Historic cemeteries are ethnographic landscapes containing vital information for linking individuals to their heritage and culture. African American cemeteries are characteristically unique from their initial establishment to the material culture that survives. These cemeteries are endangered cultural resources; their survival is contingent upon resolving a complex set of issues. Reconnecting African American cemeteries with the public is explored as a means of preservation. Specific issues and opportunities associated with African American cemeteries are identified and addressed in this process. A detailed study of The Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, yields recommendations for rehabilitating a cemetery as a public space.