage Improvements Moving Forward
From: David Fehr
Date: June 6, 2016, 11:43:20 AM EDT
To: "[email protected]" , "[email protected]" , "[email protected]" , "[email protected]" , Francine Bromberg
Cc: Tafesse Gyes , Brian Rahal , "Joel Koziol ([email protected])" , Lisa Robrahn
Subject: Fort Ward Drainage Improvements
All,
Please be advised the city expects to commence construction of the proposed drainage improvements within approximately two weeks.
The contractor is JK Construction.
Contractor point of contact is Joel Kolziol
[email protected]
(301) 674-5074
I will not be available to respond to this email for a month.
Any questions or concerns please contact Tafesse Gyes 703-746-4051
David Fehr, P.E.
City of Alexandria
Department of Project Implementation
Room 3200
301 King Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703.746.4060 (direct)
703.282.9619 (mobile)
www.alexandriava.gov
06/03/2016
NOTICE:
We are POSTPONING are annual commemoration of Clara Adams's birthday on Sunday, June 5 due to muddy conditions at the Fort and to the weather forecast for even more rain. Thanks to Susan Cumbey of the Ft. Ward Museum for having the grass mowed around Aunt Clara's grave which I hope will hold until next Sunday, June 12, after Oakland Baptist Church service.
As is our annual custom, we use this time to honor all our ancestors who lived and worked at "The Fort" with a brief ceremony of prayer, song and a wreath laying. If anyone has questions or would like to contribute to the cost of a wreath, please contact me at 703-628-1726 or Brenda Adams at [email protected].
Thanks,
Adrienne Terrell Washington
Director of the Ft. Ward and Seminary African American Descendants Society.
02/04/2016
Hidden City Philadelphia
Hidden City Philadelphia
Black culture and historic preservation in conversation. Co-editor Michael Bixler talks with activist and All That Philly Jazz director Faye Anderson about the Malcolm X house in Sharswood and the state of saving built African American heritage.
02/04/2016
African American Song
African American Song
http://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.200197451/
From rappers like André 3000 (1975–) and pop stars like Michael Jackson (1958–2009), to opera singers like Denyce Graves (1964–) and gospel artists like Yolanda Adams (1961–), African American vocal artists continue to shake up and shape the musical culture of the United…
02/04/2016
Dominion To Award $1 Million In Environmental Grants
Dominion To Award $1 Million In Environmental Grants
http://www.alexandrianews.org/dominion-to-award-1-million-in-environmental-grants/
Dominion Resources announced that it will provide $1 million in environmental
stewardship grants to eligible nonprofit organizations in its service area.
Applications for up to $50,000 each are due by March 1, 2016.
Dominion Resources announced that it will provide $1 million in environmental stewardship grants to eligible nonprofit organizations in its service area. Applications for up to $50,000 each are due by March 1, 2016.
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Videos
Elizabeth Douglas Remebers Fort Ward Graves
The following video is from a recent conversation about graves within Fort Ward Park and the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery between Elizabeth Douglas, Frances Terrell and Calvin Terrell. Ms. Douglas is a life-long resident of Alexandria and attended church services and visited the cemeteries within the Fort area before it was made a park. Ms. Terrell and Mr. Terrell are members of the Oakland Baptist Church.
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Comments
Event: 160th Anniversary of DC Emancipation Day
In Commemoration of the 160th Anniversary of DC Emancipation Day, Mayor Bowser’s DC Emancipation Day Commemoration Commission presents a series of programming ahead of the Emancipation Day Parade.
“Tracing the Lives and History of African American Families,” with Char McCargo Bah. She will present a presentation on tracing the lives and history of African American families. Bah most recent projects are the contrabands and freedmen cemetery, and the lynching victims in Alexandria. She is finding descendants of one of the lynching victims. This presentation will include a Q & A session.
The presentation will be on April 12, 2022, at 6:30 pm Virtual
To participate and view programming click to register – https://bit.ly/3JczpJK
Char McCargo Bah, CEO
FindingThingsForU
In Commemoration of the 160th Anniversary of DC Emancipation Day, Mayor Bowser’s DC Emancipation Day Commemoration Commission presents a series of programming ahead of the Emancipation Day Parade.
