ABSTRACTCemeteries are nonrenewable cultural resources as defined by the Georgia State Code. The importance of acknowledgement to the recovery of Black American sites is vital, as many Black American cemeteries contain unmarked, unacknowledged graves. This thesis presents Zion Hill Cemetery as a case study in preserving abandoned Black cemeteries in Georgia, particularly cemeteries that are sites of memorial contest and community trauma. It argues that acknowledgement is necessary for proper preservation of cemeteries like this one. Acknowledgement is defined as the documentation and restoration of the Black American cemetery, as well as developing a public engagement of a community. Through the acknowledgement of Black American heritage, the author demonstrates how a cemetery may be recovered through documentation, restoration, and the engagement of people to tell stories. This thesis discusses the importance of contacting descendants and educating the public about the history of those buried within the cemetery. Additionally, this thesis discusses the need for a long term sustainable plan.
