The Eddie Mae Herron Museum/Center has received a grant in the amount of $3,380.18 to pay for a chainlink fence at the Hardin Cemetery, located in the Birdell community. The grant was awarded by the East Arkansas Planning & Development District (EAPDD) and is funding through the General Improvement Fund (GIF). Making the presentation was State Representative James Ratliff.
The Hardin Cemetery is one of four active African American Cemeteries in Randolph County. Located on land donated by the late Perry Hardin who was born a slave and after emancipation, became a landowner, raised a family and remained in Randolph County until his passing in the 1930s. The oldest graves in the cemetery are unmarked and it is considered a historic site in the African American community.
EMHC would like to thank EAPDD for approving the grant and Rep. James Ratliff for his support in the project. The fence was placed by Rick Broadway’s Fence Company and the cemetery is mowed by Willis Johnson.
