Mahwah Boy Scout Leads Restoration of Abandoned Slave Cemetery

photos courtesy of the  Mahwah Historic Preservation Commission

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Mahwah NJ, The Mahwah Historic Preservation Commission expressed its gratitude to Mahwah Boy Scout Peter Kaya Gretchikha from Troop 50 for his dedicated efforts in restoring the abandoned Slave Cemetery. Recognizing the historical significance of this site, Kaya Gretchikha emphasized the importance of acknowledging Mahwah’s history, particularly the existence of slaves in the area. He hoped that his project would raise awareness about Mahwah’s past, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of the community’s history. Peter’s project involved coordinating a team of over 14 volunteers and investing more than 70 hours of work in trimming overgrown brush, removing branches, and repairing sections of the deteriorating rock wall surrounding the cemetery. The commission expressed its gratitude for his valuable contribution to preserving this essential part of Mahwah’s history and extended their best wishes for his continued success as he works toward achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

“Slave Cemetery, Ramapo Valley Road.” is a poignant reminder of a historically significant and sacred site, nestled within the trees along the Ramapo River. Covering an area of approximately 40 by 100 feet, this land is enclosed by a low stone wall and, while abandoned, still receives a form of care. Local tradition holds that this site was used as a cemetery for enslaved individuals. The 1979 book “History of Mahwah” by Bischoff and Kahn lists several families in the area who were known to have owned slaves, underscoring the historical context. Today, a visit to this site serves as a way to honor those whose names and stories have been lost to time. It is the final resting place of black slaves, freed individuals, and workers from the 1700s to the 1800s, likely of Afro-Dutch and possibly Ramapough Indian descent. Some marked graves include that of Joseph Harrison (1850), three children of York and Jane Harrison, who were part of a known freed family in the 1800s, and Samuel Jennings, a freedman who worked for the Havemeyer family during the 1800s. The Jennings stone may have been replaced in the 20th century, but the site’s historical significance remains intact. More information can be found in the Bergen County Historic Sites Survey, and updates can be found on the Facebook page “Grave Matters.”

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