Photo Courtesy of Friends of Midland
Friends of Midland Become Owners of 225-year-old Cemetery
Photo Courtesy of Friends of Midland
Midland Cemetery, established circa 1795, is a historically significant African-American cemetery on a hillside outside of Steelton, PA. The site contains the remains of those once enslaved, veterans including United States Colored Troops of the Civil War, Buffalo Soldiers, and from other conflicts as well as members of the surrounding community.
Over the years, the cemetery became neglected and abandoned – lost under the weeds and trees. Three decades ago, the Friends of Midland (FOM) was formed to prevent the further destruction of the historic Midland Cemetery and reclaim its history. Today the site has been restored and welcomes visitors to tour, reflect and to enjoy the environment.
FOM has relied on community volunteers to cut hundreds of trees growing out of the burial plots. They have been aided by local and state officials to continue the required rehabilitation and maintenance of the cemetery.
Photo Courtesy of Friends of Midland
The work of FOM has been recognized by, among others, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and representatives of state and county government, as well as various dignitaries who attend an annual Memorial Day celebration to pay respect to the veterans and others buried there. FOM and its partners have saved the history of ancestors who laid the foundation of what America is built on.