“Tracing the Lives and History of African American Families,” with Char McCargo Bah. She will present a presentation on tracing the lives and history of African American families. Bah most recent projects are the contrabands and freedmen cemetery, and the lynching victims in Alexandria. She is finding descendants of one of the lynching victims. This presentation will include a Q & A session.
The presentation will be on April 12, 2022, at 6:30 pm Virtual
To participate and view programming click to register – https://bit.ly/3JczpJK
Char McCargo Bah, CEO
FindingThingsForU
Reparations at VTS: Uncovering a Not So Hidden History Part II
If you did not have an opportunity to view the Reparations at VTS: Uncovering a Not So Hidden History Part II, the link is provided below. I encourage you to take a moment to view the video. The discussion is regarding the history of the Seminary Families and VTS. The panelists are: Audrey Davis, Director Alex Black History Museum, Ebonee Davis, Assoc for Programming & Historical Research for Reparations Office of Multicultural Ministries VTS, and Toniette H. Duncan, Descendant of Wilmer & Willie Mae Henry.
As FYI, there is also discussion regarding the Fort Ward Park and its current plan to relocate the playground on land that was used as burial ground. Another public meeting will be held in early April.
https://zoom.us/.../KQ94utHmDaJcmQQ0GwNpNIEGRFd0GPM4jt3rD...
If you did not have an opportunity to view the Reparations at VTS: Uncovering a Not So Hidden History Part II, the link is provided below. I encourage you to take a moment to view the video. The discussion is regarding the history of the Seminary Families and VTS. The panelists are: Audrey Davis, Director Alex Black History Museum, Ebonee Davis, Assoc for Programming & Historical Research for Reparations Office of Multicultural Ministries VTS, and Toniette H. Duncan, Descendant of Wilmer & Willie Mae Henry.
As FYI, there is also discussion regarding the Fort Ward Park and its current plan to relocate the playground on land that was used as burial ground. Another public meeting will be held in early April.
https://zoom.us/.../KQ94utHmDaJcmQQ0GwNpNIEGRFd0GPM4jt3rD...
The Ft. Ward and Seminary African American Descendants Society
·
Fort Ward Park: Hallowed Ground
"The City of Alexandria affirms that significant parts of Fort Ward Park are hallowed ground. Fort Ward Park is home to significant historic and cultural resources, including sacred burial grounds of the families that lived there. The City of Alexandria recognizes that these sacred places and any other burial sites Identified in the future shall be protected from disturbance and treated with respect and dignity.
The Fort Ward Park and Museum Area Management Plan provides a sensitive approach to acknowledging, protecting and interpreting the resources on this property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places(t) along with guidelines for managing the area's natural resources and compatible passive recreation uses".
Fort Ward Park and Museum Area Management Plan
Adopted by the City of Alexandria, VA. January 2015
·
Fort Ward Park: Hallowed Ground
"The City of Alexandria affirms that significant parts of Fort Ward Park are hallowed ground. Fort Ward Park is home to significant historic and cultural resources, including sacred burial grounds of the families that lived there. The City of Alexandria recognizes that these sacred places and any other burial sites Identified in the future shall be protected from disturbance and treated with respect and dignity.
The Fort Ward Park and Museum Area Management Plan provides a sensitive approach to acknowledging, protecting and interpreting the resources on this property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places(t) along with guidelines for managing the area's natural resources and compatible passive recreation uses".
Fort Ward Park and Museum Area Management Plan
Adopted by the City of Alexandria, VA. January 2015
Good day! The Mayor of Alexandria, VA. reported yesterday that the city has cancelled the playground proposed for Fort Ward Park pending communication with the families. Your concerns are making a difference. Thank you for stepping-up and speaking out. Please keep sharing your feeling and concerns.
Alexandria's Mayor Wilson Supports Playground Over History & Possible Graves
For your information. It's not over until it's over.
Glenn
---------- Original Message ----------
From: Justin Wilson
To: "J. GLENN EUGSTER"
Date: 09/17/2021 9:33 AM
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL]SPEAK-UP & SPEAK-OUT: City Leaders Plan to Bury More Black History at Fort Ward Park
Mr. Eugster,
Here's the update from our staff. I'll let you know once they have had a chance to connect with the Jackson family. Let me know if you have any questions:
"The project is currently budgeted and approved in the CIP for $596,000 and it ready for the invitation to bid stage. There is an existing $50,000 allowance in the project for architectural work if needed.
