Posted: Thursday, April 3, 2025

 A ChangeLab course at the University of Evansville (UE) is supporting a meaningful initiative that honors and preserves a vital part of the city's history.

Student, Olvia Horn, BA Archaeology '27, has collaborated with the Evansville African American Museum, Cultural Resource Analysis, INC, and the Vanderburgh County Historical Society to organize a memorial ceremony for individuals discovered at McGary's Burial Ground. The early 19th-century cemetery was uncovered during an Evansville Water and Sewer Utility construction project in early 2023.

Horn has been actively involved in planning a community listening session, and memorial ceremony at Oak Hill Cemetery, scheduled for 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on June 28, 2025. UE ChangeLab has collaborated with organizations and the local Baptisttown community to draft text for a historical marker that will honor the memory of those reinterred. This project is made possible through funding from the City of Evansville and the Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program, with a commitment to preserving African American history and ensuring its rightful place in the city's historical narrative.

This initiative goes beyond the classroom, providing a hands-on opportunity to engage with history while demonstrating active academics. Additionally, the ChangeLab course will present on this project at the Midwest Conference on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning [SoTL].

Throughout the course, the ChangeLab has collaborated with several experts, including archaeologists, historians, and cultural heritage professionals to enrich the student learning experience and offer practical insight for an emerging archaeologist.

"This project exemplifies the power of experiential learning and the profound impact our students can have on the community," said Tory Schendel-Vyvoda, UE Adjunct Instructor and Curator of the Evansville African American Museum. "Through ChangeLab, Olvia and our partners are not only preserving history but also honoring the lives and legacies of those who came before us. UE's commitment to meaningful, hands-on education continues to foster both academic and civic engagement - and we are honored to play a small part in this endeavor."

About McGary's Burial Ground

McGary's Burial Ground, originally designated by Hugh McGary in the early 19th century, holds a unique place in Evansville's history as the final resting place for some of its earliest residents, including individuals of African, European, and Native American ancestry. Though their names may be lost to time, this project preserves their stories and legacies, proving that through education, community, and historical stewardship, good will endure.