Project Activities

PHASE 1: Research & Synthesize

Research • Conduct historical research at local and distant historical societies, county records, and university archives • Create a post-Gold-Rush-era map and timeline of Santa Cruz with historical points of interest and dates • Create a full historical narrative for all individuals in Evergreen Cemetery plots 6 and 7 and their associates • Complete family trees and identify living descendants

Deliverables • Create a project website with links, updates, and information • Finalize 5-minute documentary teaser for education and engagement

PHASE 2: Create & Commemorate

Capital & Preservation Projects • Engage a Black-led team of artists and engineers to design and implement a monument to Black pioneers, accompanied by an interpretive sign, in Evergreen Cemetery • Fix or replace London Nelson’s gravestone to have the correct spelling of his name • Design and place headstones for other individuals buried in plots 6 and 7 Ceremony & Celebration • Inform living descendants where their ancestors are buried • Host public ceremony/celebration to unveil the monuments and share project findings Exhibitions • Curate a permanent exhibition in Heritage

Hall in the London Nelson Community

Center • Update permanent London Nelson exhibit at the MAH • Install 3-4 month temporary exhibition about the project at the MAH Documentary • Finalize and share 20-25-minute documentary about the project and historical research process

PHASE 3 Engage & Educate

Curriculum • Reevaluate education on local Santa

Cruz history and develop curriculum and activities to include early Black pioneers, their history and contributions Historical Tour • Create a historical walking tour of Santa

Cruz, to include signage on historical landmarks, and digital audio accessible by a phone app in multiple languages Murals in the City • Engage regional Black artists to create 2 murals in Santa Cruz public spaces. We are investigating the possibilities of an update to the mural at Mission Hill School, and a mural across from the Clocktower, within the boundaries of London Nelson’s original land.