Per the Fort Ward management plan, staff have followed the protocols for preserving historical resources when ground disturbing activities are proposed in the park. Archaeological investigations conducted from 2011 -2019 were completed and documented extensively. These investigations include shovel test pitting in the area where the playground will be relocated to (Area 5). At the December 11, 2019 community meeting, staff presented two approaches to preserving historical resources in Area 5: 1. Build the playground at grade which could harm resources due to excavation required and 2. Elevate the playground and minimize ground disturbing activity to the least extent possible. Public comment indicated support for the elevated playground. Staff and consultants proceeded with a design elevating the playground. This design was released for public comment on June 15, 2020.
Regarding descendent notifications: Descendant group representatives who attended the meetings generally supported the elevated approach and relocation to Area 5 , provided that there are no burials. Staff conducted additional outreach to descendent group representatives in 2020, primarily through phone calls due to the pandemic. Staff outreach specifically to the Jackson family was not completed in part because of missing family contact information, and because Area 5 is not located within the vicinity/limits of the Jackson family cemetery, shown in plate 11 of the Management Plan:https://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/recreation/parks/102714FortWardFinalDraft_SecII_8Plates.pdf
In August 2021, staff received an email from the Jackson family concerned about the playground relocation. Staff responded to the family to further clarify the playground re-location being far away from the Jackson Family Cemetery shown in Plate 11 of the Management Plan. Staff will be following up further with the Jackson family to hear their concerns.
Additional background:
Council adopted the Fort Ward Management Plan in 2015 with the recommendation to relocate the existing playground to Area 5 of the park. The Management Plan stipulates protocols for ground disturbance and preservation based on areas of the park that are known to have high, medium and low levels of resources. The thresholds are determined in part from shovel test pits conducted from 2011-2019 throughout the park including Area 5.
The test pits are shown in slides 5-7 of the December 11, 2019 Community Meeting about the playground (and other Fort Ward capital projects): https://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/recreation/parks/FortWardPresentation20191211.pdf .
Further archaeological findings are also documented in the Management Plan appendices, page 13 and 20:https://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/recreation/parks/102714FortWard_FinalDraft_APP_II_OHA.pdf
These archaeological findings informed the basis of the playground design and relocation within Area 5. Area 5 is considered a medium protection area that shows evidence of the backyards of the Peters and Lewis families homes. Slides 4 and 5 of the June 15 2020 virtual playground presentation/public comment show the resources and preservation measures proposed :https://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/recreation/parks/FortWardPlaygroundPresentationSlidesJune15.pdf
Public comments from the June 15, 2020 playground presentation are posted here: https://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/recreation/parks/FortWardPlaygroundFeedbackSummaryAugust13.pdf
All archived information from the Ad Hoc monitoring group, including past archaeological reports are available at the following link: https://www.alexandriava.gov/recreation/info/default.aspx?id=56784
"
----
Justin M. Wilson, Mayor
Alexandria City Council
Office: 703.746.4500
Home: 703.299.1576
[email protected]
From: Justin Wilson
Sent: Wednesday, September 8, 2021 1:40 PM
To: J. GLENN EUGSTER
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL]SPEAK-UP & SPEAK-OUT: City Leaders Plan to Bury More Black History at Fort Ward Park
Mr. Eugster,
Thanks. I'll check with OHA and get the background on the assessments on this.
----
Justin M. Wilson, Mayor
Alexandria City Council
Office: 703.746.4500
Home: 703.299.1576
[email protected]
From: J. GLENN EUGSTER
Sent: Wednesday, September 8, 2021 1:19 PM
To: Justin Wilson
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL]SPEAK-UP & SPEAK-OUT: City Leaders Plan to Bury More Black History at Fort Ward Park
Dear Mayor Wilson,
Thanks for your response.
Yes. An assessment of the area was done by OHA, without talking to the family members who lived there and their descendants. Based on the assessment city staff said there may, or may not, be graves on the property. They added that placing fill on the area, where there may be graves, "will preserve them for future generations". OHA's research did not include ground-penetrating radar or actual archaeological excavation, as was done in numerous other areas of the park. Moving ahead with these plans is a giant-step backwards in term of respecting the families and African American history of the park. This project needs to be done accurately and with respect.
