2630 Annapolis Road, Westport, Maryland 21230, United States
Owned and operated by Sharp Street Memorial United Methodist Church
"A Proud Tradition of African American Cultural Heritage in Baltimore since 1810." r
About Us
Our History
Mount Auburn Cemetery is the oldest owned and operated African-American cemetery in Baltimore City. To help place the inauguration of the cemetery in a historical context, the Civil War was fought between April 12, 1861 and May 9, 1865. The Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was adopted on December 18, 1865. Three years later, in 1868, this burial land was founded.
The Reverend James Peck, Pastor of Sharp Street Methodist Episcopal Church and the Church Trustees purchased the property in Mount Winans comprising approximately 32 acres and signed the deed in 1872. The purchase of Mount Auburn Cemetery ensured the continuation of a tradition of the African American community begun in 1810. The land was officially dedicated and named, "The City of the Dead for Colored People." The name was changed to Mount Auburn Cemetery in 1894. For a number of years it was the only cemetery in Baltimore City where African-Americans could be buried with dignity.
The Cemetery was incorporated January 4, 1982. Mount Auburn Cemetery is a monument to our African-American history and heritage. It is the resting place of African Americans from all walks of life including freed slaves, United States military veterans, politicians, sports champions, doctors ,lawyers, scientists, civil rights heroes and heroines, and ordinary men and women. Some notable "residents" include,
· Joseph Gans, the first African-American light heavyweight boxing champion;
· Lillie Carroll Jackson, civil rights activist;
· Dr. N. Louise Young, first African American female physician in Maryland;
· Dr. Howard E. Young, first African American Pharmacist in Maryland
· William Ashbie Hawkins, first African-American to run for the United States Senate in Maryland;
· John Henry Murphy, founder of the Afro American Newspaper;
Mount Auburn Cemetery was designated a Historic Landmark in Baltimore City in 1986 and an Historic Site in 2001 on the National Register of Historic Places.
Our Mission
To maintain and preserve the physical and cultural integrity of Mount Auburn Cemetery by consistently delivering excellence in fundraising, ethical disbursement, and community awareness.
Our Vision
Our vision is to become an excellent and efficient resource for descendants and researchers of persons buried at Mount Auburn Cemetery.