Boy Scouts Service Project Brings Life Back to Historic Mount Moriah Cemetery
Cradle of Liberty Council, Boy Scouts of America Participate in Cemetery Clean Up Day
Philadelphia, PA (October 27, 2016) — Local Scouts from the Cradle of Liberty Council, Boy Scouts of America (COLBSA) organized a clean-up day at the historic Mount Moriah Cemetery in Southwest Philadelphia last Saturday. The Scouts were joined by volunteers from several local businesses, including Cheng’s Martial Arts, and the Rotary Club of Upper Darby/Lansdowne, to name a few. Much needed supplies and services were also donated by ACME Market #7796, Allen Tires and Service, Herr Foods, Inc., Monster Tree Services, OK Rental, RevSpring, ShopRite of Drexeline, Stanley’s Hardware, UPS and Waste Management.
“When the Cradle of Liberty Council learned of the rich history of the Mount Moriah Cemetery and the opportunity to help transform it into a green space to be enjoyed by family and friends, it was a ‘win-win.’” said Jarred Barnes, Field Director, COLBSA. “Our Scouts received some amazing lessons in history, while giving back to the community and helping the Friends of Mount Moriah to move forward its vision to restore the cemetery to its former glory. I look forward to continuing this partnership in the Fall and Spring for many years to come.”
Nestled on over 200 acres of land that spans parts of Philadelphia and Yeadon, the now defunct cemetery, established in 1855, was once the final resting place for notables like Betsy Ross and an estimated 185,000 others, including thousands of war veterans. The Scouts and other volunteers provided basic yard clean up, including grass cutting, weed whacking and trash removal, as part of their commitment to a bi-annual clean up and restoration initiative in partnership with the Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery.
“The Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery is committed to restoring this hidden treasure one section at a time,” said Paulette Rhone, Board President, Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery. “We are so grateful to the Cradle of Liberty Council, and the other volunteers, not only for the resources and manpower they brought to our clean-up day, but also for spreading the word so that more people will be encouraged to help out.”
To learn how you can help, visit http://friendsofMount Moriahcemetery.org/how-to-help