Revitalizing Haven of Rest Cemetery
Our Journey Begins
In June 2008, approximately 20 community residents met at Hoover United Methodist Church to talk about community action to protect Haven of Rest Cemetery. A program to clean up the cemetery was initiated by the group, and in February 2009, the group was incorporated as the Friends of Haven of Rest Cemetery, Inc. (FHOR)
Since 2008, the Friends of Haven of Rest Cemetery have worked to help clean up, restore, and preserve Haven of Rest Cemetery.
The work has included:
- an assessment of needs for the cemetery
- clearing growth from fences
- removing fallen tree limbs, shrubs, picking up litter and other debris and clearing ditches
- leveling the grave sites
- paving the roadway throughout the cemetery
- installing a wrought iron fencing
- two mapping identification projects focus on documenting the professional and biographical information of individuals buried in specific locations.
- a commemorative stone was placed in memory of the 21 boys who tragically lost their lives in the fire at the Wrightsville Negro Boys Industrial School in 1959.
Who We Are
FHOR is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt African American organization with a mission to help preserve and restore the cemetery and to protect the legacies of all beloved ancestors ---including those who rose to prominence ---whose final resting place is Haven of Rest Cemetery. Little Rock (Pulaski County) Arkansas.
Our Appreciation
We welcome you to this historic burial ground with a good sense that much work needs to be done to preserve Haven of Rest. We are very appreciative of the support over the years from the Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus, City of Little Rock, Arkansas Humanities Council, State Forestry Commission, Arkansas Department of Corrections and many others. The Friends of Haven of Rest are eager to continue the important work identified earlier, which includes updating and replacing garden identification signs and addressing other concerns to help preserve and restore the cemetery.
Meet Our Board Members
Dr. Mary McGehee, President
Dorothy Brown, Vice President
Thelma Shorter, Secretary
Charlene Harris, Assistant Secretary
Sammie Holmes, Treasurer
At-Large-Members:
Emanuel Brooks
M . Eartha Daniel
Johnny Hasan
Lottie Shackelford
Maud Woods
Get Involved
Your donations will help us continue to provide restoration and aesthetic improvements to Haven of Rest Cemetery.
Friends of Haven of Rest Cemetery, Inc. All rights reserved.