Harriet Scott Memorial Pavilion Dedication Ceremony Greenwood Cemetery

The Harriet Scott Memorial Pavilion was dedicated during a ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery on Saturday, May 22nd at 10 a.m.  Many people and organizations from the community donated time and resources to make the Pavilion area a reality, including but not limited to Austin Layne Mortuary, Standard Monument Company, KAI Design & Build, Mr. James Schiele, Hanneke Hardware, The St. Louis Carpenter's Union, Mr. James Johnson, Clayco Corp., Mayor Frances Slay, Gateway Contractors, Inc., Hanson Tree Service, Nelson Tree Service, Alberici Corp. and Congressman William Lacy Clay, Friends of Greenwood Cemetery and The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation.   The weekend of the 22nd was also Scott Freedom Weekend, commemorating May 26th, 1857 when the Scotts received their freedom from Taylor Blow. Last year, a new headstone for Harriet Scott was dedicated at the ceremony. It was graciously donated by Mr. Austin Layne. It was then that people began to envision a structure that would be reminiscent of times gone by, yet symbolic of where we have come. Architect Arno Sandoval has written an excellent description of the design concept that can be found by clicking here.    The new pavilion was designed with a winding brick walkway leading from either side.  Memorial pavers are being made available to complete the site and honor those who are buried at Greenwood including those whose sites are unknown or unable to be accessed. The sale of the pavers will benefit the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation's education and reconciliation goals and the continued restoration of Greenwood Cemetery.    Carole E. Shelton, professional storyteller, made a personal appearance as "Harriet Scott", to reflect on all that has happened since the 150th anniversary of the Dred Scott decision three years ago. Special guests included family members of those buried at Greenwood who shared what this renovation means to them.   Ruth Ann Hagar shared her role in documenting Harriet and Dred's family story in the new book published by the St. Louis County Library, "Dred and Harriet Scott; Their Family Story." A book signing followed the program.    Southwest Bank an M & I Bank and sponsor of the Dred Scott Statue Penny Drive, was on hand to participate in the activities. Photo ops were available following the ceremony at the new pavilion site.   "This memorial pavilion was an unexpected gift that just came together after the dedication of Harriet's new headstone. It was donated by concerned individuals and groups who wanted to do more to honor the Scotts as well as continue the restoration and historic recognition of Greenwood Cemetery. The memorial pavers will help families recognize relatives, and other famous individuals, provide sponsorship opportunities as well as beautify the work that Etta Daniels, Charlie Jordon and Charlie Kennedy diligently head up to renovate this historic cemetery", said Lynne Jackson, descendant of the Scotts.   Greenwood Cemetery is located at 6571 St. Louis Avenue three blocks north of Lucas and Hunt (Hillsdale, MO). The public was invited to this free event.

 

For more information on the co-sponsoring organizations, please visit the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation (www.thedredscottfoundation.org) and Friends of Greenwood Cemetery (www.greenwoodcemeterystl.org)    # # #