White Marsh Historical Society

Our Story

The White Marsh Historical Society is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the research, preservation, and memorialization of the African American burial grounds at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church cemetery. Established in 2023 by the descendants of enslaved and free Black people who lived and labored at the Jesuit-owned White Marsh plantation, this organization honors the enslaved families that contributed to the foundation of the Roman Catholic Church in America.

Impact

The organization aims to research, preserve, interpret, and memorialize the Black Americans whose forced labor contributed to the foundation and expansion of the Roman Catholic Church and its auxiliary institutions in America. Continued engagement with the Archdiocese of Washington and the Jesuit USA East Conference ensures that the legacy of these ancestors is handled with honor and dignity.

Why Donate?

Your generous donations will support the continuous work toward expanding the organization's capacity, planning future programs and educational outreach, and recruiting descendant members while supporting genealogical research for Jesuit-enslaved families. Donations are tax-deductible and directly contribute to honoring the legacies of the men, women, and children associated with the White Marsh plantation.

Get Involved

Join the mission to honor and preserve the history of African Americans at the White Marsh plantation. Your support through cryptocurrency or cash donations makes a significant impact. Together, we can ensure that these important stories are told and remembered.