All my best to you.
Glenn
J. Glenn Eugster
On 09/08/2021 7:48 AM Justin Wilson wrote:
Mr. Eugster,
Thanks for the note.
To make sure I understand the concern here: there is concern that the playground work is being done in a place where archaeological work has not been done in advance?
----
Justin M. Wilson, Mayor
Alexandria City Council
Office: 703.746.4500
Home: 703.299.1576
[email protected]
On Sep 7, 2021, at 7:27 PM, J. GLENN EUGSTER wrote:
Mayor Wilson/ Justin,
Thank you for your recent note about crime at Fort Ward. I wanted to bring this matter to your attention. Frankly I'm surprised that your staff and managers are going ahead without doing archaeology on ground where there may or may not be graves. Also, the Jackson Family wasn't contacted by city staff to discuss their knowledge of the land and the playground proposal.
You may recall that my first contact with you was when you were first elected to City Council and the issues then were crime and African American graves. Perhaps we can work together again so that this doesn't make a bad decision worse than it is.
All my best to you.
Glenn
J. Glenn Eugster
SPEAK-UP & SPEAK-OUT: City Leaders Plan to Bury More Black History at Fort Ward Park
City officials did research on the Fort Ward Park land once owned by the Jackson Family. Their determination was made without doing archaeology/ digging/ ground-penetrating radar. However, their conclusion was that "there may, or may not, be graves on the property". Evidently the city did not contact members of the Jackson Family to discuss their research, conclusions or plans.
There is a public virtual meeting on September 15, 2021. If you care about these plans, and this double-standard for the former Jackson Family property, please join us to speak-up and speak-out.
Below is information on the meeting.
Enjoy and be safe.
Glenn Eugster
Fort Ward Observer
703-489-1140
For your information. It's not over until it's over.
Glenn
---------- Original Message ----------
From: Justin Wilson
To: "J. GLENN EUGSTER"
Date: 09/17/2021 9:33 AM
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL]SPEAK-UP & SPEAK-OUT: City Leaders Plan to Bury More Black History at Fort Ward Park
Mr. Eugster,
Here's the update from our staff. I'll let you know once they have had a chance to connect with the Jackson family. Let me know if you have any questions:
"The project is currently budgeted and approved in the CIP for $596,000 and it ready for the invitation to bid stage. There is an existing $50,000 allowance in the project for architectural work if needed.
Per the Fort Ward management plan, staff have followed the protocols for preserving historical resources when ground disturbing activities are proposed in the park. Archaeological investigations conducted from 2011 -2019 were completed and documented extensively. These investigations include shovel test pitting in the area where the playground will be relocated to (Area 5). At the December 11, 2019 community meeting, staff presented two approaches to preserving historical resources in Area 5: 1. Build the playground at grade which could harm resources due to excavation required and 2. Elevate the playground and minimize ground disturbing activity to the least extent possible. Public comment indicated support for the elevated playground. Staff and consultants proceeded with a design elevating the playground. This design was released for public comment on June 15, 2020.
Regarding descendent notifications: Descendant group representatives who attended the meetings generally supported the elevated approach and relocation to Area 5 , provided that there are no burials. Staff conducted additional outreach to descendent group representatives in 2020, primarily through phone calls due to the pandemic. Staff outreach specifically to the Jackson family was not completed in part because of missing family contact information, and because Area 5 is not located within the vicinity/limits of the Jackson family cemetery, shown in plate 11 of the Management Plan:https://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/recreation/parks/102714FortWardFinalDraft_SecII_8Plates.pdf
In August 2021, staff received an email from the Jackson family concerned about the playground relocation. Staff responded to the family to further clarify the playground re-location being far away from the Jackson Family Cemetery shown in Plate 11 of the Management Plan. Staff will be following up further with the Jackson family to hear their concerns.
Additional background:
Council adopted the Fort Ward Management Plan in 2015 with the recommendation to relocate the existing playground to Area 5 of the park. The Management Plan stipulates protocols for ground disturbance and preservation based on areas of the park that are known to have high, medium and low levels of resources. The thresholds are determined in part from shovel test pits conducted from 2011-2019 throughout the park including Area 5.
