Request to Meet City of Alexandria Officials for Fort Ward's Lost Graves

October 8, 2009

Dear Mr. Mallamo and Mr. Spengler,

I hope this note finds you well.   

I noticed that the City Council is scheduled to  consider approval of the use of the funds that were included in the City’s 2010 budget for archaeological research at Fort Ward Park at their October 13, 2009 meeting.  I also understand that the Fort Ward Park History Group will have it’s first meeting on October 17, 2009.  Both of these and other recent developments, including the process to appoint a Fort Ward Park Ad-hoc Advisory Committee, are viewed positively by many community leaders and residents.  All of us appreciate your leadership and willingness to listen to views outside of city government. 

Given your efforts I thought you should be aware that a group of us have continued to do research on Fort Ward Park and we have found important information about the creation of the park and the family graves that are located within the area.

On repeated occasions we have been told by the City Recreation Department leadership that there is no plan for Fort Ward Park and we should not expect one in the next ten years.  After considerable research we have found the initial plan which was funded by City Council and prepared by the Recreation Department for the park in early 1960's.  The plan set the city’s vision for the park and identified overall use areas.  It also indicates the location of grave sites, outside of the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery, and plans for their protection and public access.

We have also found correspondence between the attorney for two property owners and City leaders that acknowledges family graves on property that was  being acquired by condemnation for the park.

This, and other information, is contradicts statements that City officials have made about planning for the park and knowledge of African American graves within this area.

Please let me know if you would like to meet.  Depending on our schedules I would like to have 2 or 3 of our research team join us for the discussion.

Thanks again for your willingness to work with us.

Sincerely,

J. Glenn Eugster