The test pits are shown in slides 5-7 of the December 11, 2019 Community Meeting about the playground (and other Fort Ward capital projects): https://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/recreation/parks/FortWardPresentation20191211.pdf .
Further archaeological findings are also documented in the Management Plan appendices, page 13 and 20:https://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/recreation/parks/102714FortWard_FinalDraft_APP_II_OHA.pdf
These archaeological findings informed the basis of the playground design and relocation within Area 5. Area 5 is considered a medium protection area that shows evidence of the backyards of the Peters and Lewis families homes. Slides 4 and 5 of the June 15 2020 virtual playground presentation/public comment show the resources and preservation measures proposed :https://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/recreation/parks/FortWardPlaygroundPresentationSlidesJune15.pdf
Public comments from the June 15, 2020 playground presentation are posted here: https://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/recreation/parks/FortWardPlaygroundFeedbackSummaryAugust13.pdf
All archived information from the Ad Hoc monitoring group, including past archaeological reports are available at the following link: https://www.alexandriava.gov/recreation/info/default.aspx?id=56784
"
----
Justin M. Wilson, Mayor
Alexandria City Council
Office: 703.746.4500
Home: 703.299.1576
[email protected]
From: Justin Wilson
Sent: Wednesday, September 8, 2021 1:40 PM
To: J. GLENN EUGSTER
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL]SPEAK-UP & SPEAK-OUT: City Leaders Plan to Bury More Black History at Fort Ward Park
Mr. Eugster,
Thanks. I'll check with OHA and get the background on the assessments on this.
----
Justin M. Wilson, Mayor
Alexandria City Council
Office: 703.746.4500
Home: 703.299.1576
[email protected]
From: J. GLENN EUGSTER
Sent: Wednesday, September 8, 2021 1:19 PM
To: Justin Wilson
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL]SPEAK-UP & SPEAK-OUT: City Leaders Plan to Bury More Black History at Fort Ward Park
Dear Mayor Wilson,
Thanks for your response.
Yes. An assessment of the area was done by OHA, without talking to the family members who lived there and their descendants. Based on the assessment city staff said there may, or may not, be graves on the property. They added that placing fill on the area, where there may be graves, "will preserve them for future generations". OHA's research did not include ground-penetrating radar or actual archaeological excavation, as was done in numerous other areas of the park. Moving ahead with these plans is a giant-step backwards in term of respecting the families and African American history of the park. This project needs to be done accurately and with respect.
All my best to you.
Glenn
J. Glenn Eugster
On 09/08/2021 7:48 AM Justin Wilson wrote:
Mr. Eugster,
Thanks for the note.
To make sure I understand the concern here: there is concern that the playground work is being done in a place where archaeological work has not been done in advance?
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Justin M. Wilson, Mayor
Alexandria City Council
Office: 703.746.4500
Home: 703.299.1576
[email protected]
On Sep 7, 2021, at 7:27 PM, J. GLENN EUGSTER wrote:
Mayor Wilson/ Justin,
Thank you for your recent note about crime at Fort Ward. I wanted to bring this matter to your attention. Frankly I'm surprised that your staff and managers are going ahead without doing archaeology on ground where there may or may not be graves. Also, the Jackson Family wasn't contacted by city staff to discuss their knowledge of the land and the playground proposal.
You may recall that my first contact with you was when you were first elected to City Council and the issues then were crime and African American graves. Perhaps we can work together again so that this doesn't make a bad decision worse than it is.
All my best to you.
Glenn
J. Glenn Eugster
SPEAK-UP & SPEAK-OUT: City Leaders Plan to Bury More Black History at Fort Ward Park
City officials did research on the Fort Ward Park land once owned by the Jackson Family. Their determination was made without doing archaeology/ digging/ ground-penetrating radar. However, their conclusion was that "there may, or may not, be graves on the property". Evidently the city did not contact members of the Jackson Family to discuss their research, conclusions or plans.
There is a public virtual meeting on September 15, 2021. If you care about these plans, and this double-standard for the former Jackson Family property, please join us to speak-up and speak-out.
Below is information on the meeting.
Enjoy and be safe.
Glenn Eugster
Fort Ward Observer
703-489-1140
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